Speak Like A Leader : Lessons from Tommy Shelby of Peaky Blinders
People love Tommy Shelby from Peaky Blinders for his quiet, introverted nature combined with extreme charisma. While you might not want to emulate Tommy in every way, there are eight habits you can learn from him to command more respect from those around you. Although Peaky Blinders is a scripted TV show, the psychology discussed here applies to real life.
Slow, Relaxed Movements
Tommy’s slow and relaxed movements convey confidence and a lack of intimidation. When he’s not physically fighting, he’s almost never in a rush. This slow pace shows that he doesn’t feel scared or pressured.
Key Takeaways:
- Move slowly and comfortably in situations where most people would be stressed.
- This signals confidence and a sense of control.
Comfortable Eye Contact
Tommy maintains comfortable eye contact, even during conflicts. Holding eye contact during conflict can escalate tension if neither party breaks it. Know what your behavior signals to others:
- Hold eye contact to show you aren’t intimidated.
- Look down to deescalate.
- Break to the side to diffuse tension without projecting fear.
Example: Holding eye contact during a disagreement shows confidence and control.
Non-Reactivity
Tommy’s ability to remain non-reactive to hostility projects confidence. Being non-reactive shows you’re confident in handling whatever happens.
Example: Keeping cool under pressure, even with extreme situations like a gun to the head, demonstrates confidence.
Larger-than-Life Gestures
When addressing large groups, Tommy scales up his hand gestures to match the audience size, commanding attention.
Key Takeaway:
- Use larger gestures when speaking to more people to command attention.
Conviction in Speech
Tommy’s word choice shows conviction. He uses statements like “I will” instead of “I hope to” or “I want to.” Conviction can also be shown through tone, avoiding upward inflections that make statements sound like questions.
Example: “I will change the world” carries more conviction than “I hope to change the world.”
Slow Speaking Cadence
Tommy’s slow speaking cadence and strategic pauses hold attention. Pauses can pull people in, especially when they want to hear what you have to say next.
Key Takeaway:
- Use pauses strategically to maintain attention and emphasize points.
Quiet Confidence
Tommy doesn’t need to shout because he understands what people want or fear, giving his quiet words significant weight.
Example: Knowing someone’s desires or fears allows you to communicate powerfully without raising your voice.
Cultivating Deep Internal Confidence
Tommy’s calm demeanor under pressure comes from knowing he’s not in danger. This deep internal confidence is cultivated over time.
Key Takeaway:
- Build genuine confidence through self-assurance and preparation.
Applying These Lessons to Your Life
You don’t need to emulate Tommy’s more extreme behaviors, like threatening violence. Instead, use these principles to navigate real-life situations, such as asking for a raise.
Example: Approach your boss with a concrete plan showing how you add value to the company. Have other job offers as leverage.
Conclusion
Commanding respect involves slow, confident movements, comfortable eye contact, non-reactivity, larger gestures in groups, conviction in speech, a slow speaking cadence, quiet confidence, and deep internal confidence. By adopting these habits, you can navigate life with the charisma and respect that Tommy Shelby commands.
FAQs
Q1: Why does moving slowly convey confidence? Moving slowly and comfortably signals that you don’t feel scared or pressured, conveying confidence and control.
Q2: How can I maintain eye contact without escalating tension? Hold eye contact to show confidence, look down to deescalate, and break to the side to diffuse tension without showing fear.
Q3: What is the importance of non-reactivity? Being non-reactive shows that you are confident in your ability to handle any situation, which commands respect.
Q4: How can I show conviction in my speech? Use strong, definitive statements and avoid upward inflections that make statements sound like questions.
Q5: How do I build deep internal confidence? Cultivate genuine confidence through self-assurance, preparation, and understanding your strengths and abilities.