With the world going mad with Trump, Boris Johnson and Brexit we thought it was worth reflecting on the notable character trait of charisma. This communication skills asset has been used throughout history to rally troops, woo the opposite sex, win elections and lead business. In the current climate it seems charisma is winning over logic and reason most of the time.

Charisma is often associated with smooth talk, charm and good looks.

British spy movie legend James Bond and silky take-no-prisoners lawyer Harvey Specter from the U.S. show Suits spring to mind. Interestingly Hollywood often portrays men in the role of the charismatic charmer so where are the women? Many female industry leaders, politicians and performers are highly charismatic: Michelle Obama, Sheryl Sandberg, Helen Mirren and Angela Merkel to name but a few. Charisma is subtle, complex and audience driven rather than based on the ego of any one individual.

Why is charisma important for communication skills?

Consider the last time you were really ‘on fire’ communication wise. When you truly lit up the room. Think about what you did that day. People were hanging on your every word. You had their full attention. They were buying it all. You may have been lucky that day but more likely you were demonstrating the characteristics of charismatic communication skills.

The average human is able to read facial expressions within 200 milliseconds of meeting you.

Whilst popular culture associates charisma with good looks, it’s much more to do with simply the look you are giving off. The key to charisma is in attention, body language and voice. Surprisingly it is also about being humble rather than over-confident, approachable rather than aloof.

Top Five Charisma Tips

Here are the top 5 charisma tips to help you light up the room with your communication skills.

1. Be present

Make sure you are focused on your audience. Give them your full and undivided attention. Techniques such as mindfulness can help keep you on point. Use breathing to stop your mind wandering.

2. Be strong, but warm

Use a powerful posture with your back straight and shoulders broad. This will come across as positive and help you with voice projection and breathing. Also make sure you focus on the other person. Consider the things you like about them and this will help you be warm towards them.

3. Introverts are charismatic too

If you are shy, that doesn’t mean you can’t light up the room. Confidence and extraversion are often confused. Warm up and visualize confident moments in your head. You will come across as authentic and confident even if you are naturally shy.

4. Show your lighter side

Be prepared to give something of yourself. If you come across as invulnerable people will struggle to warm to you or you might seem intimidating. Think about something you could share to get people on side. Do this with authenticity.

5. Speak with presence

We know the tone of our voice has a huge influence on our communication skills ability. It is in effect our birdsong – the way in which we reach and impress upon others. Use the vocal range you have been given. Be aware of it and use tempo and tone to create an air of confidence.

So, whilst charisma is seen as the domain of the smooth talker, it’s much, much more about natural and genuine communication skills. Go forth and light up rooms.

Social Agility workshop ‘Presenting Naturally’ can help you develop your natural, charismatic self. Join us in August.