15 Ways to Improve Your Charisma
by www.SixWise.com
You recognize them by the twinkle in their eye, their smile
that oozes confidence (but not arrogance), and that certain
something you can't quite put your finger on, but that draws
you in, makes you want more of them.
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Experts say while 50 percent of charisma is innate,
the other half is trained, which means everyone has
an opportunity to hone their charisma skills.
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That "something" is charisma, and it's what sets
a great orator apart from an ordinary speaker, a salesperson
of the year apart from a mediocre one -- even a beloved president
apart from a losing candidate.
The word "charisma" comes from the Greek word 'charis,'
or grace, and people who possess it have gained a great advantage.
A number of studies have found that people are genuinely drawn
to charismatic individuals, and are more willing to buy from
them, be influenced by them and even vote for them in a presidential
election.
"Elections are supposed to be about issues . . . but
a number of ingenious experiments show that how a politician
looks and comes across to voters can make a huge difference
in the outcome of an election," wrote Shankar Vedantam
in a November Washington Post article.
50 Percent of Charisma is Innate, but 50 Percent is Trained
According to British professor and psychologist Richard Wiseman,
charisma is so influential that people naturally want to mimic
the body language and facial expressions of someone with charisma.
"When you see someone else who has charisma, without
realizing it, you're mimicking their posture and their facial
expressions," says Wiseman. "An obvious example
is when someone smiles at you and you smile back. And how
you hold yourself influences your emotions ... You're unaware
you're mimicking this person, although you know they make
you feel happy."
Wiseman points out that charismatic people exhibit three
attributes:
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They feel emotions strongly
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They induce emotions in others
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They are not influenced by other charismatic people
If you want to be more charismatic (and thereby increase
your chances of everything from finding your true love to
getting a promotion at work), there's good news.
While about 50 percent of charisma is innate, Wiseman says
that the other 50 percent is trained ... which means everyone
can learn how to be charismatic.
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How do You Present Yourself to the
World?
Simple, everyday actions can make all the difference
in whether you're perceived by others as charismatic
and confident. For instance, do you greet people with
a firm handshake and steady gaze, or avert your eyes
and walk the other way? Are you eager to hear what others
tell you, or do you shut them out mentally as soon as
they begin to talk?
With the following quiz you can find out just how assertively
you come across to other people, and where your level
of charisma falls.
Find
Out How You Present Yourself to the World Now!
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"There are some people who are just lucky buggers and
are just naturally charismatic, like Johnny Depp, David Bowie
and Marilyn Monroe," says broadcaster and confidence
tutor Jeremy Milnes. "But I honestly believe that these
are techniques and skills which can be learned and practiced
and can be made part of your own behavior."
15 Tips to Develop Your Charisma
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Assume every person you meet is important, and treat
him or her as such.
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Shake hands strongly and firmly (and, even better, say
something positive while doing so).
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Keep an open body posture, with your hands away from
your face while speaking.
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Stand up straight and tall, but not rigidly.
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When speaking to a group, speak conversationally from
a bulleted list (not by reading from a script).
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Take the time to remember people's names, and use them
in conversation.
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Look at the color of people's eyes (they will notice
the extra attention you're giving them).
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Compliment people freely (as long as the compliments
are sincere).
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Notice and acknowledge people's strengths and accomplishments.
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Use pauses while you speak to create emphasis.
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Take care of your outside appearance (look your best).
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Smile, ideally a little bit longer than the person you're
looking at.
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Hear the emotions in people's words, and respond to
them.
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Use positive body
language, including maintaining eye contact, briefly
touching a person on the upper arm, and moving around
while you speak.
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Be genuinely interested in those around you (ask them
their opinions, inquire about their life and interests,
listen and don't interrupt).
Recommended Reading
How
Your Body Language Conveys Confidence, Intelligence and Trust
... or a Lack There of
How
to Overcome Your Fear of Failure
Sources
BBC
News
The
Star-Ledger
The
Santa Fe New Mexican