5 Top Tips To Develop Your Charisma

develop your charisma

5 Top Tips To Develop Your Charisma

Develop Your Charisma in Business: How to Draw People to You

Susan Heaton Wright discusses ways to help you become more charismatic and compelling, whether that’s at work or play. Here are her thoughts on how to develop charisma…

Susan Heaton Wright

Susan Heaton Wright

I have met and observed a number of really charismatic people in my time. They are not necessarily beautiful but they have positive energy around them that makes you notice them, and makes you DRAWN to them. Of course there are people that are born charismatic! You only need to remember fellow class members at school who stood out. However, for most of us, we need to work at this. Here are my top tips!

Positive body language

If you have an open, inviting body language rather than a closed one (arms folded) or aggressive one, you are more likely to be relaxed and as a consequence, more engaging and magnetic to other people.

Eye Contact

If a person has good eye contact with you: that is that they maintain eye contact but don’t “Eye ball” you, you feel a connection with that person. There is something very enticing when a person looks into your eyes and you are drawn to them as well as feeling trust. If you consider people that are ‘Shifty’ one of their traits is that their eyes are ‘shifty’ or looking round rather than engaging you. Of course it is impossible to maintain eye contact all through a conversation as we naturally look away when we are thinking about something, but going back to maintain eye contact remains a powerful charismatic trait.

Listening

Charismatic people aren’t all about jazz hands, dominating conversations or loud voices.They are aware of others and [give the impression] that they value other people’s opinions. I remember as an opera student looking after the great conductor, Sir Simon Rattle. He always asked me how my studies were going on. He xpected an answer to every question. I felt so special and he was genuinely interested. People who have met Bill Clinton say that he asks a question; looks them in the eye and they feel totally drawn to him.

Time

Take your time when you move; one of the most charismatic people I met was the Admiral of the Fleet of the Canadian Navy (really!). Instead of rushing around, he took his time. His body language was relaxed; head up and engaged. He noticed everyone, and they noticed him. This was at a large conference where he entered from the back of the room to go onto the stage. The room stopped as he slowly walked up to the stage. Everyone noticed him. At no time was he showing off or ‘milking’ the moment, but he was playing his role as chief of a national navy and didn’t rush.

Energy

No one is charismatic when they are exhausted or stressed. When you are exhausted or stressed your face and body reflect this. You are no longer GIVING energy out. Your body language is closed (uninviting) and your eye contact isn’t direct. Instead, nmake sure you have a chance to warm up relaxing your shoulders and neck (in particular). Stretch your arms out whilst taking some deep breaths to energise yourself. Smile AND make sure you aren’t dehydrated by drinking plenty of water.

 

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