The Charisma Myth : How Anyone Can Master the Art and Science of Personal Magnetism — Book Summary

Written by Olivia Fox Cabane, this book demystifies charisma and exposes clear guidelines for the common person. Most of it can be learned, and practice and repetition makes perfect!

1. Charisma Demystified

Charisma can be defined as the feeling of power and care/warmth, supported by a strong presence. Those 3 elements are the core components of charisma.

Becoming more charismatic does not require extroversion, beauty or changing your personality. It simply relies on learned behaviors.

3 quick tips for instant effect :

• Lower the intonation of your voice at the end of your sentences.
• Reduce how quickly and how often you nod.
• Pause for 2 full seconds before you speak.

2. The Charismatic Behaviors

Presence

Being present means having a moment-to-moment awareness of what’s happening. If you appear not to listen or care, people won’t feel respected, listened to, and valued.

Bring yourself back to the present moment, don’t let your mind wander, focus on your breath or your toes if necessary then back to the other person. It is assessed via appearance, reaction and body language.

Power and warmth

Being perceived as powerful means that you show the ability to influence the world around you.

Warmth is goodwill towards other. It is assessed entirely through body language and behavior.

Charismatic body language

For charisma, body language matters more than your words.

Charisma begins in the mind. Directing the subconscious appropriately is the key to manage the body language. And body language reflects what is in your mind, so your mental state needs to be charismatic.

The internal skills necessary for charisma include both the awareness of your internal state and the tools to effectively manage it.