Handshake key to landing a job, scientists claim - Telegraph

Handshake key to landing a job, scientists claim

I occassionally warn/inform my students about this perception in American culture. Handshakes are certainly common in Korean society, but what is considered proper firmness (and duration) is different. Koreans apply less force and tend to engage longer than Americans. Not to mention the fact that they tend not to maintain eye contact during the handshake. Additionally, women tend not to shake hands as much as they would in America and, if they do, the pressure is nearly indiscernible.

From my anecdotal data (personal experience and interviews), the reason for this are varied:
(1) Firm handshakes imply a confidence that is seen to be more aggressive, pompous, or otherwise disrespectful. This seems to be more of a no-no when dealing with someone that should be respected such as guests (me in most cases), elders, and superiors.

(2) Duration notes endearment or a desire to communicate affection (whether real or just the impression thereof).

(3) Lack of eye contact is similar to reasons in #1. This does not mean that there is no eye contact, but it is not sustained. Even if the gaze is in the region of the eyes, it's often just off the eye (eyebrow, nose, forehead, etc.).

(4) The handshake is still largely a male-male greeting. The more "westernized" people are, the more likely they are to shake your hand (both male and female). By westernized, I really mean that they have consistent contact with foreigners (non-Koreans & non-Korean residents), including those educated in English-speaking countries.

So, how do you explain proper handshake criteria to Koreans? You don't, just demonstrate it. If you need to explain it, you might say that the grip is firm enough to squish tofu, but light enough not to damage a grape :)

In addition, make sure they understand some of the cultural understandings (though these may differ from person to person or region to region). Weak handshakes may indicate moral/physical weakness, dishonesty, lack of confidence, and other negative characteristics. Strong handshakes are the opposite: moral/physical strength, honesty, confidence, and other positive characteristics (supported by the study above). These beliefs are not always (or even ever) true, but they are ingrained into the American psyche.

Twelve ways presenters can look more confident than they feel

Twelve ways presenters can look more confident than they feel

This post has a number of good suggestions and even overlaps with a few in our course packet.

1. Acknowledge your fears
2. Respect your knowledge
3. Prepare your own visuals
4. Practice simplicity
5. Anticipate objections
6. Familiarize yourself with the presentation environment
7. Introduce yourself to your audience
8. Prepare a written introduction: Experience and Facts.
9. Start on time; Do not start with an apology; Reduces stress.
10. Project to your supporters
11. Never take walk-outs seriously; Nature calling; Unavoidable calls; Traffic.
12. Avoid prejudging your performance

YouTube - The Elevator Pitch

YouTube - The Elevator Pitch

This is a great video about "elevator pitches". These are quick, 2-minute, presentations that attempt to sell your audience (small audience) on an idea in a short time. The focus here is on business pitches, but a lot of this can be applied towards getting your main ideas (most important ideas) across concisely.

Storytelling 101

Storytelling 101

Nice presentation on making good presentations. Emphasizes the need for a good story behind the presentation.

Most academics seem to think that they just need to push the information out to the audience and that these types of presentations are for business or just "non-scientists". This is certainly far from the truth. You want people to remember your presentation and, in fact, remember you (conferences are more about networking than exchanging ideas). I'm sure that you remember good speakers much better than poor ones...which do you want to be?

Storytelling 101

View SlideShare presentation or Upload your own. (tags: sherlock rockstar)