Seven Ways to Appear Impressive

Seven Ways to Appear Impressive

While projecting dominance isn't always beneficial, there are situations where appearing confident and authoritative can be useful. If that’s the goal, here are seven strategies that can help convey a more commanding presence:

  • 1. Walk with Upright Confidence

    Walk with Upright Confidence

    Walking with your weight slightly tilted back on the balls of your feet naturally lifts your head and chest, giving off an air of calm confidence and self-assurance.

  • 2. Take Up Space

    Dominance is often associated with expansiveness

    Dominance is often associated with expansiveness. Spreading your arms or legs, whether standing, sitting, or moving, signals control and authority. You can also increase your perceived space by using surrounding objects—such as placing books around you or carrying a large bag or umbrella—to create a sense of physical presence.

  • 3. Stay Still and Composed

    Stay Still and Composed. Fidgeting or shifting around nervously can undermine your image

    Fidgeting or shifting around nervously can undermine your image. People who come across as powerful usually appear calm and unconcerned about external judgment. Relaxed postures—like leaning back in a chair with hands behind the head—demonstrate ease and confidence. Even subtly rebellious gestures, like putting your feet on another chair, can suggest fearlessness. In contrast, sitting stiffly with tense posture and folded hands can make one appear anxious or submissive.

  • 4. Use the ‘Steeple’ Gesture

    Holding your hands together in a steeple shape under your chin—fingertips touching, palms apart—can project authority.

    Holding your hands together in a steeple shape under your chin—fingertips touching, palms apart—can project authority. This gesture implies you're engaged in important thought or decision-making, which can elevate your perceived status.

  • 5. Frown Slightly for Focus

    Lowering your eyebrows to create a slight frown gives your face a more serious, determined look.

    Lowering your eyebrows to create a slight frown gives your face a more serious, determined look. This contrasts with wide, raised eyebrows, which tend to signal surprise or naivety.

  • 6. Smile Selectively

    A neutral or serious expression tends to be interpreted as more dominant and assertive

    While smiling is often associated with friendliness, constant smiling can weaken your appearance of strength. A neutral or serious expression tends to be interpreted as more dominant and assertive, especially in professional or formal contexts. Research has shown that individuals with higher testosterone levels—regardless of gender—tend to smile less, as they’re less concerned with social approval.

  • 7. Control Your Voice

    Speaking in a low, calm, and measured tone can greatly increase your perceived authority.

    Speaking in a low, calm, and measured tone can greatly increase your perceived authority. Quiet, deliberate speech conveys self-control and confidence. This technique can be particularly effective in negotiations or complaints—for example, when returning faulty goods. Former UK Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher was reportedly trained to deepen her voice in order to enhance her commanding presence.