Oh, sure, con artists, professional liars, and used car dealers know the tricks
and use the open palm gesture when trying to convince you that they’re
genuine and sincere. But you’re able to detect that something’s not quite
right because other gestures of honesty, such as open facial expressions,
calm breathing, and a relaxed stance, are missing. Alarm bells ring as your
instincts cry out, ‘Wait a minute. This person’s a fraud!’Making a connection
You often wave to someone you know when seeing her from a distance. Your
palm is in the open position, facing front, rhythmically moving from side to
side. This is a similar gesture to the one you use when waving good-bye. When
you wave it’s as if you’re reaching out towards that person with a desire to
touch her.A good way to make contact with a large group of people is to hold out one
or both of your hands with your fingers spread apart and your palms facing
upwards. This gesture, shown in Figure 9-2, acts like a magnet and pulls
people towards you.Figure 9-2:
The raised
open palm
draws your
audience in.
Chapter 9: It's in the Palm of Your Hand 141