Ok, i've been busy... lets see what you think of this lads...

The Picard Manoeuvre

Primary Objectives: Getting Noticed, Creating Value, Creating Opportunity

Requires: One Wingman

Target: 2-set or greater


The main inspiration for this manoeuvre came from observation of a classic phenomenon in the pickup world.
The classic scenario of catching the gaze of a woman, and thinking that for one moment, she is looking at you, signalling her interest, in a way of smiling or perhaps waving toward you. However as you reciprocate her smile or gaze, you notice that her friend emerges from behind you, and you were simply in between the two of them. The real embarrassment comes when you get caught reciprocating her wave or smile, by either the woman or her friend, and they notice this dorky, chodesque man who thinks he’s got her attention.

With the help of a good wingman, I have devised a way of using this scenario to your advantage.

With some simple planning and a degree of subtlety, you can manufacture this situation, only with reversed roles. You become the object of attention, and your target is the one seeking reciprocation.

Step One: Identify

Select a target. You will need a wingman to pull off this manoeuvre, so for etiquette and maximum value, it would be best to select a target that is part of a set. A 2 set would be ideal if it is just you and your wingman, however if there are more in the set, then that’s even better!

You must identify your set form reasonable range, so that you aren’t noticed by the targets.


Step Two: Roles and Position

Select Roles. One of you is the ‘Waver’ and one of you is the ‘Return’

The Waver and Return must separate before moving into visual range, the Waver needs to position himself, in reasonably close proximity of the targets and needs to be on their face-side, so that he is in-view, should they look up towards him.

In the meantime, the Return must make his way to a position behind or passing behind the targets, on their blind-side, so he may not be seen.

The ideal situation is if the set is in the middle of a dancefloor, or bar area, or if the set is standing at the bar, the waver and return must be either end.



Step Three: Execution

The Return must manoeuvre as if he is passing behind the set, and must look to have purpose in his movements.
Timing in this part is critical, but if done correctly will work flawlessly!



The Waver now needs to approach the set, directly from the front, and wave towards them (if it is a louder venue, he should speak-up, shouting ‘Hey!’ or ‘Alright!?’… at the targets. The targets should now look up towards him, and have noticed him, as he appears to be waving or signalling to the targets in some way.



The Return must now, emerge form behind the targets, either around the side, or even step and return the wave through the middle.

Both the Return and Wave now approach each other and greet, just like you would after meeting your mate for the first time that evening.



The targets will now realise you weren’t waving at them (or at least think that) and may feel slightly silly that they returned your gaze!

If they did this, than that is good, you can return eye contact with them momentarily after you have greeted your wingman, sending the signal, that you noticed their mistake, but you are friendly, and are going to play it off as a funny, flirtatious moment with the target(s)!

This action, if done correctly, will have done the following.

1 – Got you noticed: The Set have noticed you, and as far as they understand, it will be them noticing YOU and not the other way around!

2 – Given Value: To both you and your wingman, you are set up nicely, and are proven to be sociable, relaxed out to have a good night!

3 – Given an Opportunity: You can now open the set in almost anyway you like, as you have already received an interaction from them, and even made eye-contact, you have made yourself familiar, and can start a conversation, by something as simple as saying ‘oops, sorry about that, was just saying hello to my mate… anyways, how is your evening going?...’. You have license to approach, and can use any natural or authentic approach you like, as the ice has been broken and familiarity is initiated.
You can even save the re-introduction until later if you really wish.

I field tested this manoeuvre lat week to great success, and believe it makes a fun, challenge for any person who wishes to seek alternative methods to conquering their anxiety of approaching, or those who just wish to try something new!

The name ‘The Picard Manoeuvre’ is a nod of course to Capt. Jean-Luc Picards’ ‘Picard Manoeuvre’.

I thought David/Dolphin & Riker might like that as it ties in nicely with my Forum Alias!

Anyways, If you want to give it a try, please do, and let us know how it goes!

Picard!