Is Charisma your middle name?

Charisma, one of the most beautiful words in the English language, has fascinated us from time immemorial. The word has two senses. In the first place, charisma is the mysterious but compelling attractiveness or charm that can inspire respect and devotion in others. Secondly, it can mean a divinely conferred power or talent. The word “charisma” is derived from Greek Kharisma meaning “grace or favour.” Early Christians designated certain people as possessing “spiritual gifts”. For instance, Gabriel referred to Mary as a person “full of grace.”

Today charisma refers to force of character, personal presence or gravitation. History records many people with higher levels of charisma. They were noticed, listened to, respected and followed by others. The Buddha, Jesus Christ and many philosophers of the calibre of Jiddu Krishnamurti displayed a high degree of charisma. Certain world leaders such as Julius Caesar, Napoleon Bonaparte, Alexander the Great, John F. Kennedy and US President Barack Obama are admired for their charisma.

In the past it was believed that people were born with charisma. However, in the Digital Age everything, including charisma, can be achieved through training because it is no longer considered a gift from God. Charisma, on the other hand, is an essential element in personality building. Leaders, speakers and even teachers need charisma to succeed in their chosen field of activity. Charismatic people know how to lead, influence and impart knowledge to others. Over the years we have learnt how to understand, measure and develop charisma. What is more, charisma is essential for all sorts of personal relationships such as dating, mating and parenting.

Charismatic people

Long before the word charisma gained currency, people used many other terms such as grace, exuberance, mystique, positive energy, joie de vivre, charm and personal magnetism to refer to the same concept. With our sophisticated upbringing we can easily identify charismatic people because of their unusual calmness, self-confidence, assertiveness and dominance. Most of them are great communicators and orators.

Nikki Owen, the British personality development expert

Psychologists and behavioural scientists believe that any sensible person can be trained to be charismatic by teaching him how to be effective in what they do. Anybody who undergoes such training will soon become emotionally empathic. He will also learn how to go beyond words, using body language to express himself. After the training, a charismatic person becomes extremely self-confident and he will command respect from others. If you look around, you will see many political and business leaders who do not display any signs of charisma. Sometimes they may not be aware that charisma does not come to them automatically. What is more, fame is no substitute for charisma.

Oratorical skills

The art of being charismatic is taught at finishing schools, colleges for actors and budding politicians. Toastmasters International is an organisation that trains its members to be charismatic by improving their oratorical skills. People have become increasingly aware that charisma can be attained through effective public speaking.

The well-known British personality development expert Nikki Owen has designed a learning model around the concept of charisma. She promotes effective speech, body language, self-confidence, contentment, how to be passionate about what you do, and empathy to achieve a high degree of charisma. In addition, we must also develop our listening skills to be charismatic.

Unethical ends

Charisma should not be used as a means to achieve unethical ends. For instance, Rasputin used his charisma to have sex with many women in a royal family without becoming emotionally involved with any of them. Such philandering only taints the aura of charisma.

When you are in the presence of a charismatic personality, you feel that you are overwhelmed by his driving force. The sensory awareness of such people is very high and they are endowed with empathy and emotional intelligence. Sometimes you are privileged to enjoy this experience once in a lifetime because charismatic people are a rare breed.