How to Intimidate Opponents

Getting a psychological edge over your opponent is essential to success in any competitive endeavor. In order to get that edge, it is important to develop your own confidence and properly demonstrate it to your opponent. However, it is also necessary to maintain good sportsmanship and civility. Ultimately, the best method for intimidating your opponent is by developing practices that accentuate and improve your own confidence.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Conveying Physical Confidence

  1. Image titled Intimidate Opponents Step 1
    1
    Stand tall. Your posture is the key to conveying your confidence. A slouched or hunched-over posture implies fear and a lack of self-assurance. Keep your back straight and your shoulders squared. This tells your opponent that you are ready to compete and are confident in your abilities.[1]
    • Taking this posture, even if you are not feeling confident, will help you develop a more assured attitude. Acting confidently can lead to you feeling more confident.[2]
  2. Image titled Intimidate Opponents Step 2
    2
    Take up space. Walk around in an assertive manner while sticking out your chest and holding your head high. If you are standing, widen your stance by spreading your feet and bending your knees. Expanding your physical space makes you appear more powerful and confident, possibly shaking your opponent’s self-assurance.[3]
    • Avoid standing with your feet closely together. This can make you appear fearful.
    • Try crossing your arms across your chest. This makes you appear bigger and more intimidating.[4]
    Advertisement
  3. Image titled Intimidate Opponents Step 3
    3
    Speak with a low tone. Lowering your vocal pitch conveys authority and confidence. High-pitched voices, on the other hand, convey nervousness and weakness. Maintaining a low, yet natural, tone will help you appear more in control. [5]
    • Practice putting your lips together and saying, “Um hum, um hum, um hum.” This will help relax your voice and lower your pitch.
  4. Image titled Intimidate Opponents Step 4
    4
    Maintain eye contact. Look your opponent in the eye and avoiding breaking their gaze. A timid glance tells your opponent that you are insecure in your abilities and intimidated by them. When you meet your opponent, look into their eyes long enough to see what color they are.[6]
    • Try looking at your opponent’s forehead if you are uncomfortable maintaining eye contact. This gives the appearance of eye contact without actually doing it.
  5. Image titled Intimidate Opponents Step 5
    5
    Have a smile on your face. A friendly look will convey to your opponent that you are not nervous and, therefore, not intimidated by them. Although severity can appear intimidating, it is more likely to make your opponent think you are nervous. Smiling will also help you relax and help you feel more confident about the situation.[7]
    • Smiling at your opponent can actually improve their attitude towards you, challenge the negative image of you in their head.
    6. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Demonstrating Your Poise

  1. Image titled Intimidate Opponents Step 6
    1
    Maintain a calm demeanor. Although it may appear that acting aggressive and excited will be the best way to intimidate your opponent, keeping a relaxed and even attitude will better convey your confidence. If you are acting overly animated, your opponent is likely to interpret your behavior as a mask for nervousness and fear. Demonstrating a relaxed attitude conveys confidence and self-assurance that will shake your opponent’s confidence.[8]
    • Avoid acting too nonchalant. This will convey to your opponent that you do not care and are an easy opponent.
  2. Image titled Intimidate Opponents Step 7
    2
    Wear powerful clothing. For a competition where you are not wearing a uniform and get to pick your own attire, wear something that exudes confidence. Professional attire, such as a suit, conveys authority and self-assurance. With extra padding and layers, these outfits can also make you appear more intimidating and help your feel more in charge.[9]
    • Make sure that your attire is appropriate for your competition. Wearing the wrong clothes conveys that you are ill prepared and are not a serious threat.
  3. Image titled Intimidate Opponents Step 8
    3
    Show-off your physique. If you are competing in a physical activity, demonstrate to your opponent that your body is ready for the challenge. Be sure to wear clothing that accentuates your muscles and highlights your physicality.
    • You may want to do some push-ups or other light exercises beforehand to make sure your muscles are looking firm, but do not overdo it. Save your energy for your event.
  4. Image titled Intimidate Opponents Step 9
    4
    Exhibit your skills. Before you compete, practice your talents in front of your opponent. Hit a few three-point shots in warm-ups or demonstrate a complicated maneuver you have mastered. This conveys to your opponent that you are skilled and know what you are doing.
    • Avoid doing something that you are less capable of pulling off. If you try it and fail, your opponent will take you less seriously and it may shake your own confidence.
  5. Image titled Intimidate Opponents Step 10
    5
    Chat with your opponent. Let your opponent know that you are not intimidated by having a congenial conversation. Ask your opponent how they are doing and if they are excited for the competition. This is good sportsmanship and conveys to your opponent that you are not afraid of them.
    • Do not talk too much to your opponent. This will help you avoid breaking the rules, starting a fight, or allowing yourself to be intimidated by your opponent.
    • Avoid trash talking. Although this may seem like a good way to get in your opponent’s head, it will distract you from what you need to do to win. It is also poor sportsmanship and, depending on what kind of activity you are participating in, may result in a penalty.[10]
  6. Image titled Intimidate Opponents Step 11
    6
    Be assertive but not overly aggressive. It is important to control the flow of events during the competition. Being passive gives your opponent the upper hand and allows them to dictate the pace of the contest. However, it is important to avoid being overly aggressive or violent. Not only is this considered poor sportsmanship that may result in a penalty, it will also distract you from what you are trying to accomplish.[11]
    • Being violent will make it hard for you to be a good team player. Try not to let your opponent get you angry.
    7. Advertisement
Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Preparing for Competition

  1. Image titled Intimidate Opponents Step 12
    1
    Understand your own abilities. Be realistic about your strengths and limitations. Develop strategies that emphasize your assets while preparing for attacks against your weaknesses. This will help you feel in control and confident as you prepare for the contest.[12]
    • Working with a coach or trainer is a great way to get a better understanding of your skills. They bring extra expertise that can boost your skills and confidence.
  2. Image titled Intimidate Opponents Step 13
    2
    Practice your skills. The surest way to feel confident going into a competition is to have honed your talents through practice. In the days or weeks before a competition, practice your skill regularly and work diligently to improve it. This will help you feel prepared and confident going into an event. [13]
    • Avoid over exerting yourself and make sure that you get plenty of rest. Overexertion can leave you feeling fatigued and sap your confidence. Give yourself plenty of rest before your competition.
  3. Image titled Intimidate Opponents Step 14
    3
    Develop focusing strategies. Before your competition, find a practice that will help you focus and control your emotions during the contest. Finding and utilizing a strategy that works for you will help you feel more confident going into your activity and convey to your opponent that you are in control.[14]
    • Try listening to music that helps you get pumped up but also helps you focus.
    • Breathing exercises can help calm your nerves before a contest.
    • Meditation can also help you rein in your anxieties and focus your mind.
  4. Image titled Intimidate Opponents Step 15
    4
    Anticipate and plan for distractions. Before you begin a competition, understand what factors may make it hard for you to concentrate. Will your family be attending? What are the negative and positive consequences of the contest? Understanding and planning for how to deal with these distractions will help you clear your mind and remove doubt that can undermine your confidence. [15]
  5. Image titled Intimidate Opponents Step 16
    5
    Know your opponent. Develop an understanding of your opponent’s strategies and style. Study how you competed with this person in previous contests or how they competed with someone else. Knowing your opponent will help you feel better prepared and, therefore, more confident before your contest.[16]
    • What methods has your opponent used in previous contests?
    • Is there a particular facet of the competition that they have mastered?
    • How does their style compare to yours?
    • Are there any weaknesses that you can exploit?
  6. Image titled Intimidate Opponents Step 17
    6
    Get familiar with the surroundings. Depending on the type of competition, you may find yourself in an unfamiliar location. Before competing, understand what the facilities are like and how they will influence your performance. Understanding how factors, such as the crowd or the weather, might affect your strategy, and planning accordingly, will help you feel prepared and confident when you compete. [17]
    • Playing an opponent in their home facility is particularly difficult. Utilize your focusing strategies to block out external factors.
  7. Image titled Intimidate Opponents Step 18
    7
    Stick with your routine. Maintaining your daily habits is essential to staying focused for a competition. This helps you stay comfortable and limits stress. Feeling comfortable and relaxed is crucial to staying confident going into a competition.[18]
    • Try developing a daily schedule if you cannot stick with your daily routines.
    8. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

  • Question
    How do you intimidate people?
    Klare Heston, LCSW
    Klare Heston, LCSW
    Licensed Social Worker
    Klare Heston is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker based in Cleveland, Ohio. With experience in academic counseling and clinical supervision, Klare received her Master of Social Work from the Virginia Commonwealth University in 1983. She also holds a 2-Year Post-Graduate Certificate from the Gestalt Institute of Cleveland, as well as certification in Family Therapy, Supervision, Mediation, and Trauma Recovery and Treatment (EMDR).
    Klare Heston, LCSW
    Klare Heston, LCSW
    Licensed Social Worker
    Expert Answer
    People can intimidate you by looks, words, threats, or physical posture--like blocking a door entrance or staring you down when you make a suggestion they don't like.
  • Question
    What is intimidating behavior?
    Klare Heston, LCSW
    Klare Heston, LCSW
    Licensed Social Worker
    Klare Heston is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker based in Cleveland, Ohio. With experience in academic counseling and clinical supervision, Klare received her Master of Social Work from the Virginia Commonwealth University in 1983. She also holds a 2-Year Post-Graduate Certificate from the Gestalt Institute of Cleveland, as well as certification in Family Therapy, Supervision, Mediation, and Trauma Recovery and Treatment (EMDR).
    Klare Heston, LCSW
    Klare Heston, LCSW
    Licensed Social Worker
    Expert Answer
    Intimidating behavior is anything intentional you do that causes harm or fear in the other person to accomplish your own goals.
  • Question
    What is psychological intimidation?
    Klare Heston, LCSW
    Klare Heston, LCSW
    Licensed Social Worker
    Klare Heston is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker based in Cleveland, Ohio. With experience in academic counseling and clinical supervision, Klare received her Master of Social Work from the Virginia Commonwealth University in 1983. She also holds a 2-Year Post-Graduate Certificate from the Gestalt Institute of Cleveland, as well as certification in Family Therapy, Supervision, Mediation, and Trauma Recovery and Treatment (EMDR).
    Klare Heston, LCSW
    Klare Heston, LCSW
    Licensed Social Worker
    Expert Answer
    Psychological intimidation is controlling and maneuvering behaviors and statements that get another person to do what you want. It violates their autonomy and self-respect.
Advertisement

You Might Also Like

Deal With Backstabbers
How to
Deal With Backstabbers
Deal With Rumors
How to
Deal With Rumors
Get Someone to Leave You Alone
How to
Get Someone to Leave You Alone
Recognize a Controlling Person
How to
Recognize a Controlling Person
Apology Messages for Your Love33 Sweet & Romantic Apology Messages for Your Love
Apologise to Your Boyfriend Through Text
How to
Apologise to Your Boyfriend Through Text
How Long Should I Wait to Text My Ex GirlfriendHow Long Should I Wait to Text My Ex-Girlfriend?
How Long Does the No Contact Rule Take to WorkHow Long Does the No Contact Rule Take to Work?
Make a Cheating Boyfriend Feel Bad
How to
Make a Cheating Boyfriend Feel Bad
Win a Fight in Under 30 Seconds
How to
Win a Fight in Under 30 Seconds
Take Revenge on Your Enemies
How to
Take Revenge on Your Enemies
What to Do when Your Girlfriend Lied to YouWhat Should You Do After Your Girlfriend Lies to You?
Remind Someone PolitelyHow to Politely Remind Someone to Reply to You
How Normal Is Fighting in a RelationshipHow Normal Is Fighting in a Relationship? Healthy vs. Toxic Fights
Advertisement

References

  1. ↑ http://www.forbes.com/sites/carolkinseygoman/2013/08/21/12-body-language-tips-for-career-success/#2e4903c52a13
  2. ↑ https://www.ted.com/talks/amy_cuddy_your_body_language_shapes_who_you_are
  3. ↑ http://www.forbes.com/sites/carolkinseygoman/2013/08/21/12-body-language-tips-for-career-success/#2e4903c52a13
  4. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/spycatcher/201410/9-truths-exposing-myth-about-body-language
  5. ↑ http://www.forbes.com/sites/carolkinseygoman/2013/08/21/12-body-language-tips-for-career-success/#2e4903c52a13
  6. ↑ http://www.forbes.com/pictures/fgdd45eidg/good-eye-contact/
  7. ↑ http://www.forbes.com/sites/carolkinseygoman/2013/08/21/12-body-language-tips-for-career-success/#2e4903c52a13
  8. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-power-prime/201607/strengthen-your-confidence-muscle-champion
  9. ↑ http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2644076/You-DRESS-Clothing-significant-effect-self-esteem-confidence-claims-expert.html
  1. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/articles/199909/the-art-trash-talk
  2. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/articles/199201/the-iceman-brawleth
  3. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-power-prime/201607/strengthen-your-confidence-muscle-champion
  4. ↑ https://sportmedbc.com/article/preparing-mentally-competition
  5. ↑ https://sportmedbc.com/article/preparing-mentally-competition
  6. ↑ https://sportmedbc.com/article/preparing-mentally-competition
  7. ↑ https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/204092
  8. ↑ https://sportmedbc.com/article/preparing-mentally-competition
  9. ↑ https://sportmedbc.com/article/preparing-mentally-competition

About This Article

Klare Heston, LCSW
Co-authored by:
Klare Heston, LCSW
Licensed Social Worker
This article was co-authored by Klare Heston, LCSW. Klare Heston is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker based in Cleveland, Ohio. With experience in academic counseling and clinical supervision, Klare received her Master of Social Work from the Virginia Commonwealth University in 1983. She also holds a 2-Year Post-Graduate Certificate from the Gestalt Institute of Cleveland, as well as certification in Family Therapy, Supervision, Mediation, and Trauma Recovery and Treatment (EMDR). This article has been viewed 96,872 times.
18 votes - 83%
Co-authors: 21
Updated: March 29, 2019
Views: 96,872
Categories: Managing Conflict and Difficult Interactions
Advertisement