Earning respect is typically a long-term process built on character, integrity, and consistency. However, there are psychological techniques that can make people respect you almost instantly. By applying these six strategies, you can elevate your presence and influence in any social or professional setting.
1. Upgrade Your Thin Slice
First impressions are powerful. Studies suggest people form opinions about others within just five seconds of meeting them. While you can’t control every aspect of your appearance, you can optimize your “thin slice”—the initial impression you project.
One of the easiest ways to do this is through your clothing. Many people unconsciously dress to blend in, fearing judgment. Instead, follow these two simple rules:
- Dress one level above the situation. A well-put-together look makes people take notice and respect you.
- Choose clothes that fit and flatter your body type rather than focusing solely on expensive brands.
By refining your style, you immediately convey confidence, competence, and presence. This unconsciously makes people respect you more.
2. Take Up More Space
Confident body language is key to making people respect you more. People who physically take up more space naturally project authority. Notice how influential figures like Tony Robbins own the space around them.
Taking up space doesn’t mean making grandiose gestures—it can be as subtle as:
- Sitting with an open, relaxed posture instead of shrinking into your seat
- Rolling your shoulders back and standing taller to expand your presence
- Using natural but expressive gestures while speaking
These small adjustments signal self-assuredness, making others more likely to respect you.
3. Get Comfortable with Physical Touch
Touch is a fundamental part of human connection. Confident people naturally incorporate appropriate platonic touch into their interactions. However, it must be done correctly to avoid discomfort.
Follow these four principles:
- Keep touch limited to non-central areas like the hands, arms, shoulders, and upper back.
- Keep it brief—less than five seconds—to avoid awkwardness.
- Be universal; show warmth to everyone rather than singling out one person.
- Read body language and adjust—if someone stiffens or pulls away, respect their boundaries.
When done right, a handshake, pat on the back, or shoulder touch can build trust and connection.
4. Finish Your Sentences
Allowing yourself to be frequently interrupted signals that you believe others’ opinions are more valuable than yours. To command respect, ensure that you finish your sentences, even when interrupted.
Take a cue from confident speakers like Will Smith and Russell Brand. Instead of rushing or getting flustered, they simply maintain their normal pace and complete their thoughts. A steady, assertive tone ensures people listen to what you have to say.
This doesn’t mean talking over others or dominating conversations. But when you have the floor, don’t let yourself be silenced. Finishing your sentences establishes authority and confidence.
5. Compliment Your Competition
Trying to tear others down often backfires, making you look insecure and envious. Instead, confident individuals openly acknowledge their competition’s strengths. Doing this shows that you are secure in yourself and that you don’t feel threatened by others’ success.
For example, Jordan Peterson, despite his religious beliefs, acknowledges the intellectual strength of atheism. Similarly, Barack Obama has publicly praised political opponents, demonstrating both confidence and class.
In the workplace, complimenting a colleague’s work can elevate your own credibility. In dating and social situations, speaking positively about others makes you seem more attractive and secure.
6. Openly Share Your Flaws
Many people believe they must hide their imperfections to gain respect, but the opposite is often true. When you openly acknowledge your flaws, you show confidence in who you are.
Brad Pitt, for example, humorously poked fun at himself in an award speech, earning laughter and admiration. Eminem used this strategy in 8 Mile, turning his perceived weaknesses into strengths and winning over his audience.
The key to using this trick effectively is delivery:
- Share your flaws as a joke or with a confident, factual tone.
- Maintain strong eye contact and avoid fidgeting to show self-assurance.
- Don’t overdo it—owning your flaws doesn’t mean putting yourself down excessively.
By embracing your shortcomings instead of hiding them, you demonstrate unshakable self-confidence, which earns respect.
These six psychological tricks can significantly enhance the respect you command in social and professional settings. However, their effectiveness is maximized when backed by authentic confidence.
Developing deep, unwavering confidence is a lifelong process, but by mastering these strategies, you can start projecting authority, charisma, and respect instantly.
