Richard Wiseman gives solid support to a sentiment that has been echoing in the psychology community lately: positive thinking does not work, and can at worst be detrimental. In other words, inner game is futile when it comes to becoming a more attractive person.

One thing does work though: acting the part. Fake it till you make it. Forget trying to convince yourself that you're a confident, charismatic guy; simply act like a confident, charismatic guy, and that part will come by itself. Wiseman's article cites research that shows that just one minute of dominant posing provides a real boost in confidence, and that acting young could be of great health benefit for older men.

So how do you act like a confident, charismatic guy? My prescription:

  • Take up space. Keep your feet a bit apart. Spread your shoulders wide. Fill out the seats. Straighten your back. Inflate your chest. Assuming a strong, confident physical posture will make you feel more confident and powerful. This will spark a cycle of confidence, and your body language will adjust accordingly.

  • Keep still. High-status, high-confidence people are characterized by fewer unnecessary movements. Think James Bond. Don't make fast movements. Stop fidgeting with your clothes, hair or face.

  • Take your time. Speak slowly. Create an air of confidence by lowering your intonation at the end of sentences. Use pauses when speaking. Pausing a little before speaking can be very powerful.

  • Increase eye contact. Warm, friendly eye contact. Be present in the moment. The eyes are the windows to the soul, and that's not just an expression.

Stare like a lover, stand like a gorilla, speak like a preacher, and soon enough you'll become that admirable, confident and charismatic man.