You take the aggression of the adds, making them attack you rather than the tank.

The only way to do this is either to attack first (but the tank can take agro back with a taunt)
Taunt with sword and board skill puncture.
Taunt with Undaunted skill Inner Fire/Rage.
Taunt with an Ice Staff heavy attack.

The thing with adds or bosses is after 3 taunts in 15 seconds they become taunt immune, and if they were last taunted by you will continue to attack you for a further 15 seconds until tank can take taunt back.

Ice Staff is a tanking weapon. If you're using one, you are taunting mobs and bosses with your heavy attacks,drawing aggro, and making it harder for everyone else in your party to do their job.


There are ways around the taunt, making it possible to be an Ice Mage without drawing aggro, but most groups will assume the worst of a dps with an Ice Staff and vote to kick immediately.

Switch to fire and lightning and you'll be fine.