How to Be Intimidating

Last Updated: November 26, 2022 References Approved

Intimidation is making others feel fear, nervousness, or inadequacy in order to gain social standing or produce a desired outcome. Although it is seen as a negative quality in many interpersonal interactions, it can be helpful in sports, business, and other competitive environments. Learning to be intimidating can also help you avoid being intimidated by others.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Being Physically Intimidating

1
Stand up straight. Body language is very important when it comes to conveying a certain attitude. Making yourself seem as tall and confident as possible will make you seem more intimidating, so be sure to practice good posture.^{[1]
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Research source} You can even lean forward a bit when communicating with others.^{[2]
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Trustworthy Source
Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source}
2
Fill the space.^{[3]
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Research source} Whenever you are sitting, standing, or walking, try and take up as much space as possible. This suggests that you command the space you are in and that you are confident in yourself.
- When walking, move with your arms open (swinging, out at your sides, etc.)
- When sitting, lean back, and keep your arms and legs loose and open.
- When standing, keep your legs apart and arms out whenever possible.
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3
Place your hands on your hips.^{[4]
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Trustworthy Source
State of Michigan
Official website for the State of Michigan
Go to source}^{[5]
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Research source}^{[6]
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Research source} When you are standing in front of or next to others, rest your hands on your hips, and keep your arms open, away from your body. In many contexts, this stance conveys authority and can come across as intimidating.
4
Stand in people’s way.^{[7]
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Research source}^{[8]
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Research source}^{[9]
X
Trustworthy Source
US Department of Labor
Federal department responsible for promoting the wellbeing of workers
Go to source} If you physically take up the space that others are trying to move through, they will either have to confront you or move to the side. Most people will want to avoid directly confronting you, and will either ask if you can let them by, or slip by without bothering you. Either way, you will appear intimidating.
- Try this technique by blocking hallways, staircases, doorways, etc.
- If you want to appear especially intimidating, if someone asks if you can please let them by, say something like “Oh, I didn’t notice you there.”
5
Cross your arms.^{[10]
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Research source}^{[11]
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Research source} When standing, walking, or sitting, cross your arms over your chest. In many contexts, this can appear intimidating or aggressive.
- Make sure to cross your arms high over your chest, and do so firmly. If you cross your arms over your lower body, or loosely, it might convey nervousness rather than authority.
6
Scowl.^{[12]
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Trustworthy Source
State of Michigan
Official website for the State of Michigan
Go to source} While a smile can convey friendliness and agreeableness, a scowl suggests aggressiveness, anger, or displeasure. This can make people slightly afraid to talk to you, which may be desirable when you want to appear intimidating.
7
Point fingers.^{[13]
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Trustworthy Source
State of Michigan
Official website for the State of Michigan
Go to source}^{[14]
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Research source} Using your fingers to point, especially at people, conveys authority and conviction. In some cases, it might even seem slightly rude or aggressive. However, when you want to seem intimidating, this might actually be a good thing.
8
Build muscles. Research shows mixed conclusions, but many believe that a muscular body leads to more assertiveness, and is deemed more intimidating by others.^{[15]
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Research source} If being muscular makes you feel more intimidating, then you just might come across this way. Try various body building techniques to increase your muscle mass.
9
Don’t fidget. Tapping your hand or foot, shifting your weight from side to side, wringing your hands, and similar body movements convey a sense of nervousness.^{[16]
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Research source}^{[17]
X
Trustworthy Source
Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source} If you are trying to seem more intimidating, keep your body still and move deliberately. This type of body language signals assertiveness.
10
Look well-groomed. Taking good care of your clothing and personal hygiene, and generally maintaining a good, clean appearance, helps convey a sense of assertiveness and confidence. Get in the habit of practicing a little personal grooming, and see if you come across as more intimidating.
- If you’re a man, consider growing a beard. Many believe that beards convey masculinity and assertiveness.^{[18]
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  Research source}
- A suit, a nice dress or pants suit, or other formal wear can convey authority.^{[19]
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  Research source} If you are trying to look intimidating, you might dress a little better than everyone else. For example, if standard dress at your workplace is business casual, you might seem slightly intimidating if you wear a full suit instead.
11
Maintain a neutral facial expression.^{[20]
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Trustworthy Source
Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source} Many of our emotions are conveyed through facial expressions—happiness by smiling, disagreement by frowning, shock by gasping, etc. If you maintain a neutral expression, and limit the amount of emotion you show, then you will come across as more intimidating.
- Practice not smiling, laughing, frowning, etc. in situations that normally call for these expressions. You can even practice in front of a mirror or with a friend to perfect this technique.
12
Make eye contact. In many cultures, looking people in the eye is seen as intimidating.^{[21]
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Research source} Practice looking at people directly in the eye when you talk to them.^{[22]
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Research source}^{[23]
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Trustworthy Source
Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source}^{[24]
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Research source} You may feel yourself coming across as more intimidating, and you may notice others reacting accordingly.
- In some cultures, making direct eye contact with people is a sign of disrespect.^{[25]
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  Research source}^{[26]
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  Research source} If there is a cultural taboo against looking people in the eye in your area or among the people you are working with, be very cautious about breaking it. You want to come across as intimidating, but you don't necessarily want to be rude or overly aggressive.
- Glaring at people, and rolling your eyes will also appear intimidating.^{[27]
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  Research source} Be careful, however, because this may also seem rude in many contexts.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Being Socially Intimidating

1
Speak clearly. Confidence, or a lack of it, is conveyed in the tone of one’s voice. If you mumble, hesitate, or whine when speaking, you may come across as non-assertive.^{[28]
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Research source} However, if you speak in a clear, even tone, and at a moderate to loud volume, you will exude self-assurance and seem positively intimidating.^{[29]
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Research source}
- If you have trouble speaking clearly or evenly, take a moment to think before you speak. This will give you time to prepare what you want to say. It may also convey that you are confident enough not to be bothered by a little silence, which can itself make you seem more intimidating.
2
Be assertive when communicating. You can showcase your confidence in the way you communicate, thereby increasing your intimidation level. This means doing things like:^{[30]
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Trustworthy Source
Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source}^{[31]
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Research source}
- Not always agreeing with others.
- Voicing your opinion.
- Not shying away from conflict.
- Using “I” statements, such as “I disagree” rather than “You’re wrong.” This emphasizes your authority.
- Agreeing in principle, but not necessarily in detail, by saying things like “That makes sense, but...”
- Not becoming defensive when others criticize you, and not offering counter criticisms. Instead, focus on making direct statements about your opinions.
- Being persistent. State your point over and over again if necessary, but don’t waver from it.
- Being willing to say “no” (or "I'm too busy," etc.) to some requests.
- If you're worried about being assertive, remind yourself that you are a powerful person who can make it through anything! The more you embrace this mentality, the easier it is to focus on pleasing yourself instead of pleasing other people.^{[32]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Erin Conlon, PCC, JD
  Executive Life Coach
  Expert Interview. 31 August 2021.}
3
Talk trash. “Trash” talk, or slightly criticizing others, is common in sports as a way of conveying confidence and unsettling opponents.^{[33]
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Research source} It can be used in other contexts, however (like political ads or in the workplace), to appear intimidating.
- Trash talk in other situations can be direct, such as telling a coworker “I’ve got thirteen new accounts listed in my report this month, Jim, and how many do you have? Zero.” It can also include sarcasm, like “Nice job on that report, Jim. Maybe next time you’ll actually win an account to include in it.”
- Avoid sexist, racist, and otherwise offensive language. Keep your trash talk focused on a person’s abilities rather than his or her identity.
4
Have an entourage. Walking into a new place with a group of people at your back will make you look like you are powerful and important. The stronger and more confident the other people look, the less likely you are to be bothered. Having an entourage suggests that you are a leader, and can be intimidating in a positive way.
- In some locations, you can even rent an entourage for a short period of time.^{[34]
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  Research source}
- Ideally, your entourage will be composed of good friends who support you and even idolize you.
- Your entourage can even act as your "wingman" by talking up your achievements and impressive qualities to others.
- Be kind to your entourage and treat them with respect. Make sure to listen to them and support their interests.
5
Flaunt your achievements. If you have an impressive academic pedigree or honors and awards to show off, and are trying to appear intimidating at work, don’t be shy about decorating your office area with diplomas and certificates.^{[35]
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Research source} Having your achievements on public display will make you seem intimidating to anyone who stops by to talk.
- In order raise your intimidation level, you can also briefly mention your achievements in conversations as often as possible.
6
Be mysterious. Sometimes silence speaks louder than words. Try keeping a little distance from others, not being too talkative, and seeming somewhat aloof. If you can cultivate a little mystery about yourself, others might be intimidated and curious about what you are really like.^{[36]
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Research source}
- Don't always speak up. Observe others and appear to listen carefully, but maintain an air of mystery.
- Always appear to be busy or occupied with something (such as reading a book or working on a notebook or tablet), but don't let others know what you are doing unless they ask.
- Whenever people ask about what you are doing, give short, vague answers that suggest mysterious importance. For instance, if a coworker sees you busy with a tablet and asks what you are doing, just say "Oh, it's this new work project. They probably haven't told you about it yet."

Community Q&A

Question

How can I tell if people think that I am intimidating?

Community Answer

Walk straight at someone on the sidewalk. The faster they move out of your way, the more intimidating you are.
Question

How do I look intimidating if I have a kind of a country look, with flannel and jeans?

Community Answer

You can be intimidating no matter what you wear. It's all about the energy you give off and being confident.
Question

Why is my intimidation mistaken for shyness sometimes?

Community Answer

Most likely you simply aren't intimidating. While trying to be intimidating, you simply remain silent and don't approach people. You may seclude yourself to seem less friendly, but in reality you look like you're scared to join the group. The number one thing is confidence. Stand up straight and be solid. If someone asks you to move, make eye contact with them and move slowly. If someone speaks to you, make eye contact with that person for a few seconds before you answer.