Body language, the power is in the palm of your hands | Allan Pease | TEDxMacquarieUniversity

TL;DR

The way we shake hands and use our palms in conversations can greatly impact how others perceive and respond to us.

Transcript

Transcriber: Bob Prottas Reviewer: Ariana Bleau Lugo Good morning. Before we kick off let's get a bit of light in the room. So I can see the faces of the dummi --- the participants that we get later and see where you are. That's a bit better. Good. Everybody hold your right hand in front like this in a handshaking position. Uncross your legs. Rel... Read More

Key Insights

• 🖐️ Handshakes play a significant role in forming impressions and attitudes towards new acquaintances.
• ✊ The angle and power of a handshake can indicate dominance, rapport, or intimidation.
• 🤗 Keeping the hand straight and matching the pressure received can create feelings of rapport and equality.
• 🫢 Body language, including hand positions, can influence persuasion and the likelihood of others saying "yes" to our proposals.

Questions & Answers

Q: How impactful is body language, specifically handshakes, in forming impressions when meeting someone new?

Handshakes in the first few minutes of meeting someone can determine up to 80% of our attitude towards them. It is a crucial aspect of forming an initial impression and can greatly influence our feelings of rapport or rejection.

Q: What are the recommended hand positions and pressure to create a positive impression during a handshake?

To create rapport, it is important to keep the hand straight and match the pressure received. By giving a firm yet balanced handshake on a scale of 1 to 10, both individuals can feel a sense of equality and positivity.

Q: How can body language impact persuasion and getting others to say "yes" to our proposals?

Our hand positions and gestures during conversations can impact how others respond to us. A palm-up position can create feelings of cooperation, while a palm-down position can convey authority. By intentionally practicing and using these positions, we can influence others to say "yes" to our proposals.

Q: Can intentionally using specific hand positions affect how we feel about ourselves?

Yes, intentionally using certain hand positions can actually change our own physiology and feelings. By practicing positive positions, such as a confident gesture, we can start to feel more confident in ourselves, even when we may not initially feel that way.

Key Insights:

• Handshakes play a significant role in forming impressions and attitudes towards new acquaintances.
• The angle and power of a handshake can indicate dominance, rapport, or intimidation.
• Keeping the hand straight and matching the pressure received can create feelings of rapport and equality.
• Body language, including hand positions, can influence persuasion and the likelihood of others saying "yes" to our proposals.
• Intentionally using specific hand positions can change our own feelings and physiology, leading to increased confidence and positive perceptions.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The first few minutes of meeting someone new play a significant role in determining our attitude towards them, with handshakes being a crucial aspect of this initial impression.

• The angle and power of a handshake can give us gut feelings about dominance, rapport, or intimidation between individuals.

• By keeping our hand straight and matching the pressure received during a handshake, we can create rapport and positive feelings.