Space · rank 2 of 5 · being seen

The slow scan

Scan the whole room slowly for 60 seconds. Catch eyes, smile, nod. Look away first no more than twice.

Free. Nothing to download. Always take no for an answer.

Why it works

Eye-contact endurance is the fastest read people take on how comfortable you are.

A full slow sweep of the room for a minute. You meet eyes, nod or smile, and look away first no more than twice.

You keep looking away first. Count it, then do one more sweep. Endurance builds by the rep.

1
Before
Rate your nerves from 1 (panicking) to 10 (at ease), and guess how it will go.
2
Do it
Play the card. A no counts. A bail counts. Walking up to the moment is most of the rep.
3
After
Rate your nerves again and say what actually happened. The gap between the two numbers is the workout.

The Space suit · being looked at

Too big for tonight? Start at rank 1, Claim the rail. Cleared it? Rank 3 is Statue on Broadway.

1

Claim the rail

Take full space at the bar for 5 minutes: elbows wide, feet planted. Don't shrink when someone walks up.
2

The slow scan

Scan the whole room slowly for 60 seconds. Catch eyes, smile, nod. Look away first no more than twice.
3

Statue on Broadway

Stand completely still on a busy sidewalk, out of anyone's way, for 2 minutes. No phone.
4

Front and center

Take the most visible spot in the venue for two full songs, visibly enjoying yourself.
5

Dance floor pioneer

Be the first person dancing where nobody is dancing. Hold it for a full song.

The worst case is a stranger saying no, and you'll live.