Learn the magical quality of charisma

Wed, May 1st 2013, 10:17 AM

I've always believed that only a lucky few have charisma (usually the good looking guy surrounded by admirers) and that you either have it or you don't. However, what if it could be taught?
This is the attractive proposition presented in 'The Charisma Myth' by Olivia Fox Cabane, an expert in the fields of charisma and leadership who has lectured at Stanford, Yale, Harvard, MIT and the United Nations. The author's aim is to teach you the techniques to make you more influential, persuasive and inspiring; to become the kind of person who makes an impact when they enter any room with their chemistry, easy manner and instant rapport.
Fox Cabane explains that to 'master the art of personal magnetism" there are three core qualities you need to project, these being; Presence, power and warmth. These are communicated mostly through body language, so it's therefore essential that you effectively manage your emotional and mental state as this determines non-verbal behaviors and your ability to project charisma.
By adopting techniques from world class sports coaches, 'The Charisma Myth' encourages the use of visualization to project a positive mental state. As the author explains, "Practising gratitude, goodwill and compassion puts you in a mental state that projects warmth," and "helps you access all aspects of charisma." It becomes increasingly clear that charisma is not a magical personal quality, but something that anyone can learn using the author's tools and techniques and mastering these via practical exercises to achieve the following:
o Create a charismatic mental state;
o Determine which charisma style (focus, visionary, kindness, or authority) is appropriate;
o Make a great first impression by speaking and listening with charisma;
o Deal effectively with difficult people;
o Deliver constructive criticism;
o Respond effectively to any crisis.
The key objective is to cultivate a positive mental state and suppress any negative feelings. However, becoming more charismatic doesn't mean transforming your personality. It's about adopting a series of practices that suits your style and environment.
Charisma can be a great asset whether you're applying for a job, improving your relationships, or leading other people.

You may not become the next Bill Clinton, Steve Jobs or Richard Branson, but the 'Charisma Myth' can help you become more influential, persuasive, and potentially inspiring.
o 'The Charisma Myth' by Olivia Fox Cabane. Published by Portfolio Penguin and available from www.Amazon.com. Keith Appleton JP, BA (Hons), N.Dip.M, MInstLM has extensive experience within an academic, managerial and strategic leadership role. He is a member of the UK Institute of Leadership & Management and can be contacted at KeithAppleton@Hotmail.co.uk or follow him at twitter.com/WritingRightNow.

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