The Power of Charisma
Words have a lot of power, as does the way we deliver them. Throughout history, and in the modern day media, the general public makes important decisions largely based on a common factor: likeability. Sure, many people rely on hard facts to make decisions on entertainment and politics, but spur of the moment conclusions are more often based off of how effective a speaker is, and how relatable they are to their audience. If a speaker is charismatic, it means they are effective in the delivery of their words, so much so that they evoke emotion in those they’re speaking to. Whether someone uses their powers of persuasion and likability for good or evil, charisma is a very powerful tool used to get what you want.
What makes someone charismatic? In a Forbes article titled 5 Qualities of Charismatic People. How Many Do You Have?, the author lays out some personal qualities that inspire and intrigue others. While attractiveness and stature have a slight part in perception and charisma, people respond to certain attributes that can be taught and practiced.
Self Confidence is key, “being comfortable with who you are, and being consistent” is a major factor in how charismatic a person is. People are drawn to strength, and being self-assured (without being cocky) naturally conveys that power.
Telling great stories is also a sure-fire way to captivate an audience. Even if your story isn’t all that extraordinary, telling it in an passionate and animated way makes others want to listen.
Body language is way more important than you may think .Simply appearing approachable, smiling and appearing at ease, affects the way others may receive you. The article also stressed the importance of “being authentic”. No one likes phony smiles or forced “swagger”.
Being a good Listener, or not being one can make or break good charisma and reputation. Ultimately, each individual wants to feel heard in a social situation. Making the person in front of you feel like the most important person in the world will guarantee their appreciation for you. While they may not remember what you say, they will definitely remember how you made them feel.
Being in the public eye requires some sort of charisma, at least for those who are dubbed good by the media and general public.
Jimmy Fallon is a perfect example of a charismatic television personality. As a talk show host, it’s quite literally his job to make himself and others look good. He accomplishes this by overaggagerating stories, and using goofy humor to entertain the audience. He celebrates little accomplishments in a big way, and uses comedy to connect to the celebrity he’s interviewing and the people who are watching. He is a perfect example for how slightly “over-doing it” can work in charismatic favor. He achieves all of this while still maintaining a clean image, which attracts a broader audience of families and older watchers.
Chris Pratt is pretty much the poster child for celebrity charisma. Much like Fallon, his humor both on and off the screen attract people to him. Despite being a successful Hollywood actor, he appears to others as grounded, authentic, and relatable. He shares personal stories, and is able to make fun of himself. Pratt is also incredibly charming, displayed by his politeness and wit, and presented by the way he treats his female co-stars. The public likes to root for someone who comes across as a genuine “good-guy”.
Queen Elizabeth is the beloved symbol of Great Britain. While the British crown doesn’t hold much power anymore, the influence the royal family has on England and the rest of the world means that they are constantly under close watch. At 92 years old, the Queen is the longest reigning British monarch in history (66 years on the throne). Despite her age, she appears strong rather than feeble. She is a symbol of grace, tradition, and intelligence, yet she has a sharp and surprising wit. Her timelessness and sophistication are not overshadowed by her humility and graciousness, making her the adored public figure she is. She is loved by the people of Britain, and pride surrounds the British throne.
Charisma is not just a trait in those with class and good moral character, however. Charisma is also a tool of manipulation and deceit. As shown time and time again by evil men and women around the world, criminals and dictators alike, appeal and charm can blind the public and veil evil intentions.
Adolf Hitler is known today as one of the most evil men who ever lived. He was so full of hatred and delusion, yet he influenced thousands to join the Nazi party. In a Huffpost article titled the 7 Secrets of Hitler’s Charisma, the author acknowledges how such a wicked man was able to come to power. The way he spoke to crowds certainly had a lot to do with it. He spoke with power and certainty, a strength that was highly esteemed in German society. His confidence was especially appealing at the time, as Germany was in need of strong leadership. Hitler was able to carry out horrible orders of mass murder, and kept in power mostly because of his ability to captivate the audience.
Ted Bundy is one of the most infamous serial killers of all time. He was a sick and brutal man who kidnapped, raped, and killed near 100 victims during his reign of terror. Yet, Bundy was described by those who knew him as charming, even charismatic. He even worked at the Seattle Suicide Hotline for a bit, reassuring people and helping them through difficult times. After he was convicted, a co-worker, Ann Rule, wrote about her experience working with him. In her book, titled “The Stranger Beside Me”, she described the man she thought she knew as “kind, solicitous, and empathetic”. These are not adjectives one would expect to hear when describing a sociopath. Ted Bundy was an actor and a manipulator, who used his pleasant looks and demeanor to lure victims in and keep his name clean. Hidden behind his charisma was pure evil.
Bill Cosby was a symbol of family values and good nature in America during the 60s, 70s, and 80s. He was a beloved icon, a comedian and actor who produced and starred in clean sitcoms (most notably the Cosby Show) that brought laughter to families around the country. The world when shocked when the beloved icon was accused of sexual abuse, allegations beginning in the early 2000s. The jury found Cosby guilty of drugging and raping several women in April of 2018. Cosby, once a symbol of pleasant friendliness and American values, now is the image of an infamous monster. His charisma and goofiness, once endearing to the public, now makes their skin crawl.
Charisma comes in many forms, and it influences how much power a person has over the people around them. Strength, assurance, and comedy are all huge aspects of charisma. The ability to take charge of a situation and gain the attention of others carries a lot of weight in determining the influence one has. For some it comes naturally, for others it takes years of practice. Both past and present day public figures are prime examples of charismatic personalities, using the influence they have to their advantage. Some use it as a tool to bring joy and connect people, while others use it to manipulate and cover secrets. Whether it is used for good or evil, charisma gives immense emotional power to an individual.