How to wow friends and influence people
Upstream, Jaunary 2009
Some people have it and know it, others have it without realising it, and the rest are being given the chance to develop it. Charisma is coming to Kingston.
Derived from the Greek word kharisma, meaning ‘divine favour’, charisma is a trait manifest in only certain personalities. Symptoms include extreme charm and a mysterious, mesmerizing power that attracts admiration and adoration from everyone around.
Now Richard Reid, a Harley Street psychotherapist who once practised at South-West London’s celebrity rehab clinic The Priory, is claiming to have unlocked the age-old secrets of this potent mix. Not only that, but he is pledging to share them this month in the UK’s first ever charisma masterclass.
Along with top confidence and lifestyle coach Rasheed Ogunlaru, Richard will be staging a workshop to help clients perfect the art of personal magnetism and develop a winning image. And he insists that the most important aspect of the two-day course is dispelling the myths with which the attribute of charisma is plagued.
“We have to demystify it,” he explains. “We need to show our students that there aren’t just a few fortunate individuals who are born with it, but that everyone has the potential within. It just needs developing.” As Director of UK human consultancy Pinnacle Proactive, Richard believes that charisma is required in all aspects of life. “People need charisma for a variety of reasons. Starting a new job or relationship, for example – or even maintaining one.”
But what exactly is charisma? Think Richard Branson, Marilyn Monroe or President Obama. Charismatic people know their own values and live by them. They have a strong vision and awareness, with the power to develop a deep understanding of, and sensitivity to, their audience. This enables them to get what they want from who they want.
“Charismatic people stand out from the crowd,” says Richard. “But at the same time they understand the crowd and motivate them to make them believe in their message.” Students at the masterclass will discover the science of all this. They will learn to decipher the messages of body language, and how to relate successfully to those around them by use of various techniques, such as adjusting their tone of voice. All this helps a communicator to ensure that his or her message is understood. This, says Richard, is the biggest asset of a charismatic person. “In today’s world, charisma is more important than ever. Many people are looking for new jobs or struggling to maintain their current position, and we believe that this workshop will give them the confidence they need.
“Of course, charisma is not the same as virtue. After all, Hitler was about as charismatic as they come. But having a good team around you generally helps to prevent charisma from going the wrong way.” So, whatever project you are embarking upon in 2009, you can ensure that you have the right skills to make it a success. To adapt a familiar panto phrase: it’s within you!
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