How to be Charismatic

Let’s do a quick exercise. Take a moment and think of the word “charisma”.  Make a list of all the people that pop into your mind that have it.  Bill Gates, Bill Clinton, and Oprah have it.  Dean Martin, Liz Taylor, John Kennedy, Ronald Reagan and Audrey Hepburn had it.  Our lists most likely vary but the people on it have a commonality.  Charisma!

So, what is it exactly and how do we get it?  Are we born with it?  Here is the good news, you can learn and develop it.  The traits that make up charisma are positive and appealing to us all. According to Wikipedia, the english term charisma is from the Greek word kharisma, which means “favor freely given” or “gift of grace”.  The dictionary defines it as a “quality in certain people who easily draw the attention  and admiration of others due to a magnetic quality of personality”.

One way to get charisma is to cultivate  it and observe others in your circle of influence. Set an intention and explore it.

Ten Tips to Become Charismatic

1. Charm does not exist without good manners! Perfect your table manners, stand-up for a handshake and write thank you notes.
2. Be Confident! Confidence is an attitude.  Hold your head high and believe in yourself.
3. Operate from an abundant mentality.  No one likes to be around someone who is pessimistic, a downer, or a whiner.  Cheer up and look on the bright side.  Take a moment daily and either write down or think about 5 things you are grateful for everyday.
4. Be fully present.  Put down your cell phone and make eye contact with the one you are with at the moment. Pay attention.
5. You become more interesting when you are more interested in someone else.  Ask questions, take an interest in someone else’s vacation, desires, work, charitable work, etc.
6. Become curious. Lead a rich full life.  Explore your own interests.  Step out of your comfort zone and try new things.
7. Dress the part. Kick “sloppy” out the door.  Stay true to your desire to be charismatic and step it up a notch.  Make an effort.
8. Posture.  This is easy and immediate.  Stand up straight, smile and get on with your day.
9. Exude vitality. Charismatic people exude a zest for life.  This is what makes them intoxicating.  We can’t get enough of those who exude charisma! We want to spend more time with them.   Find out what makes you happy and do more of it.  Fall in love with your life! Be vivacious!
10. Speak with determination.  Speak in a tone that is not doubtful or questioning.  In other words, don’t lilt.  If someone asks you what time it is, don’t tell them how to build a clock. Be brief.

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