Have you ever noticed how some people captivate everyone they speak

to? No matter what they look like or how much money they have, they
can walk into a room and instantly be the center of attention. When they
leave, people think highly of them and want to emulate them. Thats
charisma, a sort of magnetism that inspires confidence and adoration.

Like beauty, luck, and social position, charisma can open many doors in
life. Unlike these other qualities, anyone can become more charismatic.
1. Improve your posture. Good posture will give the impression of self
confidence (even if you dont feel that way on the inside). While walking,
maintain a relaxed yet definitive upright posture: spine long, shoulders
back, head level with the ground. This may feel awkward or
overpowering to you when you first practice it, but keep trying.
2. Relax the muscles in your face to the point where you have a
natural, pleasant expression permanently engraved there. Face the
world and show everyone youre not afraid.
3. Make a connection. When your eyes come in contact with another
persons, nod and smile subtly with a subdued joy shining forth. Dont
worry about the other persons reaction and dont overdo it.
4. Remember peoples names when you meet them for the first
time. This takes an enormous amount of effort for most people. Repeat
the persons name when stating your name to that person will help you to
remember it better. For example: Hi Jack, Im Wendy. Follow through
with small talk and repeat the persons name. Repeat it once more when
you say goodbye. Its not just about helping you to remember that
person. The more you say a persons name, the more that person will
feel that you like them and the greater the chance theyll warm up to you.
5. Be interested in people. If you meet a new acquaintance, for
example a coworker, a classmate, a friend of a friend, etc. find out about
their immediate family and interests. Be sure to ask after the names of
family members and remember them. Be careful in that subject though
you dont want to be nosy. If you ask too much they will become
uncomfortable. Also ask after their particular interests in life. These two
topics will ensure much better small talk than just harping on about
school or work. Most people dont like to think about those things at
social occasions unless they have to. Even if it is about networking, you
should understand fully the worth of taking a break from talking shop. It
is important to refrain from talking up about yourself. Be purely interested
and impressed by the person with whom you are speaking.
6. Orient topics toward the audience. This means taking into account
topics that interest those around you, even if you are not so keen on
them. If you are in a sporty crowd, talk about last nights game or the
meteoric rise of a new team. If you are amongst a group of hobbyists,
draw out their hobbies and make remarks related to fishing, knitting,
mountain climbing, movies, etc. Nobody expects you to be an expert. It
is your level of interest and willingness to engage in topics that makes
you an interesting person to be around. Exercise an open mind. Let
others do the explaining. If someone mistakenly thinks you know more
about the topic, be genuine and simply say that your knowledge is
limited but that you are hoping to learn more about it.
7. Praise others instead of gossiping. If you are talking with someone
or you are talking in a group of people, and up pops the subject of
another person in a positive or negative way, be the one to mention
something you like about that person. Hearsay is the most powerful tool
in gaining charm because it is always viewed as 100% sincere. It has the
added benefit of creating trust in you. The idea will spread that you never
have a bad word to say about anyone. Everyone will know that their
reputation is safe with you.
8. Dont Lie. A lie is something you say for which there is some direct
evidence somewhere out there that contradicts it. If you tell Mary that
you like Jane and Billy that you dont like Jane, Mary and Billy will talk
and your reputation will be ruined. No one will believe a word you say.
9. Issue compliments generously, especially to raise others self
esteem. Try to pick out something that you appreciate in any situation
and verbally express that appreciation. If you like something or
someone, find a creative way to say it and say it immediately. If you wait
too long, it may be viewed as insincere and badly timed, especially if
others have beaten you to it. If you notice that someone is putting a lot of
effort into something, compliment it, even if you feel that there is room
for improvement. If you notice that someone has changed something
about themselves haircut, manner of dress) notice it, and point out
something you like about it. If you are asked directly, be charming and
deflect the question with a very general compliment.
10. Be gracious in accepting compliments. Get out of the habit of
assuming that the compliment is being given without genuine intent.
Even when someone makes a compliment out of contempt, there is
always a germ of jealous truth hiding in their own heart. Be effusive in
accepting the compliment. Go beyond a mere thank you and enjoin this
with Im glad you like it or It is so kind of you to have noticed. These are
compliments in return. Avoid backhanding a compliment. There is
nothing worse to a person complimenting than to receive the response
Oh well I wish I was as ______ as you/that situation. That is tantamount
to saying, No, I am not what you are saying I am, and your judgment is
wrong.
11. Control your tone of voice. The tone of your voice is crucial. Most
people feel insecure somewhere inside and have an inability to accept
praise. For this very reason, when you praise, do it subtly and glibly.
When you say, you look nice today it should be in the exact same tone
that you would use to say its a nice day. Any variation from your normal
tone will arouse suspicion about your sincerity. Practice giving
compliments into a recorder and play it back. Does it sound sincere?
Practice until you get it right.. It might not sound right to you, in that
case, ask someone for judgement.

Tips

* Developing charisma is an art. The general guidelines above can help

you be more charismatic, but your charisma must come from within you
and must reflect you as an individual or it will appear fake. Fortunately,
everyone has the ability to be charismatic, and it simply needs to be
coaxed out. Practice and take note of what works and what needs
improvement.

* Dont mimic others. People with well developed charisma have a

remarkable ability not only to sway peoples opinions but also to cause
others to emulate their personalities and even gestures. At the same
time, however, research has shown that charismatic people do not
emulate other charismatic people. Their individuality sets them apart.

* Have a message. Dont be afraid to be controversial, to push the

envelope. If you believe in something or feel strongly about it,
communicate that in a respectful way. Your charisma will help people be
accepting of your ideas.

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