Engineering Charisma

Charisma is the ability to empower and persuade others to believe in you, trust in you, and want to be influenced by you.  Passion, confidence, optimism, positive power, energy, balance, humor, and happiness are all important characteristics.

Consider the following from Kurt Mortenson and his book The Laws of Charisma (2011):

• Always take feedback or criticism with an open heart.
• Spend more time listening than talking.
• Be able to admit that you were wrong.
• Don't always attempt to prove you are right.
• Ask questions to demonstrate concern.
• Have someone else explain why you are credible.
• Don't have an overload of seriousness.  We all need to lighten up.
• The way you dress for the occasion can detract from your authority.
• Work on your presentation skills - - rambling or using vocal fillers is not effective.
• Watch power going to your head - - even if you don't do so intentionally, you can come across as if you are master of the the universe. 
• Watch the ego - - serving yourself instead of others.
• Not showing respect to others - - this include the competition.

Killing charisma - - talking too much leads the list.  The gift of listening trumps the gift of gab.  Trying to show people that you're the smartest person in the room indicates insecurity not charisma.