Charisma

Charisma

What is charisma? Charisma is actually a difficult word to elaborate, let alone define, but charisma is believed to be a rare trait that can be found in some people who have magnetic personalities and who have extreme charm.

These people also have the ability to dissuade or persuade people, and can negotiate on some terms easily. The people who have charisma often have the ability to lead a group of people, inspire, charm, influence or persuade other people.

Among the major traits of people with charisma are the following: unusual calmness, assertiveness, confidence, focus, authenticity, and have the gift of oratorical speaking. These people are either loved, or hated by most.

Leaders who have charismatic personality are believed to be Nelson Mandela, Mother Theresa, Martin Luther King and even Elvis Presley. Actors and actresses are also considered to have charisma. Stars such as Marilyn Monroe, James Dean, Greta Garbo, Sophia Loren, or Rock Hudson are often treated to have this type of personality since they know how to influence people. After all, they have fans left and right to back this up.

So how do this people have charisma? More importantly, how is charisma developed? To learn to have charisma is not really something to be discussed about since according to some scholars, charisma can’t be that learned easily. The personality traits of these people are innate, and are developed over the years.

But according to Professor Richard Wiseman, here are the three attributes of what a person with charisma possess – people with charisma have strong emotional vibes; they are also able to sense these emotions with other people; and that they are able to put a strong foothold on these emotions with other people.

The following are Professor Wiseman's general tips on how to be more charismatic:

In general, you just have to relax with upright posture, and that hands should be away from the body when talking.

When talking with people, appear genuinely interested in what they have to say by nodding as they are talking along, smiling, and of course, maintaining eye contact. Express interest in whatever they have to say.

When appearing in front of a group, move around onstage which signifies that you are genuinely interested in delivering the speech. This means that you are quite comfortable talking with them.

When delivering a message, be clear and concise. And always have answers ready in case you’re being asked questions by the audience.

In your speech, always be forceful and articulate; don’t be so monotonous. Be clear; try to emphasize words that need emphasizing.