Anyone who’s spent five minutes in my presence knows I’m (mostly) harmless.
This doesn’t mean that I don’t acknowledge–and strategically apply–the fact that strangers (might) find me…menacing.
Example: I learned many years ago that Teddy Roosevelt could dilate his pupils on command. A very subtle, but incredibly useful negotiating technique, signaling on a subconscious level to anyone sitting across the table from him that they were in fact, dealing with a predator.
I spent years mastering this technique, while simultaneously flaring my nostrils. I used this technique in a meeting with one of my lawyers, who’d clearly forgotten who was working for whom.
“Outside of business acumen and ethics, there’s a singular quality I value in those I’ve hired to protect my interests, as it is a quality I value in myself.” “What is that”? he asked. I dilated my pupils, flared my nostrils, and summoned the most gravelly voice I could command, and replied
“An air of menace.” I said.
I managed not to burst out in hysterical laughter.
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