Content

• Steps
• Part 1 of 3: Appearance
• Part 2 of 3: Communication
• Part 3 of 3: Confidence in Your Own Authority

Are you tired of being constantly neglected, underestimated and disrespected by others? The rules of the business world apply to other aspects of life as well: if you are not able to use your current authority, you will not be able to increase it. Appearing to be an authoritative person does not mean being aggressive or dictatorial, but behaving confidently and showing a firm intention to achieve the desired result. You don't need to be liked by others in order to be credible. You need to become the person that others want to be like.

Steps

Part 1 of 3: Appearance

1. 1 Realize and accept your real authority. External manifestations of imaginary authority can help out in some situations, but the point of the article is to bring external and real authority to the same level. To do this (especially in a business environment), it is important to clearly understand the limits of your authority.
   • If your rights and responsibilities are not clearly defined, discuss the details with your manager. You need to clearly understand the level of your authority so that it is easier for you to correspond to it.
   • Another benefit of communicating with your boss on a regular basis is that you always follow the same course. Making a decision that will only provoke a quick objection from your boss, you underestimate your apparent authority.
2. 2 Focus on goals, not popularity. Machiavelli's advice to instill fear instead of love may seem a bit overwhelming in the workplace, but the fact is, strong leaders usually don't care about the popularity of their decisions. Having authority is not a game or fun, but hard work that you must do.
   • Of course, no one wants to be the object of hate, but you will find that direct behavior, making difficult decisions and performing necessary tasks earn the respect of others. If you try to please everyone, you will sacrifice respect for superficial affection.
   • Deep down, a person is more likely to follow someone he respects rather than someone he likes.
3. 3 Don't dig for yourself. Some of the actions with which you are trying to show your authority can only betray your weakness. If you try too hard to show "who is in charge here," then you risk earning only ridicule, not respect.
   • If you are not a drill instructor, then anger and yelling is not the best way to show your authority. Likewise, defensiveness when questioning or arguing betrays your weakness, not strength.
   • Some believe that authority is manifested in unexpected decisions and strong self-righteousness. In fact, it is careful (if possible) thinking about the problem and making a calm, balanced decision that needs to be followed that allows you to show real authority.
   • You cannot convince others of your own authority without convincing yourself. Once you understand your real authority, you immediately no longer need to do your best to convince other people of it. Your self-confidence will be the best proof.
4. 4 The right choice of clothing. It can be assumed that wearing a "domineering suit" or other overly puffy attire will be the best demonstration of authority. But this behavior is often perceived by others as over-trying.
   • To demonstrate authority, you need to act as if you have no complexes in order to look collected and monolithic. Choose a style of clothing that roughly matches the outfits of the rest of the people at the event, but pay special attention to freshness and neatness. If the norm calls for “casual clothing,” then emphasize “clothing,” but do not forget about the “casual” aspect.
   • Clothing doesn't have to be gaudy, but soft colors and cuts will add gravity.
5. 5 Stand up. Authoritative people are usually noticed, so it is better to stand, not sit. While standing, it's easier to get caught up in the spotlights, take the floor and attract the attention of people who are under your command.
   • If you want a more authoritative look at work, try holding meetings while standing while others are seated. This will give you a dominant and domineering look. Try to come at a time when you are not late yet, but there are no empty seats anymore.
   • Stand even while talking on the phone. In a seated position, the person usually speaks with more restraint and less enthusiasm. The voice becomes less powerful. By standing, you will be able to express more energy and urgency.

Part 2 of 3: Communication

1. 1 Turn to people and maintain eye contact. Your parents may have told you that good manners involve looking into the eyes of the other person, but this behavior also helps to add credibility to your words. Like animals that exercise their authority in a pack, stand proud and face your subordinates.
   • For example, if you are giving a presentation, first assume a “domineering pose” - stand behind the podium, face the audience, and make eye contact. If you're showing slides, you don't have to constantly look at the screen or stand perpendicular to the audience and the screen. Always try to face the audience and look at those present.
   • It is not necessary to stare at the interlocutor, but regularly look in his direction and try not to lower your eyes.
2. 2 Speak in a deep, confident voice as you finish each sentence. Self-confidence and confident speech are not always the same thing. Sometimes people are unshakably confident in their authority, but as soon as they speak up, this advantage fades away. Feeling your authority, you need to speak with the appropriate voice.
   • Don't make a ridiculous effort to speak in a deep voice, but try to sound a little more authoritative than when you speak normally.
   • Practice not swallowing the last words in a sentence. Sometimes people change their intonation at the end of a sentence so that even statements sound like questions. Do not speak as if you are in doubt about your words.
3. 3 Use silence correctly. Some people think that silence is a manifestation of weakness, so they try to fill every moment with conversation. However, irrepressible chatter is more likely to be perceived as frivolity or uncertainty. Think slowly and use pauses wisely to add weight to your speech.
   • Always think carefully about what you are going to say. Even in a live conversation, you need to find a couple of seconds to collect your thoughts. A short pause will demonstrate that you are in the mood for a serious conversation and that your words are in line with your deeds.
   • Try to cleanse your speech of such “parasites” as “um”, “well,” “in my opinion”. Such insertions always sound uncertain, even if you are pronouncing them unconsciously. A silent pause would be more appropriate.
   • Divide speech into “fragments” - pause after each segment of meaning that emphasizes an important point. Allow the other person to evaluate the words you heard.
4. 4 Be in the spotlight. The article has already mentioned eye contact and addressing listeners, but there are other ways to show your dominance when addressing a group of people. It is important to get maximum attention.
   • Walk around the stage or part of the room in which you are, as if marking your territory. Don't pacing proudly, but don't lose confidence by using your own voice correctly.
   • Don't be afraid to gesture. Fixed or clenched hands can create a sense of fear or obedience. No one should see you banging your foot on the table or similar actions, but confident and deliberate gestures will give your words weight.
5. 5 Practice speaking in an authoritative voice. In addition to additional depth, clear sounding of the last words in a sentence, getting rid of parasitic words, work on tone of voice and speech speed as well.If you speak too fast, too softly, or not vividly enough, then all of these problems can be eliminated through practice and give your words a powerful sound.
   • Some people are uncomfortable reciting famous Shakespearean monologues in front of a mirror, but such training is really beneficial. Imagine yourself as a great actor on stage by trying on the role of Hamlet or Macbeth. Over time, your speech will become more commanding.
   • Likewise, it is convenient to rehearse your upcoming speech. Watch your tone of voice, speech speed and volume, gestures and gaze. Try to record yourself on a tape recorder to work on mistakes.

Part 3 of 3: Confidence in Your Own Authority

1. 1 Realize the power of self-confidence. All attempts to look like a more authoritative person will fail if you are not confident in yourself. You need to believe that you are capable and deserving of authority in order to exercise it in your behavior. Undoubtedly, some people are more confident than others from birth, but this quality can be developed and nurtured.
   • One of the articles provides an extensive list of ideas to help you build confidence. Here are some important aspects:
     • Develop a positive attitude.
     • Learn to effectively control your emotions.
     • Remember to take care of your spirit and body.
     • Set goals.
     • Get the help you need.
2. 2 Focus on your positive qualities. Insecure people often look up to unrealistic, idealized notions of others, so they always feel like they are failing. Give up unattainable standards and stop paying full attention to your shortcomings. Learn to notice your own successes. Focus on why you deserve authority.
   • Keep a list of personal accomplishments and positive traits if it helps you believe in yourself. Write down compliments and positive reviews from others, and take them seriously. Surround yourself with positive motivation.
3. 3 Look the part. The authoritative and self-confident look has a lot in common, but the former is impossible without the latter. It may seem naive to think that exercising confidence will build your self-confidence, but for many people it works.
   • Watch your appearance. Start taking your hairstyle and clothes seriously. Take a look in the mirror and make sure that a confident person is looking at you in response.
4. 4 Face your fears. Insecure people shy away or run away from their fears and stay in their comfort zone. Confident people jump into the water to learn how to swim, or skydive to overcome their fear of heights. Start to step out of your comfort zone, and take all your successes as another rung on the ladder leading to your confidence building.
   • Define your goals and chart ways to achieve them. If you are afraid to take the floor in a meeting, make a list of possible questions or comments in advance and be sure to voice at least one item from your list.