Intimidating means insinuating fear, nervousness and a sense of inadequacy in people's souls in order to emerge socially or achieve the desired result. While it is considered a negative quality in many interpersonal relationships, it can be beneficial in sports, business, or other competitive environments. Learning to intimidate people can also help you not be in awe of others.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Intimidate with Body Language
Step 1. Stand straight
Body language is very important when you want to show a certain character. By assuming a dominant and self-confident appearance, you will appear more threatening, so try to maintain proper posture. You can also lean forward slightly when communicating with others.
Step 2. Take your space
When sitting, standing or walking, try to take up as much space as possible. In this way, you will demonstrate confidence and the ability to control the environment in which you are.
- As you walk, move by opening your arms (swinging them and moving them away from your hips alternately).
- When sitting, lean back and keep your arms and legs straight and open.
- When standing, keep your legs apart and your arms at your hips if possible.
Step 3. Put your hands on your hips
When facing or near someone, place your hands on your hips and keep your arms outstretched away from your torso. In many situations, this position conveys an air of authority and can be intimidating.
Step 4. Block people out
If you physically occupy the space that others are trying to cross, they will be forced to face you or sideways around the obstacle represented by your body. Since most people prefer to avoid direct confrontation, they will ask you if you can let them pass or they will move aside without disturbing you. Either way, you will have an awe-inspiring look.
- Try this technique to block passage along corridors, stairs, doors, etc.
- If you want to sound particularly threatening, when someone asks you to let them pass, say, "Ah, I didn't see you."
Step 5. Cross your arms
When standing, walking or sitting, cross your arms across your chest. In many contexts this attitude can be intimidating or seem aggressive.
Make sure you hold them tight to your chest. If you place them on your lower body or spread them slightly, you may feel more nervous than intimidating
Step 6. Maintain a stern look
While a smile conveys warmth and sympathy, a frown indicates aggression, anger, or disapproval. It can put the other person in awe of the idea of talking to you, so that's what you need when you want to be intimidating.
Step 7. Point your finger
This gesture, aimed above all at the interlocutor, conveys a confident and authoritative air. In some cases, he may even be slightly rude or aggressive. However, it's ideal when you want to actually look threatening.
Step 8. Increase Muscle Mass
Research on this shows mixed results, but many believe that a muscular body promotes assertiveness and awe. If you are convinced that you are acquiring dominant air by strengthening your musculature, then it is very likely that you will give this impression. Try various body building exercises to gain muscle mass.
Step 9. Don't fidget all the time
You will look nervous if you pick the table with your hand, tap your foot on the ground, shift your weight from one side of your body to the other, twist your fingers, or make similar gestures. If you're trying to look more threatening, stay still and don't make any unnecessary movements. This way, you will give the impression that you are an assertive person.
Step 10. Take care of your appearance
You will convey assertiveness and self-confidence if you care about clothing, personal hygiene, and if you generally look clean and tidy. Get into this habit and see if it allows you to intimidate people.
- If you are a man, consider letting a beard grow. Many believe it is a sign of manhood and assertiveness.
- A suit, a nice suit, a suit or a formal dress can be synonymous with authority. If you want to look awe-inspiring, try looking after your clothing. For example, if everyone at work dresses casually, you might look more solemn by wearing a suit.
Step 11. Keep a neutral expression on your face
Facial expressions betray many emotions: happiness with a smile, disagreement with a frown, shock with breathlessness, and so on. If you keep your expression neutral and emotionally restrained, you will be intimidating.
Learn not to smile, laugh or frown in situations where these kinds of reactions are normally expected. You can even practice in front of a mirror or with a friend to perfect this technique
Step 12. Make eye contact
In many cultures, direct gaze is considered an intimidating gesture. Get used to looking the other person in the eye. You may look more threatening and notice that others react accordingly.
- In some cultures, eye contact is a disrespect. If this taboo exists among the people you hang out with or work with, be very cautious. You need to be intimidating, not appear rude or too aggressive.
- You can also be intimidating by staring at others and rolling your eyes. However, be careful as it can seem rude in many contexts.
Method 2 of 2: Intimidate Behaviors
Step 1. Speak clearly
It is possible to convey self-confidence, or low self-esteem, through the tone of the voice. If you mumble, hesitate, or whimper, others may think that you are not an assertive person. However, if you speak in a clear and regular tone, raising your voice moderately, you will seem more self-assured and have an authoritative air.
If you have trouble expressing yourself clearly and consistently, think for a moment before speaking. This way, you will have time to prepare your speech and maybe even show that you are confident enough not to be intimidated by a little silence, which will give you an aura of awe
Step 2. Be assertive when communicating
You can show confidence in your way of communicating, increasing the fear of others. For example, try the following behaviors:
- Don't always agree with people;
- Express your opinion;
- Don't shy away from arguments;
- Speak in the first person, saying, "I disagree" rather than "You're wrong". This way you will emphasize your authority.
- Accept the general principle, not necessarily the details, saying, "It makes sense, but …";
- Do not get defensive and do not argue when the interlocutor makes a criticism, but think about endorsing your opinions.
- Insist by supporting your point of view several times, without giving in.
- Be prepared to say "no" (or "I'm too busy", etc.) to some requests.
Step 3. Be provocative
The provocations, or even the veiled criticisms, are quite widespread in the world of sport. They are meant to convey confidence and unsettling the opponent. They can also be used in other contexts (for example, in political propaganda or in the workplace) to intimidate.
- The provocations can be direct. For example, you could say to a colleague: "This month I added thirteen new customers to my portfolio. Mario, how many do you have? Zero." You can also use a bit of sarcasm, for example: "Mario, good job with your client portfolio. Maybe next time you will earn some more."
- Avoid sexist, racist and offensive language. Target a person's abilities, not their identity.
Step 4. Surround yourself with people
You will take on an air of power and superiority by entering a new place with a group of people in tow. The stronger and more confident you look, the less annoyed you will be. An entourage indicates that you are a leader and can be intimidated in a positive way.
- In some places it is possible to hire a group of people for a short period of time.
- Ideally, your entourage is made up of friends who support you and even idolize you.
- They may also help you make your successes and qualities known.
- Be nice to them and treat them with respect. Listen to each member and support everyone's interests.
Step 5. Flaunt your successes
If you have a slew of academic degrees and accolades to show off and are looking to strike a bit of awe in the workplace, don't hesitate to decorate your office with diplomas and certificates. By showing your successes to the public, you will take on a more authoritative air in the eyes of those who stop and talk to you.
To increase awe during a conversation, you can also make a brief mention of your successes
Step 6. Maintain an aura of mystery
Sometimes, silence is more eloquent than a thousand words. Try to keep your distance, don't be too talkative, and be a little aloof. If you manage to look mysterious, others may be intimidated and intrigued by you.
- Don't always talk. Observe people and give the impression that you are listening carefully, but maintaining a certain impenetrability.
- Try to give the impression that you are always busy or busy with something (like reading a book or working on your notebook or tablet), without explaining what you are doing, unless someone specifically asks you to.
- When asked what you are doing, answer briefly and concisely to give yourself a tone and maintain an aura of mystery. For example, if a colleague sees you busy with your tablet and asks you what you are doing, just say, "Oh, it's a new work project. You probably haven't been informed yet."
