What makes a person charismatic?

Question

I've often wondered this, because I've seen plenty of people who seem to have it. They aren't necessarily attractive or even nice, but they somehow manage to attract people. What's the secret behind charisma?

compassionatesoul: A lot of what you say makes sense, but there are plenty of charismatic people who aren't necessarily good. Adolf Hitler was a good example.

Answer 1

I actually don't think you can define exactly what makes a person charismatic. It's an intangible, undescribably quality some people have to just draw people to them, and I agree, they can be both good and bad. I almost liken it to being hypnotized. You're drawn to them, you want to be part of their world, you want to make them happy. My ex was this way and I'm sorry to say he used his powers for evil instead of for good. No matter how dirty (he tinkered with greasy engines all the time), smelly or foul-mouthed he was, no matter how obvious it was he was a player, user, liar, cheater, girls and grown women alike seemed to line up to be with him. Myself included for 3 years. Guys, too, wanted some of the action. Showing up all the time just on the chance they could hang out with him, and being upset if he wasn't available. Even when my ex was mean to them or made fun of them, they came back for more. I think charisma is a wonderful, mystical characteristic, but also something to be weary of if you find yourself drawn to someone, doing things you wouldn't ordinarily do and you don't know why.

I think the secret behind charisma will likely stay a secret.

Answer 2

.I have been told I am very charismatic ,but I know I wasn't always the way I am now. I am not an attractive person, yet I am not ugly. I have found what makes me the way I am. CONFIDENCE..... A#1 in importance of charisma. I became self employed and that was a key factor to becoming a success was being able to project the confidence with out being arrogant. It is a fine line and I'm sure those who don't like me will say that I'm aroggant not confident. I also think it has a lot to do with presenting yourself as others would like to see themselves. The I can do it if he can do it, philosophy. Being a showman also helps with charisma, if you can entertain them then they want to be by someone like that.

Answer 3

My personal stance would be that some people are born with it. In contrast, some people are very able or capable mentally and physically but just don't have people's 'respect' or that certain charisma, if you will. On the other hand, some people aren't very smart, good-looking or tall or possess anything "special", yet others somehow respect them, like them and like talking to them.

Personally, I would call it the 'X-factor', X being the unknown, yet present as we all know of examples of people that are very charismatic.

Another way to look at it would be just like nobody can choose to be born with certain characteristics, like looks, color, intelligence, etc., in the same way, charisma is something that one's born with and no one could predict how a baby born would be as far as being charismatic. It's got to be one of those things that's a mystery and cannot be defined.

Hope that helps (somewhat, anyhow...)

Have a nice day.

Answer 4

Hello Tangerine, nice question.
I personally think there is difference between a charismatic person and a sly person.
A charismatic person is person with a charisma, whom people like and find as a good honorable and smart person. In an unjustful situation, this person will come out and do in whatever he can (from what he has available) to help and stand out for the right - just for the sake of it.
A sly person on the other hand, will try to fool people using his tactical wits, to make himself (or herself) appear to people that he is some kind of an important person, with good intentions. 'Pretend'. He is smart/ a sly. To people, this witty person may appear as charismatic. But in an unjustful situation, this person will hide or even come against you...and will therefore fail to stand up if the situation is not his favor.
The bottom line is that a pure charismatic person is loved and adored by all, whereas a sly person may be only loved by some (who think that he is charismatic because they are being fooled by him).

Answer 5

I believe that charismatic is how a person carried himself. It is part of the person's personality and passion which seems to be the factor of influencing the people to surrounding him or her.

It's an aura which is not visible however it shines so brightly that people just attracted to it like a magnet. But have you wonder how can it happen?

No one is born with such abilities, it is in fact how powerful the person carried himself with their solid tones or voice and the most important of all, the "selling point". Wow, it seems like marketing!! Well, it is how the person market himself that bring out this "X Factor" of influence.

The manner of a person talk and his tone along with his outlook can already represent his style which certainly does attract the limelight from other people. Hitler can be a nobody but till he talks and also wrote a book which manage to gain him popularity among the germans.

Why does a sinical man like Hitler still can manage to influence people. It was just the matter of time, that period was the most depressing time for the german cause after losing the World War 1; the country and people as well got to pay the debts which ruin half of Europe. Just imagine, it you are in their shoe along with such a depressing period of time...who do u look for? A person who can talk and voice out for them of course. Someone who can be believe and bring a new shape to the nations.

The secret of charisma is not a mere manipulation of people but how truthful you are and how are you able to change the environment during the x period of time.

Answer 6

It is said that success is 99% work & 1% luck. It usualy works that way for most of us, and usualy we lack that 1% and remain at the margins of the society.
the charismatic persons don't necessarily always do that 99% work, but that 1% figure is somewhat higher for them.
There is one more thing, the charismatic persons have a great sense of timing, and they know what's the right thing to do at the right time & vice-versa.
Hitlar's example is very relevant because he was a runaway success; for the things he did, and which were not always right. But his example also underlines the fact that if one uses the charisma associated with him for the evil...he becomes the symbole of those who were charismatic, but are hated by rest of the world.

Answer 7

Charisma is one of those things you can't necessarily learn. You either have it or you don't. Clinton was charismatic. So was Ronald Reagan. It's what makes a person likable, believable, gives him or her the ability to lead people. It's that natural charm that makes people turn their heads when you pass by and listen intently when you speak. It's not necessarily tied to good things. Hitler also had charisma as did Mussolini. They could lead and convince people do follow them yet in these two cases, not a good thing!
If you are a student of personalities, I suppose you could learn the finer points of developing a charismatic personality for yourself. You have to see what it is about a given person that makes them stand out and them adapt that for yourself. Examples would be to hone your public speaking skills, develop a sense of humor that is natural and embraces those around you.
Also learn to become totally at ease when with people and that is probably the key. Total comfort with others. It gives off a sense of self confidence and a sort of mastery of what it is you are speaking about. People will want to listen to you and trust in you.

Answer 8

Basically, it is an understanding of human nature. As you note, not all charismatic people are good, but all of them are good at reading people. They have an understanding of how to communicate with others, be it a one-to-one communication, or speaking to large groups.

Some might claim that this is soley telling people what they want to hear. It is also telling people what they NEED to hear. It is also getting people to listen to things they DON'T want to hear.

And it is the ability to understand and impliment the best actions in situations. If a person convinces his friends to constantly endanger themselves, then they will no longer look to him in the same manner. Only good decision making can re-enforce the trust placed in these charismatic leaders.

Answer 9

Charismatic person always is better than you. That's not true, simply it seems so to You. I suppose the main secret of charisma is leadership skills which person is born with. So, there is no secret : it just the DNS code + .... That is the main question about this "plus" maybe it is self-confidence and understending that over people aren't better or worse. They are simply different. Charismatic person understands it and speak to each person on its language, that's why everybody feels this misunderstandable charisma...

Answer 10

Charisma is hard to define, like pornography, you know it when you see it. For some people, it is the air of confidence that they exude, a sense of being in control. For others, it is a personal style, whether it is in clothing or makeup or, or personal magnetism. You can acquire it by developing yourself in certain areas. High intelligence is obvious. Knowledge of certain things can be attractive. Some people are charismatic because they are unique or unusual. For many people, the English or Australian accent can be extremely attractive. People who are edgy often attract people because of that edginess. Beauty is paradoxical. Many people are attracted by physical beauty, and many people are repelled by that stunning look. Probably the leveling factor is a contrived charismatic air. That comes across as shallow, and condescending. You could try to buy charisma, but many people will not be attracted by phoniness. What attracts me is a genuineness about a person. They do not have to blow me away with superficial. I enjoy meeting people who exude self-confidence because they are experienced in life.

Answer 11

This is a great question and it would be interesting to know if any research has been done on the subject. In my personal experience, I know that it's almost a magical thing. Someone who is able to grab the attention of an entire audience through the way s/he speaks or the way they look. It's not much different than when we are attracted to someone of the opposite sex is it? That's not easy to explain either. Maybe the charasmatic person has characteristics that attract numerous people as opposed to the way we as individuals attract only a certain few people. Very thought provoking question. And I can you this as truth... I don't have "it"!