By Martine Galland
Does talking about charisma require quoting Barack Obama? There you go! Now let's talk about you: are you charismatic? Do you feel heard, influential, respected and appreciated? Are you satisfied with your energy, your style and your way of speaking; or do you secretly wish to become more inspiring?
Some people think that, like luck, you either have it or you don't. However, research has shown that charisma increases in power when you cultivate it. It is a priority aspect because how can you defend a project, take your place or lead a team if you have a shifty look, a weak voice, you search for words or doubt your values?
What is charisma?
In Greek, "charis" means grace. Charisma is therefore a natural authority that commands the respect or admiration of others. Whether male or female, the charismatic person is highly regarded by those around him or her and exudes a seductive magnetism that makes him or her a point of reference. It is a quality or art that enhances relationships and experiences. Senior executives and politicians are well aware of this, but everyone should be concerned! Remember the hours you spent at school with a teacher who was singularly lacking in charisma? Did you want to learn, to excel, not to disappoint, to get to know this person better?
Professor at the HEC in Lausanne, John Antonakis specialises in the research on charisma and leadership. He was able to dissect the components and scientifically prove the benefits.
"After three months of development, the leaders were much more liked, had more confidence from those around them and were seen as more competent and influential". He points out that this is important for scientists, executives and public figures, but also for everyone, including those in the romance market.
How to cultivate your charisma?
Charismatic people are appreciated in all contexts of life, especially for their human qualities. Boosting your charisma therefore requires a good understanding of the components of this word. Taking all the space, playing with power, being condescending or displaying false modesty are the opposites of charisma. So where do you start to cultivate it?
Where to start?
The first thing is the ability to make others feel comfortable. Strong skills combined with a warm attitude inspire confidence and consideration. The latter should be reciprocated: don't overlook the significance of a word of thanks to a person or a team. Acknowledgement costs nothing and feeds a basic need that gives rise to the impulse to contribute. If your intention is genuine, some charisma-building attitudes can be developed today:
- Smile
- Looking people in the eye
- Giving importance to others
- Be kind to everyone, regardless of their position
- Memorise the names of people you talk to
- Share your optimism, your enthusiasm, your vision
- Valuing small and large advances
- Agree to laugh at yourself
- Be open-minded, consider different perspectives with curiosity
- Perceiving the feelings of the community
Once this step has been implemented, observe the changes around you and move on to the next step to build up your power.
Moving up to the next level
This second step is about working on what you consciously and unconsciously put out. Success depends on a person with strong convictions, an inspired speech and a confident, authentic voice.
- Choose your vocabulary
- Working on your voice
- Taking the time to express yourself
- Passing on values
- Knowing rhetorical techniques
- Considering the audience
- Occupying space
- Controlling your posture, gestures, voice, silence, attitude, eyes...
How to work on your charisma
It is difficult to work alone to improve these aspects because habits are ingrained and it is difficult to step back. Working on your speaking, developing your branding, knowing powerful body training techniques and learning to write with impact is a choice! Making your speech a unique signature is the basis of charisma, and this is Talk's specialty!
Talk is an innovative educational technology to analyse your communication indicators in real time. We use objective digital criteria combined with personalised human support. Thanks to Masterclasses and individual coaching, Talk has been helping you for 10 years to develop a credible posture in your daily communication.
As Laurent Vuarraz Voisin, founder and CEO of TALK, says, we dream of an inspired society that puts the word at the centre. This requires self-knowledge, awareness, know-how, listening and of course skills. We like to mix our humanistic vision with technology. Communicating is an art in which everyone can excel, not only in their own projects but also in their own well-being and that of others.
If you want to develop your charisma through innovative and objective technology, come and discover our Masterclasses.
