Debunking the Myth of Charisma

Let me debunk one myth right here.

There’s this myth of the charismatic communicator the charismatic speaker something you’re just born with.

Now that is a bunch of baloney here in the United States.

Many people think of John F. Kennedy as this charismatic speaker.

And no he did give some good speeches but he was considered a horrible speaker just a few years before he became president.

I know people here in New York City who used to see him as a young congressman coming around asking for money and attending fundraisers and they said he was awful head down reading nervous all you saw was sort of this thick head of hair that charismatic about him.

It was a learned skill.

Now I differ from some of my colleagues in the personal development space.

I happen to think there’s no such thing as charisma.

What I think people really mean is somebody whose ideas I like for the most part who is a great speaker.

Now let me challenge you think of someone that you perceive of as being very charismatic.

Isn’t that person also a really good speaker.

Now think of someone who is an awful speaker.

How many people really view that person as charismatic.

The two go together.

Certainly in the world of politics whether you think of Fidel Castro in his prime whether or not you liked his politics or not or Tony Blair when he was in power in Great Britain.

What do they both have in common.

Fantastic public speakers.

So don’t worry about trying to have some elusive charisma as a communicator instead focus on being a good communicator.

And people will start judging you as having charisma.

This applies more and more when you speak to larger audiences because plenty of people seem like just ordinary Joes when you meet them talk to them in person.

They can do the very same thing on stage in front of 10000 people but because they’re comfortable confident relaxed to have interesting stories they’re instantly procedures charismatic when they’re just using good speaking skills good communication skills.

So my tip to you don’t spend a lot of time looking for this mythical lamp filled with genies to give you the charisma Gene instead focus on being a great communicator and being interesting and memorable.

Anytime you communicate.