Handsome, charming, pretty, attractive, smart these adjectives regarding personality cannot be described. Similarly ugly, unattractive, disfigured, obese, skinny, fair, stout also cannot be defined. But then why do we call some people ‘charismatic’? A variety of factors can make a person charismatic. They include but are not limited to confidence, energy, optimism, expressive body language, and a passionate voice. People with charisma are often enthusiastic and speak with assertiveness. APJ Abdul Kalam, the “Missile Man of India,” was a renowned scientist, a visionary leader, and the 11th President of India. With a charismatic and humble personality, he left an indelible mark on the nation. Known for his unwavering love for students and education, Kalam was a true inspiration to countless individuals, he was charismatic because of his research, his speech, his warmth and his love for education. He was not a handsome man.
People with charisma tend to project calmness, self-confidence, assertiveness, honesty, authenticity, enthusiasm and, almost always, they have excellent communication skills. These traits are supported by positive body language transmitted through their posture, facial expressions, eye contact and hand movements. Narendra Modi, the present PM of India, completed his higher secondary education in Vadnagar in 1967; his teachers described him as an average student in education but a gifted debater with an interest in theatre. He preferred playing larger-than-life characters in theatrical productions, which has influenced his political image. His dialogue delivery is excellent and prompt. He can talk about any situation with mastery. He has great fan following in the world.
Charismatic people possess an irresistible charm that draws others to them, enabling them to forge strong connections, inspire trust, and lead effectively. Colorful, debonair, mischievous and romantic, Dev Anand’s personality is best manifested in the song he sang in Hum Dono: Main zindagi ka saath nibhata chala gaya; har fiqr ko dhuen mein udata chala gaya…. Hema Malini’s mother was a huge fan of Dev Anand, so she grew up hearing his name and watching his films. Her career’s second film Johnny Mera Naam was with Dev Anand. Hema was so young, and Dev was a huge star. But he never made her feel like a newcomer. They shot the film’s cable-car sequence for the song ‘Ohh mere raja’ at Rajgir in Bihar. The crowds got unwieldy. Dev Anand looked after her. Dev Anand was always on the move. He was genetically restless, and he didn’t appreciate people around him who couldn’t keep pace with him. Watching him at work was like taking a vitamin tablet. Asha Parekh compares working with Dev Anand to being on an express train. The journey was relentless and stimulating. Dev Anand oozed charisma because he was superbly talented and knew how to play this game called Life.
I remember one of my school days classmates whom I remember as a charismatic person. She was not a pretty girl; she spoke slowly and calmly. She wasn’t the smartest person in the room but once she spoke no matter how short, the students would turn their heads at her and listen with intent. She once explained to me that speaking fast does not help her navigate her thoughts clearly. She would not use pauses or hesitate when she spoke because she would let her mind process her words before she delivered them. I found her mysterious. She never spoke about her life unless it was required. She never told anyone in the class about her home, about her family life, she never tried hard to explain herself, she let people judge her however they perceive her life to be.
Being self-aware enables people to play to their strengths and disguise their shortcomings. Self-awareness results in being aware of your inner experiences, such as thoughts and emotions, and how your presence and behavior affect other people. Self-awareness is required to be fully present and at ease in your skin. You can acquire self-awareness through practicing mindfulness. Our Minister for External Affairs Dr S. Jaishankar is an amazing diplomat. Perhaps the best External affairs minister India has ever seen. His colleagues and mentors vouch for his “realistic view of foreign policy” among other skills. Jaishankar is a politically savvy diplomat. He has proved his style and knowledge in bridging the gap between his ministry and the PMO while making ambitious foreign policy moves. He looks striking while speaking on any platform. His diction is good, and his intellect is visible.
Warmth is a critical charismatic personality trait. Warm people are usually approachable, understanding, and caring. Optimism and enthusiasm also convey warmth. Dr. Devi Prasad Shetty is an Indian cardiac surgeon who is the chairman and founder of Narayana Health, a chain of 24 medical centers all over India. He has performed more than 100,000 heart operations. Devi Shetty’s soft skills are very powerful and extremely effective. An image of absolute poise and grace, Dr. Shetty carries a light smile that instantaneously comforts and reassures his patients. He is soft spoken, and a very good listener. He exudes warmth.
A charismatic personality can also convey competence, a combination of power, capability, and intelligence. Competence is leadership ability. Think of the authoritative aura of Elon Musk, who conveys an air of no-nonsense competence. He’s a man that gets things done.
When others assess you in a job interview, they evaluate your ability to do what you say you’re going to do. Conveying competence with less warmth can establish authority. Still, the right balance of warmth and competence is the foundation of charismatic personality.
The way you carry yourself, the confidence you show, fuels your presence. This includes the way you dress, what you look like, how handle situations, your confidence, you walk, the way you talk, the way you stand, and how the people around you perceive you as a person. Charismatic people stand out anywhere they go.