The word charisma (from the Greek word χάρισμα (kharisma), "gift"
or "divine favor," from kharizesthai, "to favor," from kharis, "favor": see also charism, Charis) refers to a rare trait found in certain
human personalities usually including extreme charm and a 'magnetic' quality of personality and/or appearance along with innate
and powerfully sophisticated personal communicability and persuasiveness. Though very difficult or even impossible to define
accurately (due to a lack of widely accepted criteria in regard to the trait), charisma is
often used to describe an (elusive, even undefinable) personality trait that often includes the seemingly 'supernatural' or
uncanny ability to lead, charm, persuade, inspire, and/or influence people. It refers especially to a quality in certain people
who easily draw the attention and admiration (or even hatred if the charisma is negative) of others due to a 'magnetic' quality
of personality and/or appearance. Similar terms/phrases related to charisma include: grace, exuberance, equanimity, mystique, positive energy, joie de vivre, extreme charm, personal magnetism, personal appeal, "electricity," and allure, among many others[1]. Usually many of these
specific qualities must be present within a single individual for the person to be considered highly charismatic by the
public and their peers.
Despite the strong emotions they so often induce in others, charismatic individuals generally project unusual calmness,
confidence, assertiveness, dominance, authenticity, and focus, and almost always possess superb communication and/or
oratorical skills. Although the etymology of the word ("divine gift") might suggest that
charisma can't be acquired, and despite the persistent inability to accurately define or even fully understand the concept, it is
believed that charisma can be taught and/or learned. Others ‹The template Who? is being considered for
deletion.› [Who?] disagree with this assertion and maintain that
it is an inborn trait and that it cannot be learned, taught, or 'gained.'
The psychology of charisma
The term charisma, derived from Ancient Greek was introduced in scholarly usage by German
sociologist Max Weber. [1] He defined
charismatic authority to be one of three forms of authority, the other two being
traditional (feudal) authority and legal or rational authority. According to Weber, charisma is defined thus:
a certain quality of an individual personality, by virtue of which s/he is "set apart" from ordinary people and treated as
endowed with supernatural, superhuman, or at least specifically exceptional powers or qualities. These as such are not accessible
to the ordinary person, but are regarded as divine in origin or as exemplary, and on the basis of them the individual concerned
is treated as a leader.[2]
The study, recognition, and development of charisma in individuals is of particular interest to sociologists/psychologists, popular (usually national)
politicians, public speakers, actors, movie-stars/movie-producers,
casting directors, pop-music stars,
trainers/coaches targeting the upper-echelons of the business community (CEOs),
and academics or others involved in leadership studies or
leadership development, among others. [3]
In some cases highly-extroverted and brutally controlling charismatic leaders have used their personal charisma in extremely
destructive and damaging ways throughout human history, for example, Adolf Hitler and
Jim Jones.
Pierre Bourdieu did not have a very different position from that of Weber's, but he
stressed that a leader has charisma only if other people accept that s/he has it. Bourdieu argued that charisma usually
depends on an "inaugural act" such as a decisive battle or moving speech after which the charismatic person will be regarded as
such[citation needed].
Theories of charisma
Charisma has also been studied as a set of behaviors/traits; for example, a modern psychological approach posits that
charisma is basically aggregative[citation needed], a conglomeration of distinct personality traits that meld well in certain
individuals to form the broad quality known as charisma or "personal magnetism."
Theatrically, charisma can sometimes be "performed" on-stage and in films, and is encapsulated in both verbal and non-verbal communication.
Professor Richard Wiseman says that a charismatic person has three attributes[4]:
- they feel emotions themselves quite strongly;
- they induce them in others;
- and they are impervious to the influences of other charismatic people.
The following are Professor Wiseman's general tips on how to be more charismatic:
- General: Open body posture, hands away from face when talking, stand up straight, relax, hands apart with palms forwards or
upwards
- To an individual: Let people know they matter and you enjoy being around them, develop a genuine smile, nod when they talk,
briefly touch them on the upper arm, and maintain eye contact
- To a group: Be comfortable as leader, move around to appear enthusiastic, lean slightly forward and look at all parts of the
group
- Message: Move beyond status quo and make a difference, be controversial, new, simple to understand, counter-intuitive
- Speech: Be clear, fluent, forceful and articulate, evoke imagery, use an upbeat tempo, occasionally slow for tension or
emphasis. [4]
See also
As "divine favor"
As "personal appeal"
Further reading
References
External links
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