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from the seems-to-be-appearance-over-substance dept.
For those wanting to be more charismatic, there is evidence that it is not such a magical, or imperceptible quality as it might first seem.
Most of it stems from the way we use words and how points are conveyed. For example, in one set of studies, Antonakis trained middle managers at a German company and MBA students to be perceived as more charismatic by using what he calls charismatic leadership tactics.
These are made up of nine core verbal tactics including metaphors, stories and anecdotes, contrasts, lists and rhetorical questions. Speakers should demonstrate moral conviction, share the sentiments of the audience they are targeting, set high expectations for themselves, and communicate confidence. Managers trained to use these tactics were rated as more competent, more trusted and able to influence others. MBA students who analysed recordings of themselves giving speeches, with these tactics in mind, ultimately gave new speeches that were rated as more charismatic.
“Margaret Thatcher was unbelievably charismatic because of her rhetoric and use of these tactics,” Antonakis says. Analysis of a speech the UK Prime Minister delivered to the Conservative Party Conference in 1980, known as ‘The lady’s not for turning’, highlighted her extensive use of many of these verbal tricks. Her speech was packed with metaphors, rhetorical questions, stories, contrasts, lists, and references to ambitious goals.
But it’s not just how you use words that is important. Body language, gestures, facial expressions and tone of voice contribute to emotional signalling too and should match the message you want to convey. “What you need to convey [is] the appropriate emotion to what you’re saying. You need to look credible so people will trust you, ” says Antonakis.
Top tips: shower, and ditch the Atari T-shirt.
(Score: 5, Touché) by Anonymous Coward on Tuesday November 07 2017, @02:24PM (3 children)
Let's see …
Metaphors: "This is like the memory layout of the ZX Spectrum."
Anecdotes: "You know, back then when I first got hands on an IBM PC, I really was shocked at how primitive their BASIC interpreter was."
Contrasts: "Emacs is much better than vi!"
Lists: "Well, there is ls, cp, mv, rm, cd, …"
Rhetorical questions: "You think Windows is a good idea? Do you know anything about computers?"
Moral conviction: "Proprietary software is evil!"
Share the sentiments of the targeted audience: "I wish this meeting was over already."
Set high expectations of themselves: "I know the system in and out!"
Communicate confidence: "If only I were in charge of that software, it would be done right."
Hmmm … seems nerds should be the most charismatic people on earth! ;-)
(Score: -1, Troll) by Ethanol-fueled on Tuesday November 07 2017, @03:42PM (1 child)
Don't forget the unwritten rule: Don't be Jewish.
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Wednesday November 08 2017, @01:13PM
How would the audience be able to tell?
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Wednesday November 08 2017, @01:43AM
Well, nerds may find you charismatic. Muggles not.