Ever wanted to be admired just like your character in Skyrim after you slay your first dragon? While it’s impossible to slay a dragon in these post-Dragonborn times, there are a few techniques you can use to gain the respect of the people around you. And – as an added bonus – they’re much safer and breathe less fire.

1. Keep those eyes up

As anyone who has watched someone play a Role-Playing Game (RPG) on a PC or console will attest, the most infuriating thing is seeing someone’s targeting reticule aimed squarely at the floor. Players get disorientated and are almost totally unaware of dangers lurking further down their path. In-game, keeping your aim on the horizon maximizes your field of view and helps keep you on the right track.

In real life (RL), doing the same offers some serious benefits. By keeping your head parallel to the ground and your eyes on the horizon, you look more confident to passers-by. This technique works to straighten your spine, helps combat posture problems, releasing pressure on your neck which opens up your wind pipe so you can breathe easy!

2. Always go Hands-Free

Secondly, it’s always helpful to remember to sheath your weapons. In most recent RPG-based video games, keeping your sword on your belt and your shield on your back increases the likeability of your character, and means a more friendly conversation with Non-Player Characters (NPCs). By disarming yourself, you are signalling that you wish to negotiate peacefully, and mean no harm.

Technically, Occupational Health & Safety laws will state that in an office situation, you shouldn’t carry a sword at all. But the empty-hands rule still applies. Open, empty palms are a sign that you are trustworthy, so if you’re about to have a chat with the boss, remember to pocket that pen.

This technique works the other way too. If you want to be more forceful , ball those fists up. Keep in mind this move is aggressive, so it’s best to avoid unless you want confrontation. In my experience, the boss can often be just as dangerous as the fire-breathing dragon mentioned previously.

3. Move yo’ body!

Finally, the easiest technique to master is the body turn. In my opinion, the most realistic thing you’ll see in Role-Playing video games is “contextual volume levelling” if  you ignore an NPC while they’re talking. If you’re not looking at the character, chances are you’re not interested in what they’re saying. The game will recognise this and tune them out.

Your brain does this subconsciously every day when you’re out and about, so it’s easy to see those engaged in conversation and those begging for an excuse to leave – use this technique to your advantage!

If you’re talking to someone and you want to seem more interested, turn your body to face them. If you want to send them the message to wrap things up, turn your body away. And don’t forget the ultimate RPG Hero Intervention – if you see someone desperately looking to escape a conversation, rush over and change the topic. Who knows? You might even meet a new friend.