I have got feedback from a lot of people that I look "studious", "nerdy", etc.
Now I have worked on improving my fashion and have been hitting the gym.
what confuses me is that some people appear smooth and dominant if they don't talk a lot and me being naturally less talkative appear "depressed".
are there any body language/ facial expressions/ voice/ etc that cause this difference?
Consider this:
Why are you less talkative?
What is the reason behind you choosing to talk less?
Too often we tell ourselves that we're being the cool, mysterious silent guy...
When in fact, there's something deeper going on behind our choice to be less talkative.
Often it's a fear of confrontation. Fear of interactions.
Instinctively, people will know exactly why you're being less talkative.
Those people you say who appear smooth and dominant even if they don't talk a lot...
Ever notice how, when they do talk or when the need arises to interact...
They spring right into it effortlessly?
And how, when they're done, they revert back to being less talkative, looking cool af?
That's cuz they have the social skill already built-in and now have the luxury to choose to be less talkative.
What you should do is talk more, not less.
Become comfortable with all facets of socializing.
Become the super talkative guy and learn to lead conversations and add good vibes.
It's essential to develop these skills.
Once you have them, if your natural inclincation is to be less talkative, then sure, you go ahead.
No facial expressions or body language will compensate for that lack of raw social skill where you're comfortable with confrontation and can maitain a solid frame.
Get that handled first.
The luxury of being less talkative is something you have to earn.