Solo Practice

How to "Connect"

By Peter Olson

Well, Clinton '92 taught me it was all about the two-handed handshake and the level of intimacy was dictated by the location of the non-shaking hand...ya know is it just cupping the hand or does it go up on a person's shoulder. And then Dale Carnegie essentially takes the position that the key is being interested in others. I think Dale's a genius but sometimes those touchy feely types like "The Clinton."

Here's a piece I saw over at Law.com. Nothing too original though the handshake and business kissing analysis is funny...

The following handshakes send the wrong message:

The vise grip: A tight squeeze that crunches the knuckles implies someone who might actually pull punches, if things get tough.

The wet fish: Moist or not, grasping a hand that is weak or flimsy leaves an impression of a pushover, an individual with no backbone.

The fingertip shake: Grasping only the fingers of a hand suggests the person is too timid or weak to hold the whole hand.

The two-handed: A two-handed shake can signify real warmth and affection, or it can be interpreted as a power play...

? Women should not leave any lipstick on the recipient.

? A greeting kiss should be an air kiss or a light brush of the cheek.

? A business kiss should never be on the lips.

? A kiss should be bestowed only on people with whom you are well acquainted.

? Women may kiss men or women. Men may kiss women, and depending on the culture, men may kiss men.

Full post as published by Solo In Chicago on October 17, 2008 (boomark / email).