http://www.bnet.com/blog/small-biz-advice/the-single-biggest-way-to-be-more-persuasive/1431?promo=713&tag=nl.e713

Here are a few examples from a summary of research on the very cool PsyBlog.  When touched, people are:

• More likely to provide help. 90% of strangers who were touched lightly on the arm helped the experimenter pick up dropped items.  If not touched, only 63% helped.
• More likely to comply. 81% of participants agreed to sign a petition if touched, while only 55% agreed when not touched.
• Even more likely to comply if touched twice. Researchers asked strangers to fill out a questionnaire.  People who were touched twice were more likely to agree than those only touched once.  (Here’s a shocker:  Results were highest when females touched males.)
• More likely to generously tip. Waitresses who touch customers are more likely to receive a bigger tip.  (From a 1984 study, before the non gender-specific word “server.”)
• Able to perceive unspoken emotions. Participants in a study tried to convey twelve different emotions by touching another blindfolded participant on the forearm.  The rate of accuracy for perceiving emotions like fear, anger, gratitude, sympathy, love, and disgust ranged from 43% to 83%.
• More likely to buy a car (maybe). Researchers approached random men shopping for used cars.  Half were touched for one second, the other half were not touched.  Those who were touched later rated the “toucher” as more friendly, honest, and sincere.  Would creating that perception help a salesperson make more sales? You would certainly think so…

Sure, you can misuse the power of touch.  Touch can help improve the likelihood of compliance, so a couple of strategic pats on the arm might, for example, help you talk a hesitant employee into accepting a crappy assignment.