How to be charismatic
Charisma plays a vital role in many occupations, including business, politics and the performing arts. It may be hard to pin down, but we know it when we see or feel it. My experience is that anyone can develop charisma. Here’s how:
1) Be present. In her book, Presence, Patsy Rodenburg describes it like this: “… once in a while, a student in one of my classes who initially didn’t seem to have ‘It’, would suddenly get ‘It’. And if I acknowledged this transformation, some would keep it. Other teachers would notice and this failing student would start succeeding. Was this a miracle? I thought not. Even then I knew it wasn’t a gift I was giving but an energy we all have; I had somehow enabled a student to find their true energy and this true energy was their presence.” There are several techniques for being present. One is to place your attention on your breath as it flows in and out. Another is to practise mindfulness.
2) Pay attention. Once you’re present, you can give your full attention to whoever you’re talking or listening to, whether it’s one person or a group of people.
3) Accept. While you’re paying attention, you may notice thoughts, feelings, labels and judgements passing through your mind. Allow them to come and go. Resolve to accept things as they are. Let go.
4) Be a leader. In Tribes, Seth Godin describes how this works: “A tribe is a group of people connected to one another, connected to a leader, and connected to an idea.” “There is an opportunity for you – an opportunity to find or assemble a tribe and lead it.” “I think most people have it upside down. Being charismatic doesn’t make you a leader. Being a leader makes you charismatic.”
5) Discover your Self. This leads to a profound change. “Otherwise known as enlightenment or liberation, Self-realisation is the realisation that one’s True Self is not the limited mortal body, mind and intellect, but the eternal, blissful consciousness that pervades creation. When one truly recognises one’s own Self in all beings, one becomes an embodiment of peace, love and compassion capable of uplifting the world.” (Frequently Asked Questions, Amma’s European Tour 2011.) Daily meditation – particularly with a mantra – helps us do this. Every now and then we experience pure consciousness, which is in all of us. The artificial barriers between us begin to fall away.
Each of these five steps can have dramatic results. They’ll transform your existing relationships. You’ll attract new people who identify with you and your mission in life.
What’s your experience of charisma? Have you discovered any other ways of becoming more charismatic? All comments welcome.
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