Andrea Zanon

1 year ago · 2 min. reading time · ~10 ·

Blogging
>
Andrea blog
>
Success Starts With A Handshake And A Smile

Success Starts With A Handshake And A Smile

A handshake is the first step to build a lasting relation, and it is important to get it right. When we shake hand, we make physical and eye contact with our interlocutors, and we should learn why it matters so much as this is the first step towards building trust. Handshakes tend to be more natural for emotional intelligent people, as these folks have high self and social awareness, and they use it to their advantage. Learn from them, as they are very effective at reading the room, and finding the best time to reach out for a handshake.

Effective handshakes

An effective handshake starts with an engaging eye contact followed by a firm handshake and a smile. Firm and short but not too firm as that can make your interlocutor uncomfortable. When hand contact is made, a verbal expression should follow expressing pleasure for making the new acquaintance. Smiling throughout the entire process will makes the connection more meaningful. Don’t leave the room without saying goodbye to the new people you met and shake hands again if you can. And don’t stress out if you don’t remember the names of the people met. 

Uncomfortable handshakes

The handshakes I hate are those that don’t happen. These are the ones, where people don’t reciprocate and they often happen in crowded gathering, where it is easier to get away with rudeness. Guess what, that is ok. Own the failed handshake, stand tall, smile, and walk away politely. It takes strength and courage to accept rejection. Get used to it, as this is the quickest way to become invincible. 

Be always the first to reach out for a handshake and do it decisively and make your engagement intentions clear. If not reciprocated, move on, and don’t waste a minute torturing yourself about this un-rewarding event. If you absolutely want to retaliate, do it with elegance and call the person out and saying something like “you don’t like handshakes ah?” 

What about Covid and the mental damage?

Since the time of Covid with all the mental damage caused, handshakes have become more challenging. Many people avoid any kind physical contact to avoid health risk. While this may sound excessive, it should be respected and accepted. If handshake is not possible, seek a lighter, respectful, and less intrusive and natural physical contact which could be a simple tap in the shoulder. When physical contact is not recommendable, or not viable at all, use your emotional intelligence to connect. Listen carefully to the person you are engaging and show interest and enthusiasm without interrupting. Silence is a powerful weapon you can use to your advantage.

And don’t forget that “the loudest person in the room is the weakest person the room” as stated by Jack Lucas in American Gangster, impersonated by Denzel Washington.

A Handshake Changes
Everything

Self Improvement
Comments

Andrea Zanon

1 year ago #1

The handshakes I hate are those that don’t happen. These are the ones, where people don’t reciprocate and they often happen in crowded gathering, where it is easier to get away with rudeness. Guess what, that is ok. Own the failed handshake, stand tall, smile, and walk away politely. It takes strength and courage to accept rejection. Get used to it, as this is the quickest way to become invincible. 

Articles from Andrea Zanon

View blog
1 week ago · 2 min. reading time

Imagine a futuristic floating city rising from the blue waters of the Red Sea. This isn't science fi ...

3 weeks ago · 2 min. reading time

Despite the Biden administration's ambitious climate goals, the oil and gas industry in the United S ...

1 month ago · 2 min. reading time

Just to be clear, chaos, crisis, and stress are often self-imposed and can be minimized. In this pie ...

You may be interested in these jobs

  • Double J Transport, LLC

    Needed CDL Class A Truck Driver

    Found in: Jooble US O C2 - 3 days ago


    Double J Transport, LLC San Angelo, TX, United States

    Job Description: · Double J Transport is a third generation family owned trucking company where you are known by your name and not your truck number. We are seeking over the road Class A CDL drivers. · MUST HAVE 6+ MONTHS OF CDL A DRIVING EXPERIENCE TO BE CONSIDERED · PAY & HOM ...

  • Nurses First Solutions

    Rehab RN

    Found in: Talent US A C2 - 1 week ago


    Nurses First Solutions Littleton, United States Travel

    We are looking for a Travel Rehab RN for a great Travel nursing job in Littleton, CO. · This Rehab Travel nursing job pays for 36 hours a week for 13 weeks. With Wanderly you can compare Travel nurse salary from leading Travel nurse agencies in the United States. · With Wanderly ...

  • NationWide Therapy Group

    Travel Nurse

    Found in: Talent US A C2 - 5 days ago


    NationWide Therapy Group Eureka Springs, United States

    NationWide Therapy Group is seeking an experienced Emergency Room Registered Nurse for an exciting Travel Nursing job in Eureka Springs, AR. Shift: 3x12 hr nights Start Date: 04/08/2024 Duration: 13 weeks Pay: $1958.4 / Week About NationWide Therapy Group: · Nationwide Therapy G ...