The art of grabbing attention

We all have seen people that have an aura around them, people who grab everyone’s attention the moment they enter a room, people who exert a certain kind of power, influence or authority over a crowd or a group, people are always talking about them. What do they do to have that kind of air around them?

To understand this, we must first understand basic human psychology.

Robert Green in his book “48 Laws of Power” says:

He further says:

You must attach your name to a reputation that sets you apart. If you believe having your name attached to a scandal or controversy is bad, you cannot be farther from the truth. Notoriety of any sort will bring you power.

The same principle is applied by the young celebrities who want to sky-rocket their career, gets famous by attaching their name to a controversy, slander a well-know celebrity which keeps them in the limelight. We all can see through them and know what they are trying to do but we still give them attention, although this strategy is not perfect, the crowd must not see through you, if they know what you are trying to do, you will only get attention not power. WWE works in the same way, they make that wrestler/superstar the face of their company who is somewhat hated for their skill-set by the people but it keeps them in the news and they know it.

Society loves larger-than-life characters, people who stand above the general mediocrity. All professions are ruled by this law.

An air of mystery heightens your presence, never show all your cards and create anticipation.

In the past, the world was filled with unknowable, what we could not understand and comprehend, we gave them the stature of spirit or even god. And now when the world has grown familiar, an air of mystery could go a long way as we secretly crave enigmas that cannot be interpreted.

By holding back, saying less, acting unpredictably will instantly maximize your presence. Plus by holding your thoughts, you will be able to observe the person talking and gain insight into their thoughts and they can also say something they would regret later because people have an uncanny habit of filling the silence with talking. Most people are like an open-book, they say what they feel to anyone regardless of their consequences and consistently talk about their future plans. It also gives them the false satisfaction equivalent to reaching a goal by talking about it.

Air of mystery can make stupidity intelligent and profound. Acting odd every now and then can make others on the defensive trying to figure you out.

People hate being kept in the unknown. It undermines them, it is a source of anxiety for them.

By behaving radically and not submitting to the perception they have of you will force them to take back-foot and be on the defensive. They will strive to make sense out of your actions which will keep the thought of you in their minds and bring you influence and power. Your ambiguous words and actions will be interpreted in more than one ways and can lead them down the wrong path.

You know attention is bad when it attacks your reputation and decreases respect. Never crave cheap attention. If it does not increase your power or prestige, you don’t need it. There are times when notoriety is last thing you want in the world.

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