14 Signs You Have Great Charisma

Do you have a magnetic personality? Find out here.

BY MARISSA LALIBERTE
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Youre a fantastic listener

You might think people get charisma from their way with words, but a lot actually has to do with what they do when theyre not in the
spotlight, says Patti Wood, body language expert and author of Snap: Making the Most of First Impressions, Body Language, and
Charisma. When you really look at charismatic people, its often how they make the other person feel that identifies them as charismatic,
which I think is one of the magical secrets about it, she says. If you act interested in others, theyll have a better impression of you, which
is why charismatic people also happen to be great listeners. Holding eye contact, leaning in, ignoring your phone, and using these other
habits of great listenersmake the talker feel like the only person in the room,.

You ask follow-up questions

Active listeners arent just waitingto pass the time until they can talk againthey really care about understanding what the other person
has to say, says Ron Riggio, PhD, professor of leadership and organizational psychology at Claremont McKenna College and author of The
Charisma Quotient: What It Is, How to Get It, How to Use It. Listening is not just did I hear the sounds going through my ears? but can I
decode it? says Dr. Riggio. Your talking should be to draw out more information from the other person or for clarity. Asking questions
to make sure youre understanding correctly will help you understand the other person betterand build your owncharisma. Avoid making
these mistakes of bad listeners.

You make your voice heard

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Charismatic people are good listeners but also interrupt more to get heard, says Wood. But you have to be likable when you do it. Only
interrupt if you have a particularly powerful idea to contribute, and keep it positivepeople wont resent the interruptionif youre
complimenting them or boosting spirits. Also, make sure you speak loudly enough to make an impact. Reserved people might have to raise
their voices to what feels like yelling to reach a level that seems normal to others. Avoidfalling into these annoying speaking habits.

You're willing to show emotion

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People with magnetic personalitieswont keep on a poker face when theyre expressing themselves. Whatever the emotion is, its right
there on their face and matches the word messaging, says Wood. They use a big grin when theyre happy, and use angry gestures when
theyre frustrated. People like knowing your true colors, so revealing how you feel will help you connect better. Don't miss these other
habits of naturally charming people.

You can keep your reactionscontained

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On the other hand, knowing how to filter your emotions to fit the situation shows charisma. Its being authentic as opposed to being
transparent, which is everything I believe or feel comes out immediately, says Dr. Riggio. Authenticity is regulating that to a certain
extent. No matter how much youre fuming, for instance, you can contain your anger without making a big scene. Read this to improve
your emotional intelligence.

You look cheerful, even when you arent smiling

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Everyone has a resting faceyou know, the one when youre staring blankly without showing much emotionbut some look happier than
others. If yours looks friendly and welcoming, youll seem warmer and more approachable. But if you look like you have a grimace, even
when youre perfectly happy, people could be put off, says Wood. Take a look in the mirror. If your resting face looks unhappy, making a
conscious effort to change it could give you big results. When you make small changes to your facial expressions, the way you sit, or the
way you stand, it creates a whole cascade of chemicals within your system so you change how you feel, says Wood. You might find your
friendly face creates a cheerful attitude. Try these other little tricks to feel happier all year.

You show empathy without saying a word

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Not only do charismatic people show emotion when theyre talking, but they also wear their hearts on their sleeves whentheyre listening.
Specifically, those emotions are in line with the feelings the other person is expressing. A charismatic person will not have a big, dumb
smile on their face when someone is telling something horrible, says Dr. Riggio. Your face shows sadness and sympathy and you may not
have to say anything. The other person will walk away feeling like the two of you really connected. Find out if you haveexceptional
empathy.

You use big, upward hand gestures

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Up body language, like holding your head high, turning up the corners of your mouth, and lifting your arms for hand gestures, makes you
seem like a happier, lighter person. You can be a conductor and your body becomes the baton and is bringing the conversation of your
group upward, says Wood. It makes people feel euphoric and above the norm. Not only will you look more fun to others, but youll also
start to feel it for yourself. Those movements create endorphin-like chemicals that improve your mood, says Wood. You can alsobuild trust
with these body language tricks.

You hold eye contact without looking creepy

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Laser-focused eye contact shows youre listening hard, which will show you care about what others have to say. But turning it into a stare-
down can make the listener feel intimidated or uncomfortable. Its intense and just borderline of staring, says Wood, but what
charismatic people do is they put in not just the power aspect of eye contact but the likability of smiling and nodding. Don't miss these
awkward habits that actually build trust.

Youre good at reading emotions

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Adjusting reactions to fit the situation is a skill of charismatic people. But they wouldnt know how to adapt if they werent good at reading
between the lines when others are talking. They dont just look at facial cues, which are the first thing people will try to control when
hiding their emotions. A really good charismatic person is going to look beyond whats being presented in the face, says Dr. Riggio. Look
for subtle cues and inconsistencies. For instance, you might notice that a smile looks forced, or that excessive fidgeting makes a person
seem anxious.

You have drawn-out hellos and goodbyes

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Spending a long time greeting someone or saying farewell will show youre genuinely excited to see that person and arent just rushing
through formalities. Spend that time and really connect and want to hear about them, says Wood. When you make someone feel special,
you seem special. Sprinkle in these magic phrases that make anyone trust you.

You arent cliquey

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Introducing yourself to people from different generations, backgrounds, and cultures will help you seem charismatic, no matter who youre
with. The more you get out and interact with people, the more you understand the diversity of people, says Dr. Riggio. Not everyone
reacts the same way. Youll be able to adapt better to different situations without losing any authenticity. Try these mental shifts
toimprove your sensitivity.

You dont always keep your hands to yourself

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A brief touchthe safe zone is from the fingertips to the elbowswhen telling someone you enjoyed meeting them or loved their
presentation could make you more memorable, says Wood. It shows warmth and likability and makes the other person feel singled out
and special, she says. Just make sure you follow the etiquette of your office. If any touching is frowned upon, youll want to keep your
hands to yourself.

You give great visualizations

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People will remember what you said better if you leave them with a clearer picture. I can say this car had this sort of black shininess to it
or I could say it had a black sheen like a ravens feathers, says Dr. Riggio. Now Ive given you a little more to visualize. Youre seeing the
ravens feathers. Charismatic people seem like more engaging speakers by sprinkling in examples and imagery. These magic phrases will
help you nail public speaking.
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