How to Be Scary

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Intimidation is behavior that causes fear, tension, or lack of confidence in others to gain social status or achieve desired results. Although seen as a bad character in many interactive situations, it is useful in sports, business, and other competitive environments. By knowing how to be intimidating, you can also avoid being intimidated by others.

Table of Contents

Acting scary through looks

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Erect. Body language plays an extremely important role when you want to express a certain attitude. The taller and more confident you look, the more intimidating you look, so you need to have the right posture. ^{[1] X Research Sources} You can even lean a little forward when dealing with people. ^{[2] X Trusted Source Mayo Clinic Go to Source}

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Occupy space. ^{[3] X Research Source} Every time you sit, stand or walk, try to take up as much space as possible. This will show that you are in control of the space and that you are confident in yourself.

When you walk, keep your arms wide open (swing your arms, arms to rest at your sides, etc.)
When sitting, you should lean back, relax and extend your limbs.
When standing, you need to stand with your legs and arms spread whenever possible.

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Place your hands on your hips. ^{[4] X Trusted Source State of Michigan Go to Source}^{[5] X Research Source}^{[6] X Research Source} When standing in front of or next to others, place your hands on your hips, arms wide apart arms away from the body. In many situations, this pose shows authority and can be seen as threatening.

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Stand in the way of others. ^{[7] X Research Sources}^{[8] X Research Sources}^{[9] X Credible Sources US Department of Labor Go to Sources} If you use your body to occupy the space that other people are trying to walk through, they will have to deal with it. head to you or move aside. Most people will avoid confronting you directly, they will ask your permission to pass, or they will pass without bothering you. Either way, you look scary.

Try this when blocking the way in hallways, stairs, entrances, etc.
If you don’t want to sound like a real threat, you can say something like “Oh, I don’t see you here” when the other person asks your permission to let them through.

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Cross your arms in front of your chest. ^{[10] X Research Source}^{[11] X Research Source} When standing, sitting or walking, cross your arms over your chest. In many cases, this pose looks intimidating or aggressive.

Remember to cross your arms up to chest height, and be strong. If you have your arms crossed low below or your arms are loosely interlocked, this can convey suspense rather than authority.

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Frown. ^{[12] X Trusted Source State of Michigan Go to Source} While a smile conveys friendliness and likability, a frown can indicate aggression, anger, or displeasure. This look can make people a little afraid to talk to you, and this is a good thing if you want to appear intimidating.

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Point at. ^{[13] X Trusted Source State of Michigan Go to Source}^{[14] X Research Source} The act of pointing with the index finger, especially when pointing at others, demonstrates authority and persuasion. In some cases, this gesture is even seen as a bit rough or aggressive. However, when you want to look menacing, this is useful.

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Build muscle. There are conflicting conclusions from studies, but many people believe that a muscular body often appears more assertive, and also seems to make people more shy. ^{[15] X Source of Research}^{[16] X Source of Research}^{[17] X Source of Research} If a muscular body makes you appear more intimidating, just show it off. Try a variety of bodyweight exercises to increase muscle mass.

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Don’t wiggle. Gestures such as tapping your hands or feet, shifting your weight from side to side, twisting your hands, and similar movements are all signs of stress. ^{[18] X Research Source}^{[19] X Trusted Source Mayo Clinic Go to Source} If you’re trying to appear more dangerous, stay still and move decisively. This type of body language shows assertiveness.

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Take care of your appearance. When you wear decent clothing and maintain good personal hygiene, and generally maintain a clean and pleasing appearance, you exude a sense of assertiveness and confidence. Get in the habit of grooming a little and see if you seem more respectable.

If you’re a man, consider growing a beard. Many people believe that a beard brings a masculine and resolute look. ^{[20] X Research Source}
A nice suit, dress, suit with coat, or formal dress can help you appear authoritative. ^{[21] X Research Source} If you’re trying to look dangerous, dress a little better than everyone else. For example, if everyone in the company is dressed in casual business attire, you will appear to be wary of wearing a formal suit.

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Keep a nonchalant face. ^{[22] X Trusted Source Mayo Clinic Go to the Source} Many of our emotional states show in our facial expressions – joy in a smile, displeasure in a frown, astonishment in a smile. recognizable by gaping gestures, etc. If you keep a cold face and limit your expression, others will feel more afraid.

Practice not smiling, not laughing out loud, not scowling, etc. in situations where we normally have such expressions.

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Make eye contact. In many cultures, making direct eye contact is considered threatening behavior. ^{[23] X Research Source} Practice looking people in the eye when you talk to them. ^{[24] X Research Sources}^{[25] X Trusted Source Mayo Clinic Go to Sources}^{[26] X Research Sources} That way, you’ll feel like you’re more intimidating and can perceive others react appropriately to that feeling.

In some cultures, making direct eye contact is a sign of disrespect. ^{[27] X Source of Research}^{[28] X Source of Research} If this behavior is considered taboo in the culture you live in or the environment you work in, you need to be very careful when breaking the taboo this taboo. You want to appear dangerous, but not necessarily rude or aggressive.
Staring at people or rolling your eyes is also threatening. ^{[29] X Research Source} Be careful though, as this behavior in many contexts can also be seen as rude.

Acting scary through socializing

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Speak clearly. Confidence or lack of confidence shows in our voice. If you falter, falter, or groan when you talk, people may feel like you’re indecisive. ^{[30] X Research Source} In contrast, by speaking in a clear, calm voice at a moderate or loud volume, you exude confidence and appear dangerous. ^{[31] X Research Source}

If you find it difficult to speak clearly or calmly, take a few seconds to think before you speak. That way, you’ll have time to prepare what you’re going to say, and so others can feel you’re confident enough not to be embarrassed by a little silence, and this in itself makes people nervous. more cautious.

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Be assertive when communicating. You can show your assertiveness in communication, thereby increasing your level of fear. This also means doing some of the following: ^{[32] X Trusted Source Mayo Clinic Go to Source}^{[33] X Research Source}

Don’t always agree with others.
Utterance.
Don’t avoid conflict.
Use sentences that are subject to “I,” such as “I agree” instead of saying “You’re wrong.” This will emphasize your position.
Agree on principles, but don’t necessarily agree on details, for example, you could say something like, “That sounds reasonable, but…”
Do not take pride in being criticized, and do not criticize in retaliation. Instead, focus on voicing your opinion candidly.
Perseverance and perseverance. Repeat your point of view as necessary and don’t waver.
Be willing to say “no” (or “I am very busy”, etc.) to requests or suggestions.

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Say provocative words. Insults, or mild insults, often appear in sports competitions as a way to instill confidence and sway an opponent. ^{[34] X Research Sources} This behavior can be applied in other contexts (such as in political campaigns or the work environment) to appear intimidating.

In some situations, you can provoke the objection directly, such as saying to a colleague, “I have 13 new accounts in this month’s report, Minh. And how much do you get? A zero!” You can supplement with a sarcastic sentence like “You did a great job this month, Minh. Maybe next time you will win an account to add to it.”
Avoid sexism, racial discrimination and do not use abusive language. Focus on the other person’s abilities instead of pointing the finger at them.

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Set up a group of followers. When you walk into a new space with a group of people behind you, you will appear as a powerful and important person. The stronger and more confident your followers seem, the less stressed you will be. The image of “the entourage” implies that you are a leader and can be avoided in a positive way.

In some places, there is even a service to hire entourage groups for short periods of time. ^{[35] X Research Source}
Ideally, your entourage should include your good friends who support you, even admire you.
Followers can also act as your supporters by telling people about your successes and outstanding qualities.
Treat your entourage well and respect them. Remember to listen and support the things they care about.

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Show off achievements. If you have high academic achievements, won awards or honors and are looking to stand out in the workplace, don’t hesitate to hang your degrees and certificates in the office. ^{[36] X Research Sources} When you show off your accomplishments, you’ll look intimidating in the eyes of passersby.

To increase your respectability, you can also briefly mention your achievements in chats as often as possible.

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Looks dangerous. Sometimes silence is more valuable than words. Try to keep your distance from others, don’t talk too much, and act a little aloof. If you create a little mystery about yourself, others may feel shy and curious about what kind of person you really are. ^{[37] X Research Source}

Don’t always speak up. Observe others and appear to listen, but remain mysterious.
Always appear busy or doing something (such as reading, taking notes, or working on a tablet), but don’t let others know what you’re doing unless they ask.
Every time someone asks you what you’re doing, give a short, vague answer, alluding to something of secret importance. For example, if a coworker sees you staring at your tablet and asks what you’re doing, just say, “Oh, it’s a new project. They probably haven’t told you yet.”

Steps

Acting scary through looks

Acting scary through socializing

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