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Communication / Leadership

What You Can Learn from Charismatic Leaders

May 23, 2022
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We all know a person, whose mere presence seems to mesmerize everyone around them. They seem to find the perfect words in all situations. They embody power and confidence; their ideas and vision have an inspiring energy. Above all, it seems that they can do all that effortlessly, just by being themselves. This energy that many admire but struggle to define, has a name: charisma. And while charisma oftentimes has a very dark side, there are a thing or two that you can learn from “charismatic” individuals. Here are the secrets behind charismatic communication.

Charismatic communication can be learned.

We commonly believe that charisma is innate. However, a recently conducted experiment shows that the opposite seems to be true: Charisma can be learned – at least to some extent. That’s because charisma is not much else than using influence tactics effortlessly . Research has summarized these into the so-called Charismatic Leadership Tactics – a combination of rhetoric and non-verbal tactics. Interestingly, most of them are quite simple (we have all learned them in school!). What differentiates charismatic individuals though, is that they have created a habit of consistently using these tactics in various situations. Their secret lies in using them intuitively and effortlessly.

So, without further ado, here’s how you can communicate more effectively and persuasively.

1. Use metaphors, stories and anecdotes

Metaphors, stories and anecdotes are powerful ways to make sure that your message is remembered. Using metaphors simplifies your message and arouses emotions, which helps people recall message. Similarly, people may not remember facts, but they will remember a good story. And part of a good story is that people can relate to it. So, come up with an anecdote that is relevant to your message and relatable to others, and people will commit to it.

2. Demonstrate moral conviction

Moral conviction is the perception that your feelings or opinions on something are based on your beliefs about what is fundamentally right or wrong. No matter your message, communicating how your ideas are rooted in fundamental beliefs of morality, is much more powerful and convincing than merely stating your opinion. What is important here, is that your morals overlap with those of your audience (or whoever you want to convince), because only then will they relate to you.

3. Share sentiment of the collective

Emphasizing that you share the sentiments of those around you, will help others identify with you and your message. An important first step then is to read the room. What topics are currently on your colleagues’ minds? What issues or worries are currently burdening them? Once you know the answers to these questions, you can use them to build a convincing argument of how your ideas play into this sentiment. This will attract others’ interest in and support for your ideas.

4. Set high expectations for yourself and others – and communicate confidence

What would you prefer: a) working on a super easy but boring task, or b) working on a challenging but achievable task that helps you achieve a higher-level, meaningful goal? You, and for that matter most of us, would choose option b).

If you set high expectations and standards for yourself, you communicate that you are confident in that these expectations can be met, and you keep to them, others will respect you for your competence and motivation.

Now, if you also hold others to that same standard and provide them the resources needed to meet those standards (e.g., words of affirmation, information, advice), you will ultimately help them exceed their own expectations, feel proud of themselves and experience a motivation boost. You do not need to be a manager to hold yourself and others to a higher standard. Working in small teams or supervising interns are great opportunities to practice this.

The trick here is a combination of setting high expectations, but making sure that these expectations are possible to meet.

5. Use contrasts

Contrasts refer to identifying differences between two subjects, places, things, ideas, etc., and emphasizing their difference by opposing them. One example that we all know is “Then vs. Now“. By using contrasts, you can frame your message and focus it more on what its essence is. This will make your message more clear, understandable and define it from opposing messages.

6. Use lists

By listing things when you communicate, your message is perceived as being more complete and thought-through. For example, if there is a list of, say, 5 ways in which your ideas will positively change the collaboration efficiency in your team, then list and mention all five ways one after another.

7. Use rhetorical questions

Charismatic communication includes using rhetorical questions. They are a great way to put emphasis on key aspects of your message and create anticipation. This means that others will pay increased attention to what your answer to this rhetorical question will be. So, before you communicate your core idea or main message, consider preceding it with a relevant rhetorical question. This will maximize the attention directed to your main message, which is the ultimate goal.

8. Use body gestures, facial expressions and animated voice tone

Charismatic communication always includes a positive body language. This makes you seem more more likable and more confident. Here is what you should pay attention to:

  • keep friendly eye contact
  • use hand gestures when you talk
  • orient your torso towards the person you are talking or listening to
  • don’t cross your arms
  • stand straight
  • align your facial expressions with your message (e.g., smile when you talk about something that makes you happy) to seem more authentic and passionate
  • use emphasis in your voice to highlight important aspects of your message, so that you have others’ full attention

If you need some inspiration, watch some TED talks and observe the presenters’ body language and voice tone.

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We know that sometimes, small actions of reflection like the ones we suggest in this article, quickly slip our mind and before we know it, we forget about them altogether. If you need an occasional reminder, follow us on our Instagram and Facebook page – we use it as an interactive way to help each other implement the advice we suggest in our blog posts. And we love to hear about your experiences and thoughts!

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This post is based on the following sources and academic articles:

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