Updates / Postings

New Postings and updates happen as the Muse inspires me. Check in every few weeks to catch the buzz.

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Charisma, What it is, How to Get It

Here are some ideas directly from my friend Rory Vaden. Rory and I exchange emails regularly, this is reprinted from a recent one on the subject of Charisma. These ideas are valid for creating a strong professional image, and communicating clearly in a presentation. I hope you find something valuable in it: Contrary to popular belief, charisma is something that we can all improve upon. Some people are born with a higher predisposition to be charismatic, sure, but it is a skill that can also be learned. Developing Charisma is one step in a 5 step system that I used - and now teach- to people who are wanting to become better presenters. Here is the basic formula for this part: C- Capture attention right away. You have 30 seconds to capture an audience so don't waste it on insignificant platitudes. In my home study course called "The Audience is Not in their Underwear" (http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=NPCn.&m=46wIiwlUZGuFDMM&b=PVwiJ.xC7jqYklwgztO6lA) I teach 7 different effective ways to open any presentation. Regardless of who you are presenting to, "be a microwave and not an oven" by opening your presentation immediately and strong rather than pre-heating. H - Half step up attire. Create a bit of a charmed appearance by being a half step nicer dressed than your audience. A - Always keep your composure. People want to follow people who have it together. So even if you are freaking out in your mind, stay cool on the outer appearance. Lose composure and you lose charisma. R - Remember the power pause. Pauses are the most underutilized tool that presenters have. Just PAUSE! It adds drama and charisma. Remember...pauses...are...powerful. I - Insist on taking control. We follow people who are in charge. Don't bark out orders necessarily but use force and diction in your voice. Rearrange a room to be the way you need it. And take responsibility for getting things done. S - Say it very concisely. Mark Twain said "brevity is the essence of wisdom." Keep it short and sweet and it comes off more powerfully. M - Make deliberate eye contact. Don't look people in the eye; look them in the pupil. A - Add the appropriate humor. Make sure your humor matches the audience. If you are interested you can learn specifics on how to do all of this and much more by checking out my home study course on mastering presentation skills here: http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=NPCn.&m=46wIiwlUZGuFDMM&b=PVwiJ.xC7jqYklwgztO6lA

No comments: