Equally as revealing as the handshake, the high five is a cultural gesture often given less weight than it deserves. Like the shake, the five is an indicator of confidence, enthusiasm and even hand-eye coordination.
As one who has no trouble with enthusiasm or high-five power, I unfortunately struggle with accuracy, which is why I take advantage of the “eye on the elbow” trick. This works by simply looking at your target’s elbow rather than his or her hand when you are going in for the slap. Give it a try – It really does work, and it can save you from distracting embarrassment during what would otherwise be a celebratory or congratulatory moment.
Communicators, this is indeed important in the business world. A new client just signed! A colleague just made a killer presentation! We just secured a major spread in a leading industry publication! It’s Beer:30 p.m.! The company softball team just lost by less than the last game…and no one was badly injured! What do you do? High five!
1 comment:
I can attest to the validity of this here PR Maven's statements. The elbow trick does indeed work and I hope this seemingly small article in a blog will start a worldwide sensation bringing the high five back to the prominence it wholly deserves.
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