Years of dedicated martial arts training have resulted in a condition where my footfalls are nearly silent. This has led to some IPS problems. Specifically, the fact that people often jump when I "appear" in the room
When walking behind lone males on the sidewalk late at night, I've taken to scuffing my feet on the pavement to signal to the person in front that there is someone else on the sidewalk behind them. (This relates to "coming up on someone" from behind being often interpreted as hostile--anyone who has ever been "jumped" will know what I am speaking of.)
I also tend to walk more quickly than most, even using normal strides, so I tend to pass a lot of people on the sidewalk.
Question: What is the proper etiquette for making one's presence known, non-verbally, so as not to startle people when entering a room or when approaching from behind on the sidewalk at night?
[Note: Coughing can be considered non-verbal communication since verbal implies actual words.]