Six Quick Tips to Build Charisma    

by Karla Brandau, CSP 

"Charisma is the intangible that makes people want to follow you, to be around you, to be influenced by you." -- Roger Dawson

Charisma means you have learned to:

1. Act with credibility. Those who are inconsistent in their behavior repel people while those
who are consistent in their behavior draw people to them. To be influential, have integrity.
Speak up for what you believe, then act accordingly.

Gerry Spence, one of America's greatest trial lawyers, said, "One can stand as the greatest orator the world has known, possess the quickest mind, employ the cleverest psychology,
and have mastered all the technical devices of argument, but if one is not credible one might just as well preach to the pelicans."

2. Be interested. Be truly interested in the other person. Treat him or her as the most
important person you'll interact with that day - a VIP, Very Important Person. Smile at them,
not just for a brief, dutiful second, but for a magical two or three seconds.

When you smile, lean toward the person a little, and think in your mind, "I like you. You are
a great individual. I want to get to know you better." You'll be amazed at the connection and trust that will occur.

3. Extend respect. A few interaction skills that make a big difference to a respectful
atmosphere in your organization include not interrupting conversations, asking if the person
has time to talk, and listening to ideas.

Remember not to be in such a know-it-all position or in such a hurry that you finish other people's sentences. Be sure to comment on their ideas to let them know you have really
been listening, not just waiting for them to take a breath so you can jump in with your agenda.

4. Deliver sincere compliments. People you work with do care what you think about them.
They appreciate your mentioning their good work. When you do recognize them, be specific
in your compliments.

Refrain from saying in an off-handed manner, "Oh, great work, Donna."

Make it more personal: "Donna, that is the best research that has come across my desk in
the last six months. Excellent work."

5. Accept sincere compliments. If a colleague comments, "Good presentation." Refrain from saying, "Oh, it was nothing." If a friend says, "Nice suit," don't reply, "This old thing? I've had
it for years."

Deflecting a compliment often draws unwanted attention and belittles both you and the person offering the compliment. Just say, "Thank you." You'll be pleased with how gracious you become.

6. State what you are FOR, not AGAINST. People don't like nor do they cooperate with
people who they think are against them. When you are against something, the person thinks you are against them personally. Once you voice your opposition to another person's idea,
you become part of the problem. It's as if a war has started with each of you fighting to be
right.

When you are for something, you begin focusing on the potential for positive change. You
start the process of collaboration. You become a powerful person.

Try it. Next time a colleague brings you an idea for improving the department, find something about the idea you can be for. You may find that you never have to state what you were
against in her ideas because the synergy and creativity has taken a positive turn to solving
the problem.

Karla works with organizations that want to benefit from confident workers, synergistic dialogue and innovation.  She is the president of People Skills International, Inc and can be reached at 1 770 923 0883  
E-mail [email protected] or visit
www.peopleskillsinternational.com
                                                 ExpertMagazine.com

Send this article to a friend

Reader feedback

top of page