Shiny happy people
The band REM sang about “Shiny Happy People” on one of their hits. Do you know someone who is unusually bright and shiny? Those are the sorts of people who seem to emote charisma. It proceeds out of them in nearly every measurable way.
Not to say these people are necessarily brilliant intellectually. These folks have something that’s rarer than high IQ scores. Most of the time charismatic finish the race far ahead of those we see as intellectuals. Charismatic people have observable traits in common.
They listen.
The majority of communication is listening. Your speaking, conversing, writing is useful in that you connect with others. Charismatic people often ask clarifying questions to make sure they hear the other person. They regularly say, “What I hear you saying is…”
They show you warmth.
They are genuinely glad to see and be around you and affirm the right things are happening to you.
They have a sweet, strong sounding voice.
A charismatic person doesn’t sound like cats fighting. To hear them speak is enjoyable, healing even.
They make you like yourself.
They bring out positive self-awareness – your unique package of gifts, passions, and experiences. When you are around some people, you begin to see you have a lot to offer.
They are crazy excited about something.
In other words, they don’t just have ideas and proposals that are hot – they usually have something white hot going on. When there’s that much energy on something, you can feel it from a distance even.
They have a smile that’s real.
Practice your smile, and your charisma level will go up markedly.
They walk differently.
By differently I mean they have a sense of where they are going in life – even when they walk. To walk next to a charismatic person feels like you are making progress in the right direction.
They are transparent enough that we realize they aren’t perfect.
They are transparent just enough.
They have a positive grip on negativity.
No one can pull off being positive each moment of the day. To come across that way would be incongruous with daily reality.
We all interact with the harsh, cynical side of life. Whether it’s a person, a situation, a must-do job – they are able to be fully appraised of challenges and to amazing work just the same. At the same time, they can walk past it and not allow it to become the focus of their attention.
Can we grow in our level of charisma?
Absolutely! We can become increasingly charismatic! Some people seem to practically come out of the womb smiling and with zipping in their step. Ask God for his empowering to shape you. None of us can must up charisma on our own, but when God is at work, massive levels of pizzazz happen!
