I learned to High Five a few years back.  I always knew what the high five (or down low, too slow) was, but it wasn’t until I watched my best friend be the life of every party that I found out how important it was.  I wanted to copy whatever he was doing that made him so great.  Granted, he is an excellent storyteller that manages to engage everyone with his enthusiasm;  however, he is also able to make a lasting positive impression using the High Five.  I imagine that he has had plenty of time to perfect the best way to engage all types of people as he has worked as a NOLS instructor and elementary teacher for many years.

Interestingly, the High Five is not an ancient tradition.  The first High Five is thought to have occurred between Dusty Baker and Glenn Burke of the Los Angeles Dodgers on Oct. 2, 1977 in Dodger Stadium.  It has since become a key aspect of american culture as evidenced in Borat’s satire.

After observing my friend, I figured out that using the High Five when I arrived and left from a social event, in almost any context, would make everyone appear much happier and made it much easier to strike up conversations.  I have thought about a few reasons for why for this:

First, Maslow’s hierarchy of needs points specifically to belonging and esteem as two important needs.  The high five is a rapid way of communicating to a person that they are important and deserve personal attention from you.  Everyone else in the group sees the high five and immediately places value in having the high-fiving individuals in the group.

Second, just like the handshake, the act of slapping your hand on someone else’s brings a physical connection. Tactile communication is known to increase cooperation, communicate emotions, and be a sign of trust.  This is illustrated clearly in a study of NBA players: physical contact, such as the High Five between players, made their teams more successful.

Thirdly, the High Five crosses age, race, and social class boundaries.  The High Five works with children, and people 20 yeas older than you.  It works with old friends or people you have just met.

My recommendation is that you test the high five upon arriving at the next social event you attend.  You will be pleased with the results! Leave me a comment on what happens!