Just what do we understand when we hear someone described as having charisma, or as being a charismatic person? In many respects it is actually quite difficult to define in any concise manner. In fact according to Lee (2011) “It’s an unsatisfying thing to study because it can’t even be defined, much less taught.” She also – and interestingly – described charisma as “the most sought-after quality in the world.” Although that may be stretching things just a bit too far, it does present a challenge to explain it. This essay sets out to define what we mean by charisma and why it is – as Lee suggested – such a desirable quality in a person.
Continuing on the theme that charisma cannot be defined, Lee nonetheless described it as “instantly recognizable.” Whilst some may say that charismatic attributes include being confident, assertive, forceful, open, and beautiful, Lee stated that it is also true that there are many charismatic individuals who don’t exhibit any of those qualities. Instead they are quiet and laid back, tend to be secretive and of average or even unattractive appearance. She also – and again this is an interesting viewpoint – described charisma as a quality that cannot really be described as a positive quality, rather as a neutral though uncommon attribute, in a similar way to being left-handed or having green eyes. To add weight to that argument, Lee cited “Adolf Hitler and the Reverend Jim Jones” as undoubtedly charismatic people.
Lee also pointed out that wealth and charisma are by no means necessarily connected, citing Bill Gates as a prime example, although she did mention that some rich people have taken to trying acquire charisma by employing a person called a swagger coach to teach them how to behave to become charismatic. She mentioned that Justin Bieber, the young pop artiste, has employed such a person. Her view however was that you can’t learn to be charismatic and that “you’re either born with charisma, or just wish you were.” Mentioning two “real-life” individuals she knows who are in her opinion definitely charismatic, Lee reported that “Every stranger they meet is agreeably fascinated, and even more incredibly, after years of familiarity, so are their own friends and family.”
A somewhat different view of charisma and charismatic leaders was offered by Riggio (Oct 2012) in his article “What is Charisma and Charismatic Leadership?” His view in general was that the qualities that most identified someone as being charismatic were being a skilled communicator, being eloquent, and able to communicate with those that follow them “on a deep, emotional level.” He considered that many politicians who are labelled as charismatic or having a great deal of “personal charisma” have learned that skill. As far as charisma being a “born with” quality, Riggio’s assertion that politicians develop their charismatic skills suggested that maybe it isn’t, at least in his view.
That view – that charisma can be acquired/practiced/developed – is echoed by Llewellyn-Smith (Jun 2012) in her article “Charisma: who has it and how to get it” published in The Telegraph. Reporting that she has just acquired a charisma coach (same as swagger coach mentioned earlier), Llewellyn-Smith explained that previously she had regarded charisma as “an intangible, magical aura.” She referred to the original Greek origin of the word charisma as meaning “gift” which suggests a “born with” quality, but refers to a new book by Fox Cabane entitled “The Charisma Myth: How Anyone Can Master the Art and Science of Personal Magnetism” which tells readers that it is a skill than can be developed. The book suggests that something like three two-hour sessions can create a “magnetic” person from an individual who was merely “reasonably personable.” However, Llewellyn-Smith also cites a psychotherapist, Dr Nicole Gehl, who suggested that the Cabane recommended strategy is more or less just a gimmick, and that “Charisma is a personality characteristic and personality traits are moderately to highly heritable. Truly charismatic people genuinely like other people. The emotional component of that is really hard to fake.”
In terms of characterizing charismatic people, Llewellyn-Smith explained that the precise elements of an individual’s charisma vary, citing Princess Diana and Mrs Thatcher as examples: “Princess Diana was famously empathetic despite her elevated background, while Baroness Thatcher mainly projected power, but was also known for her compassion to staff and friends.” If you want to be more charismatic, Llewellyn-Smith offered these few rules:
- Give people 100 percent attention;
- Try to exude both power and warmth (adopt a straight posture and focus on likeable qualities of the other person);
- Share a weakness or embarrassing secret with the other person – makes you seem vulnerable);
- Speak in a measured way and lower the tone at the end of sentences. Smile as you speak to create warmth.
Conclusions
Works Cited
Lee, Ruby. (2011). The Mysterious Quality of Charisma. Wordpress. Web. 26 April 2013.
Llewellyn-Smith, J. (Jun 2012). Charisma: who has it and how to get it. The Telegraph. Web. 26 April 2013.
Riggio, R., E. (Oct 2012). What is Charisma and Charismatic Leadership? Psychology Today. Web. 26 April 2013.
