As an extrovert, I am always thinking about how to make the best first impression. How excited I am to attend a room filled with strangers and make new connections.
Before attending an event, meeting or interview, I am always considering how to best present myself — whether it’s a job opportunity, media interview or networking opportunity.
In my career, I have had the opportunity to speak about stage presence and facilitate branding workshops for young entrepreneurs to stand out in their industries.
Charisma is a complex and subjective trait that varies from person to person.
We each carry it differently depending on the situation and environment.
Think about a person who sparked a memorable impression for you and consider what traits they possess that you find charming.
For me, I reflect on a colleague with an exuberant personality who knew how to engage everyone in the office. His charm, wit and ease with people seemed to come so naturally. (It appeared like he was always socializing but at the same time he was seamlessly advancing in the company)!
Charisma involves 10 key qualities:
- Body Language and Communication
Maintain good eye contact, using expressive gestures, and having an open and inviting posture. Effective communicators have the ability to captivate others with their words and express themselves clearly. - Know your Audience
Speak in the language of the audience the way they want to listen and make your words relatable to their experiences. - Share Stories
The ability to tell compelling stories can engage and inspire others. This one is key as people remember you by how you made them feel by the stories you shared. Consider inspiring TED Talks and how motivational speakers captivate audiences with visual and compelling stories that make us laugh, cry and think critically — often persuading us to consider new perspectives and viewpoints that we share actively on social media to engage others in our enlightenment. - Show Empathy
Empathy is how we connect as humans — we all need to be seen and validated. Charismatic people show genuine interest in others, listen attentively, and demonstrate empathy, making others feel heard and understood. - Positive Attitude
What we think is what we create. Maintaining a positive outlook on life draws people in. Good things come to those who appreciate good things. - Be Authentic
Charismatic individuals are genuine and true to themselves, which creates an authentic connection with others. - Show Your Passion
A strong passion or enthusiasm for pursuits is attractive and inspires others. Success attracts interest and people who want to learn from your journey. - Crack a Joke
A good sense of humour can make you more likeable and approachable, adding to your charisma. A magnetic presence commands attention when entering a room. Are you the life of the party? - Listen
Being a good listener and showing interest in others’ perspectives can enhance your charisma. Again, people want to be seen, heard and validated! - Show Confidence in Others
Charismatic individuals show confidence in the abilities of those around them, which inspires and motivates others. A good manager excels when recognizing the value each member brings to the team.
What makes someone charismatic? What makes them memorable?
Who made an impression on you? What traits did they demonstrate that drew you in?