especially with new people, do I shake
hands or don't I?
For a simple little act it does originate
so much trouble; don’t you think? Shaking hands is one example for
physical interference which is not
accepted by every one, and because you
still don't know the cultural background
of your speaker it's better to avoid any
possible negative interference especially
the physical ones.
But then again if you just ignore
shaking hands with them they might
think of it as an impolite act and keep
that in mind as the first impression
about you! You don't want that for sure!
Well I have an easy key to solve this
conflict here. As a rule if your speaker was of the
same gender as yourself, then it is
better to offer a light hand shake while
keeping your “social” distance.
But if your speaker was of the opposite
gender DO NOTDO NOT offer a hand-shake at
all.
Instead greet them with a wide smile
associated with a nod by your head and
a tiny bend to the front by your upper
half. This will give your speaker one of two
impressions:
- That you are very polite and
extremely thoughtful.
- Or at least that you are "OK",
according to their background.
Either ways it is to your favor. And that
is exactly what you want right now.
ChapterXXXX First Impressions – How to win them all !
