It can take some practice to get a perfect serious expression. Practice in front of the mirror. You can also ask for honest feedback. Take a picture of your serious face and send it to a friend. Have him guess what emotion you’re trying to convey.
If you have a natural tendency to giggle when nervous, work against it. Focus extra hard on the conversation if you feel the need to giggle creeping in. Keep in mind it’s rude not to smile or giggle ever. If a co-worker makes a joke, offer a smile and a brief giggle; however, keep it under control. Uproarious laughter is unlikely to make you look serious. Practicing deep breathing can help you calm yourself and it gives you something to pay attention to if you’re trying to avoid nervous giggling.
Avoid making eye contact with people around you. Fold your arms and cross your legs. Stay quiet and maintain a serious expression. You do not stay in this pose permanently. You only need to hold it until you work through your thoughts. Holding it too long may look awkward.
This can be particularly helpful in a business negotiation. You will look unfazed by the other party’s offers, leading them to believe you’re not easily intimidated. Keep in mind this technique is not appropriate for every situation. A business meeting, or a school function, may warrant a neutral expression, but it may not be appropriate in in casual conversation. You may come off as rude.
Just before you have to act serious, put your lips together and say, “Um huh, um huh” several times. This helps relax your vocal cords, helping you better control your pitch.
Make sure you use standard English and follow grammatical rules. For example, do not say, “Where are y’all going for drinks after work?” Instead, say, “Where are we going tonight after work?” Avoid slang words and profanity. These will not only make you sound less serious, they can get you in trouble at work. Be polite. Following traditional rules of courtesy can help your professional appearance. In a meeting, for example, say something like, “Excuse me, Mr. Wilson, I’d like to share my thoughts on that matter, if possible. "
It can help to make a schedule for yourself. For example, from 11 to noon, you return emails. From noon to one, you work on a report. Multitasking encourages your brain to divide its attention. It can actually make you less productive, as you’ll have trouble focusing enough to complete tasks efficiently.
You can also try pinching yourself or biting the inside of your cheek, or taking a long, deep breath to regain your composure.
Turn your phone off when you’re at your desk or at a meeting. Do not take out your cell phone during work or school. You can catch up on calls or texts after you finish work for the day.
Take steps to make sure you know your obligations. A calendar, with reminders for certain deadlines, can help. It can be very beneficial to you to look dependable. Dependable people may be more likely to be chosen for certain opportunities.
Take this as an opportunity to do a major overhaul of your workspace. Stop by a local print shop and pick up a variety of folders and files. Organize your work by categories, due dates, and so on. To-do lists and reminders can help. Leave reminders around your home, office, and workspace regarding deadlines. Keep a to-do list every day and check off tasks as you complete them.
If you act serious during conversations, people may misread this as aloof. Eventually, people may realize you’re simply very focused on the conversation, but an initial impression can be hard to shake. Balance out the serious act with cues that show you’re listening. Do not cross your arms, or put a bag on your lap. This looks like you’re shutting someone out. Make eye contact on occasion, and try to look comfortable. Do not fidget or squirm during conversation.
Let people into your personal space. Allow for casual touching, like a pat on the shoulder or back. Show people you’re listening a little bit more. Respond with comments like, “Hmmm,” or, “I see. " Nod as a person talks. Soften your facial muscles a bit, abandoning the serious expression. Smile and laugh when appropriate.
Go for a walk outside during break time. If you’re near a park or woods, walk around there. If you work in the city, take hikes during the weekend. You may have to drive, or take a train, to get out of town.
Set a reminder on your phone that goes off every 50 minutes, letting you know you need to take a break. Breaks do not have to be long. You can simply get up and stretch for a few minutes, or go get a cup of coffee or tea.
