The Ultimate Body Language Book

Further research shows that justification that accompanying a light touch also helps in compliance.
Therefore, we can add to the effectiveness of touching by briefly outlining our reasoning. It might go
something like “I’ve left a dime here, and I really need it to make an important phone call.” followed
by a light touch of the arm or forearm “Have you seen it”. This approach would have the most
significant results. Other studies show similar results when people are asked to sign a petition or in a
super market when asked to sample a new product. In the study, half of the shoppers were briefly
touched, while the other half was not. The results show that, not only were people more likely to test
the food, but they were also more likely to buy the product as well. Touching customers in a store also
resulted in increased shopping time and more positive evaluation of the store. Patrons of taverns in the
U.S. who were touched spent more time drinking and also consumed more alcohol then patrons that
were not touched by the staff. In reference to tipping behaviour, touch was also a factor. Patrons that
were touched by the waiter or waitress were far more likely to tip and to also tip higher. It seems that
slight touching of a stranger on the upper arm has a very powerful affect on cooperation. The effects of
touch has been widely studied and the influence it has on behaviour and requests are conclusive,
touching really can help you get what you want from others.