Not Very Charismatic? Don’t Worry. You Can Learn
A few things you can do today to get people to listen when you talk.
Everyone knows that charismatic people just seem to be more successful. Maybe it’s because they’re better at convincing people to invest in their ideas, their businesses, or their careers. Maybe it’s just because people like them and want to help them succeed. Whatever the reason, charming and personable people seem to have an easier time in life and in business.
So what about the rest of us? Even if you’re good at what you do, having a charismatic personality can help you succeed in ways that tactical skill alone can’t.
The good news is that researchers believe you can learn to be more charismatic. It’s not about changing who you are or adopting a new persona. Instead, it’s the way you communicate that can have a big impact by making you more interesting, relatable, and memorable. It can also help you form an emotional connection with others, which is the best way to build confidence and loyalty — no matter who you’re talking to.
Researchers have identified a few key techniques that can help make you a more charismatic speaker. They include:
Telling stories by using metaphors and anecdotes
Making comparisons to illustrate your point
Asking rhetorical questions that invite the audience to think about how they feel about what you’re saying and see things from your point of view
Adjusting your voice pitch and tone to suit the circumstances
Using hand gestures, which will make you more interesting to watch and listen to
Things to avoid when speaking to others — in a group or alone — are what sound expert Julian Treasure calls the Seven Deadly Sins of Speaking. They include gossip, complaining, exaggeration and negativity.
You don’t need to be a motivational speaker to have a greater impact on people. Just a little practice with these techniques could result in a vast improvement in your communication style and make a big difference in your future success.
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