My brother the paramedic, is well practiced in getting strangers to do what he needs. Only a few calls are dramatic or dangerous, but I guess a lot of his daily work involves getting people to move back or hold a door open, or stuff like that.

Being with him in his civilian clothes in, say, a crowded shopping mall and barking out "Excuse me! Coming through!" because people are blocking his route to the coffee shop or something, and seeing the sea of people just part in front of him is impressive. Having an authoritative voice and a lot of self-confidence does wonders, apparently.

I've tried doing the same. Doesn't work for me. :(