Charisma is the ability to win people over to yourself and your cause – and it can be learned.
Many consider charisma something mystical – you either have it or you don’t. That isn’t quite true. Some people naturally have more of it, but the behaviors that come across as charismatic can be practiced and learned.
The quality in detail
Four steps through the quality: understand, check, connect, apply. Open any topic to read more.
The core messageWhat the quality means – and what it doesn’t
Charisma is the ability to win people over to yourself and your cause. It shows in confidence, conviction, connection and compassion – and you can learn it.
- It does not mean
- That charisma is an innate gift you either have or don’t. Some start with more, but the behaviors behind it can be practiced.
- That you have to be loud, outgoing or a stage personality. Quiet people win others over too when they speak clearly and show genuine interest.
- Strictly speaking
- There is good support for the claim that charismatic behavior can be trained – for example vivid language, a clear message and connecting with the audience. However, research defines and measures what charisma actually is in inconsistent ways.
- What can be learned are behaviors, not every effect on others. Charisma without character can also pull people in the wrong direction.
- Applies to
- Any situation in which you want to win people over: to a presentation for clients, to a sermon or devotion, to a club’s general meeting and to the dinner table when you want to get your family excited about a plan.
The explanationSigns of strong charisma: Confidence – composure and optimism in how you communicate.
Signs of strong charisma: Confidence – composure and optimism in how you communicate.
Conviction – speaking straight from the heart and with great clarity.
- Connection – building a relationship with the people you talk to.
- Compassion – responding to people’s needs.
- This works in a one-on-one conversation as much as in a team meeting or in front of a large assembly.
The signs3 signs the quality is present · 3 that it is missing
- People leave a conversation with you more confident than when they came in.
- You speak about your cause clearly and with conviction – one-on-one as well as before a large gathering – without jargon or empty phrases.
- In conversation you give your full attention to the other person and respond to their concerns.
- Your explanations are factually correct, but no one feels addressed or carried along.
- You talk mostly about yourself and your ideas, hardly about the people in front of you.
- You consider yourself or people in your care “just not charismatic” and so you don’t practice at all.
The research4 sources: 2 primary studies, 1 critique, 1 meta-analysis · 2003–2017 · with the limits of the research
- low
- moderate
- high
High – Charismatic leadership and its trainability.
- 2003Annette J. Towler
Trained people convey visions more effectively; their listeners achieve more.
- 2011John Antonakis, Marika Fenley & Sue Liechti
Training in charismatic communication techniques increases perceived charisma.
- 2016John Antonakis et al.
Charisma has so far been vaguely defined and measured; proposes a narrower definition.
Learnability has been shown experimentally. The construct is inconsistently defined and measured.
The originJohn C. Maxwell · “Charisma”
- 1999OriginJohn C. Maxwell
The 21 Indispensable Qualities of a Leader, Quality 2
- CharismaIn essence: Charisma is the ability to draw people to yourself, and it can be developed.
- todayWEGVISOR: Charisma
The WEGVISOR version, the quality of “Charisma”, takes this up with the core statement: “Charisma is the ability to win people over to yourself and your cause – and it can be learned.” Its learnability is supported by experiments; keep in mind that research defines and measures charisma inconsistently.
The related qualities and lawsL02 Influence · L09 Magnetism · Q21 Vision
Charisma is one path to influence, but not the only one. Without actions that live up to what your presence promises, influence quickly fades.
With charisma you attract people – especially those who are like you. Pay attention to whom your presence actually draws.
Charisma gives your vision a voice. Without vision your presence lacks direction; without charisma the vision stays pale.
The action points5 stages of growth – from first awareness to passing it on
- Become aware In your next conversation, observe just one thing: how do the other person's eyes and posture change while you speak? Afterwards, capture what you noticed in one sentence.
- Lay the foundations Pick one conversation this week and resolve: when it starts, I will speak calmly and confidently and say openly what I truly care about in this matter.
- Make it a habit This week, in every conversation and meeting, first ask one person a genuine question before turning to business, and note at the end of the week where real connection came from it.
- Deepen deliberately After a tough appearance, such as in front of a sceptical audience, ask two people from the audience for feedback: where did I come across as convinced and warm, where as unsure or distant?
- Pass it on Over several weeks, accompany one person – from your team, your project or your volunteer work – who wants to come across as calmer, more convinced and warmer in their own appearances, and give them feedback each time.
The reflection questions5 questions for you or a conversation with others
- How do people leave a conversation with me – more confident or more tired?
- What do I speak about with real conviction, and do others notice?
- When did I last listen to someone fully without thinking about my own reply?
- Which habit in how I come across do I want to practice deliberately in the coming weeks – and whom do I want to encourage to practice it too?
- What do I use my presence for – for the cause, for myself or for the people?
Take your time with one question. Write down your answer – or talk it over with someone you trust.
The picture to rememberFrom everywhere, dots find their way to the center and stay in its orbit.
- From everywhere, dots find their way to the center and stay in its orbit.
What charisma looks like in practice
The queen who arrived rolled in a carpet
To meet Julius Caesar, Cleopatra had herself carried into his quarters hidden in a carpet. With wit, learning and several languages she won over Caesar and later Mark Antony as allies, keeping Egypt independent.
One sentence that called a nation to act
“Ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country”: with this line Kennedy addressed every listener directly. He appealed to idealism and responsibility, turning an audience into participants.
How Barnum put outsiders in the spotlight
P.T. Barnum won over the bearded lady and General Tom Thumb for his circus by giving them recognition and self-confidence. From people of very different backgrounds he built a team that believed in his vision.
