The secrets of Barack Obama's charisma

Aside from the fact that I am currently writing a book and running a series of workshops about the subject, it is a word that has cropped up time and time again in the news as we greet the inauguration of the new US President, Barack Obama.

There is a common misconception that charisma is something that you either have or don’t have. However, you only need to look at the dramatic transformation in Barack Obama’s stage presence since his 2000 election defeat to Bobby Rush to realise that many of the characteristics that we tend to associate with charisma can actually be learnt. Prior to this pivotal moment, Obama was often described as talented but “stiff.”

Here are my top five tips for developing charisma:

1. Make it all about them
By showing an active interest in others, the charismatic individual can generate a tremendous amount of goodwill; not to mention a better understanding of the interests and motivations of those around them.

2. Develop Self-Confidence
Charismatic people have an intense belief in themselves. They let their dreams give them the power to face fear and uncertainty. The very act of behaving like winners makes them highly admirable human beings to those around them.

3. Develop crisp and compelling communication
Charismatic people tend to keep communications short, sharp, sweet - paint powerful pictures... set the scene, chart the territory and highlight the action needed. They also learn the dreams and drivers of their audience and speak their language.

4. Be Positive
Charismatic tend to provide solutions and suggestions rather than objections or negativity. This can make them into a source of strength and inspiration for those around them.

5. Have a strong rapport
Part of that riveting quality of a charismatic person comes from the relationship that they create with the audience. Part of that relationship is created by what they say. However, the vast majority of it is created with their eyes, motions, and emotions.