5 Qualities of Charismatic People. Are you charismatic?

We always say: “They are charismatic. Who wouldn’t want to look up to a charismatic person?!”

And who wouldn’t want to be charismatic? Synonyms for charisma are alluring, bewitching, captivating, fascinating, charming, enchanting, engaging, magnetic and seductive.

Why are some people charismatic and others are not? Are we born charismatic or do we cultivate it? And once you have it, can you lose it?

Everyone can be charismatic. We are not born charismatic – we cultivate it in many ways. One way is by observing and learning from people who you think are charismatic. You don’t need to copy them, but learn their secrets, try them on and fine-tune them until they fit you. It’s a trial and error process. Bad news is that once you have your charismatic status, you can lose it. But here’s the good news – if you lose it, with self awareness and effort, you can regain your charismatic ranking.

Here are 5 important qualities of a charismatic person – how many do you have?

Be Self Confident

• Like yourself. It’s much easier for others to like you if you like yourself.
• Be optimistic. Keep your glass half-full. Be enthusiastic.
• Be comfortable with who you are. Be consistent.
• Don’t: Trot out all your issues. We all have problems, but compartmentalize them, park them in a corner and bring them out for close friends and family.

Tell Great Stories

• The universe is made of stories, not of atoms.
• Speak with conviction. Use words like “I am sure” vs. tentative words like “I think, I hope and I feel.”
• Be tuned into humor. Self-deprecating humor can included – it’s ok to tell a story about an embarrassing moment.
• Be relevant. Know what’s happening in the world and around you. People want to be with people who are in the know.
• Don’t: Confuse humor with bad joke telling. Don’t self-deprecate yourself out of the conversation. Don’t put yourself down so much that it takes away from who you are.

Body Speak

• Be open and approachable. Gracious and graceful.
• Walk up to someone, smile, make eye contact, shake hands. Introduce yourself by saying your name, “Hi, I’m Fresh, Fresh Learning.” That way people hear your voice twice.
• Own the room when you walk into it.
• Don’t: Overdo it. When you smile, be authentic. If your smile is not in your eyes, people will know you’re faking it.

Make The Conversation About The Other Person

• Let the world revolve around the person you’re talking to.
• Make the person feel like they are the only person on the planet at that time.
• Immediately put others at ease and make them feel comfortable with you.
• Don’t: Let your ego drive the conversation. We all have egos. If your ego is in overdrive, check it at the door.

Be a Good listener

• You can’t remember everything, but remembering someone’s name is a biggie. Here’s a trick: When you are introduced to a person, immediately repeat their name. Example: “Fresh Learning, it’s so nice to meet you.”
• Listen with interest. Pay attention. Engage. Be empathetic.
• Don’t: When you’re talking with someone at an event, do not check your cell phone or look around the room to see if someone more important is there. If you want to find someone more important, make the conversation brief and move on graciously.

Are you charismatic? How many of the 5 qualities do you have? What about your co-workers, boss, spouse, friends and family – how many qualities do they have?

Want to improve your charisma? It’s never too late. Just cultivate it.

Fresh Learning Team

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