I’m sure you’ve experienced it before–the person who can walk into a room and light the whole space with their personality. Their smile, their aura, their just being there enhances the mood of everyone around them. I know I’ve experienced it before–sheer charisma.
A traditional definition of charisma calls it a compelling attractiveness or charm, also a divinely conferred power or talent. I’ve always wondered, is that something they’ve learned or were they born that awesome?!
Acclaimed performance coach and author of “INFECTIOUS: How to Connect Deeply and Unleash the Energetic Leader Within” Allworth Press), Achim Nowak has figured out a ways to award us with charisma in case we weren’t born with it. Nowak claims that if you don’t already have charisma, you can get it. Nowak says that we all have it.
“It is a primal, sexual, animal, spiritual energy. It is an energy we all have – though for most of us, the channels to this energy are shut tight. But these channels can be opened!”
So how does one open these channels? First start by not comparing your charisma to anyone else’s. That’s easier said that done. But if you focus on your own charisma, it will manifest in its own unique way. Check out Nowak’s quick tips on learning charisma.
1. Enjoy being the center of attention.
It’s a simple decision that immediately challenges you to show up more fully. The moment you do, unexpected forces within you will be unleashed!
2. Put fire into the conversation.
When you feel strongly about an idea, an anecdote, a point-of-view, put fire into how you express it. Raise your voice, emphasize words, let your body punctuate what you say. Emphasis galvanizes energy.
3. Express an impulse.
When you sense a burst of energy, a rush of heat, a dash of excitement as you speak – don’t shut it down. Ride the wave.
4. Choose visceral language.
Language contains energy. Since a charismatic connection is a visceral connection, choose language that is visceral. “Brilliant.” “Dazzling.” “Pungent.” “Sizzling.” “Wrenching.” “Brimming.” The list is endless. When you speak visceral words, you connect with the visceral part of you.
5. Think 20%.
Show us 20% more of you. 20% more of everything we just reviewed in tips 1- 4. Don’t try to figure out how to do it, just think “20% more” and take a leap of faith. You may not know the “20% more of you person,” but chances are, it’s a more charismatic person!