Charismatic Presence

Being a word loving type of person, I have always loved the word charisma. Books often describe the hero as having a ‘charismatic presence’. If you could purchase one, I would certainly put myself on the mailing list for one of those kinds of heroes. Why, because they sound so undeniably good and ‘special’.

In all seriousness though, you know how it is when you meet somebody new and you just think wow. This is the person who is positive, or enthusiastic, or funny, or outgoing or who seems to have it all together. They can be kind, understanding, even considerate – it doesn’t matter what it is about them, male or female, you just instinctively like them and want to be around them.

This is a person with charisma, a person who doesn’t have to make any additional effort to be liked and be popular with everyone.

Definition of charisma: a spiritual power or personal quality that gives an individual influence or authority over large numbers of people.

You don’t have to be fabulously wealthy or breathtakingly gorgeous to be charismatic – although heck it would definitely make things easier, but charisma is more about what’s on the inside. I’m one of those people who were standing behind the door when fantastic good looks were handed out and sadly my material wealth exists only in my dreams. I am however attempting to be beautiful on the inside

If you’re like me and need assistance because you missed out on extraordinary wealth and cover girl looks, then these traits might assist you in becoming a more charismatic being (or at the very least becoming a more likeable individual)

Sensitivity – Listening and caring about what others have to say. Making people feel important because you take the time to listen, you value what others have to say and you show them respect. Being considerate of how your own actions affect others.

Honesty – Being upfront and honest, you say it as you see it and you have an ability to do so in a way which doesn’t hurt others feelings unnecessarily.

Tolerance – Showing tolerance of others and their differences. Making others feel special no matter who they are or what they do. People feel comfortable being themselves in your presence and knowing that they’re accepted for who they are.

Magnanimous – Giving freely of your time, your patience and yourself. Being generous and giving, without being subservient and being able to make others feel worthwhile and special

Integrity – My favourite. Conduct yourself and your interactions with others, in an honest and open manner without compromising your principles and moral beliefs.

All of these traits then need to be wrapped up in a person who doesn’t think that they’re better than anyone else and who makes others feel better for having known them. In essence, a charismatic person is generally someone who makes others feel understood and appreciated no matter who they are or what they do.

If all else fails I’m sure there’s someone out there marketing bottles of charisma as an alternative. If only it was as easy as swallowing a concoction or spraying it on like perfume, then we’d all have ‘charismatic presence’.

So do you have a charismatic presence or are you still working on it?

Cheers, Fi

Charisma - Being more concerned about making others feel good about themselves than you are making them feel good about you ~ Anonymous