How to Get Through a Crowd of People Faster

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This is a guide to how to get through a crowd of people without having to dodge everybody.

[edit] Steps

  1. Walk deliberately; people will get out of the way if you just look forward and don't stop.
  2. Be prepared to weave through groups of people at will. Square your shoulders, and set your elbows at a casually defensive angle.
  3. The most important thing is to LOOK directly at the point you're trying to get to. This means the best place to set your gaze is about 5 metres in front of you, looking downward but with your face up, so that people can clearly see where you're going.
  4. Don't make eye contact! This is where things get confusing. Make a conscious decision to look where you're going, and let other people move out of your way.


[edit] Tips

  • It always helps to have a specific destination in mind. Your body language will transmit this to others and they will tend to make way.
  • If someone in front of you is going where you should be going, follow their route around the people. They will 'pave the way' for you.
  • If you are with a group, make sure they are following behind you, rather than beside you. In some cases it might be helpful for them to hold onto the back of your shirt so they don't get lost.
  • Avoid eye contact. Watching people's feet gives a much better read of their intentions as you weave through a crowd.
  • Scan the floor space directly ahead of you, and anticipate your route around slower walkers and obstacles.
  • Looking at the floor and watching people's feet is especially helpful when merging into a crowd through narrow areas, e.g., staircases, doorways.
  • As a rule of thumb, pass behind someone rather than in front when he or she is crossing in front of you.
  • Don't step on people. If you do, apologize and be on your way.
  • If people bump into you, don't get annoyed. Just move on.
  • In some situations, it's not worth the stress of hurrying. Assess the necessity to get through a crowd quickly. If you don't need to be somewhere right away, it might just be better to wait things out.
  • You could also try to beat the crowd by being at that place earlier or using alternative routes.
  • If you must get through a dense standing crowd, e.g., inside a very crowded bus or runners waiting for a marathon start, raise your hand, clearly indicate the direction in which you wish to move, and say authoritatively, "Excuse me."


[edit] Warnings

  • Do not do anything rude to people when trying to get by. This may make them angry at you and it could turn violent.
  • Do not push through the crowd, and do not run. Someone is really likely to get hurt.

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Categories:Stub | Social Gatherings

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Anonymous, Flickety, Nicole Willson, Ben Rubenstein, Lillian A, Eric Burge, Scott, Bo, Travis Derouin, Raymond Moy, Horses4Ever, Maniac, toothis, Lillian May, Muhamad Danial
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