How to Be More Charismatic

Captivate everyone you meet by enhancing your natural charisma

Co-authored by Sheila A. Anderson and Annabelle Reyes

Last Updated: February 29, 2024 Fact Checked

We all know someone who captures everyone’s attention as soon as they walk into the room, who wins people over easily with their infectious energy. These people possess an important quality: charisma. Charisma is the ability to attract and influence others.^{[1]
X
Research source} It’s essentially a blend of charm, confidence, and enthusiasm that makes someone magnetic to the people around them. Luckily, charisma isn’t just something people are born with. It’s also a skill you can practice and cultivate, and we’ll tell you how. Keep reading to learn how to exude charisma in any situation!

Things You Should Know

Charisma is the ability to attract, influence, and charm other people. Charismatic people are often likable, confident, passionate, and empathetic.
Using engaged body language, making eye contact with people, and smiling more can help you come across as more charismatic.
It’s also helpful to maintain a positive attitude, talk about your interests and passions, and share your sense of humor.

1

Make eye contact with people.

Download Article

This is super important if you’re hoping to be more charismatic. As soon as you enter a room, make an effort to look people in the eye, and maintain eye contact while you're speaking with them.^{[2]
X
Research source}

If you have trouble making eye contact, practice with someone you love and feel comfortable with. Then, slowly expand how long you make eye contact with people you don't know well.

2

Focus on smiling more when interacting with others.

Download Article

A smile can make you seem more approachable and charismatic. Smiling lights up your face, and research suggests that it even makes you appear more attractive. A smile also gives you a warm, inviting air, which draws people toward you and puts them at ease.^{[3]
X
Research source}
- Just be careful not to smile too hard, as this can be off-putting. It’s important that your smile seems genuine and not forced!

3

Use open and engaged body language.

Download Article

This type of body language closes you off to others, which makes you seem less approachable and charismatic. Instead, keep your arms uncrossed, angle your body toward the people you’re talking to, and lean toward them when they’re speaking.^{[4]
X
Expert Source

Sheila A. Anderson
Certified Image Consultant & International Branding Icon

Expert Interview. 19 July 2021} This helps you appear more engaged and interested in connecting with them.^{[5]
X
Trustworthy Source

HelpGuide
Nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free, evidence-based mental health and wellness resources.

Go to source}

Charismatic people are open, so closing off yourself will turn people off from you.

4

Talk with your hands.

Download Article

This makes you seem more animated and passionate about what you’re talking about, which helps you capture people’s attention.^{[6]
X
Research source} This is a key aspect of being charismatic!

5

Share your unique interests and passions.

Download Article

So, when you’re hanging out with people, don’t be afraid to share your amazing ideas and talk about the things you’re passionate about. Be excited about what you say and do, and invite others to share in your excitement!^{[7]
X
Research source}

6

Show off your great sense of humor.

Download Article

Try cracking jokes, telling a hilarious story, or making a funny, self-deprecating comment. Just be careful not to go overboard. Pepper humor throughout your conversation, rather than trying to do a full stand-up routine.

7

Remember people's names, and use them in conversation.

Download Article

When you meet someone new, repeat their name to help cement it into your memory. Then, use their name frequently throughout the conversation, and remember it the next time you see them. This shows that you have a genuine interest in knowing who they are.^{[8]
X
Research source}

Repeating a person's name several times while you speak to them is the best way to cement it in your mind.

8

Compliment and praise the people around you.

Download Article

Charismatic people build others up and make them feel special. When you’re offering a compliment to someone, be specific and genuine to make your comment more meaningful. Be careful not to overdo it, however, as this can come across as insincere.^{[9]
X
Research source}
- For example, you could say something like: “Congratulations on getting that new job! You’re such a dedicated and passionate person. They’re so lucky to have you.”

9

Bond over mutual interests.

Download Article

Talking about shared interests and experiences is a great way to do this!^{[10]
X
Research source} Maybe you enjoy the same type of music, or have the same favorite movie. Or, maybe you both love to ski or play basketball. If you’re able to find some common ground, a genuine connection will follow!

10

Practice active listening.

Download Article

This means giving your undivided attention while someone’s talking.^{[11]
X
Trustworthy Source

PubMed Central
Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health

Go to source} Active listening shows the other person that they’re important to you, and that you’re genuinely interested in what they have to say, which helps you come off as charismatic. Here are some examples of what to do:
- Nod your head and react with appropriate facial expressions while they’re talking to signal that you’re fully present and engaged.
- Paraphrase what they’ve said and repeat it back to them. For example, you could say, “That’s so crazy that you ran into your friend from high school! Did you have fun catching up?”
- Ask relevant, thoughtful questions to show that you’re interested. If they mention that they’re a photographer, for example, say, “That’s so cool! What kind of photos do you enjoy taking the most?”
- Avoid conversational narcissism. In other words, don’t hog the conversation, and make sure you’re taking equal turns while talking.^{[12]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  
  Greater Good in Action
  An initiative by UC Berkeley's Greater Good Science Center promoting science-based practices for a meaningful life
  
  Go to source}
- Don’t look at your phone or aimlessly scroll while having a conversation—make sure your full attention is on the other person.
Designate time to check your phone. For example, you might occasionally excuse yourself to the restroom, where you can check your phone.

11

Develop your empathy.

Download Article

Empathy, or the ability to put yourself in another person’s shoes, is a key ingredient for this.^{[13]
X
Research source} To be more empathetic, think about where other people might be coming from, and try to see things from their perspective. Show people you care about how they feel by verbally acknowledging their emotions and listening to what they're going through.^{[14]
X
Trustworthy Source

Greater Good Magazine
Journal published by UC Berkeley's Greater Good Science Center, which uses scientific research to promote happier living

Go to source}

12

Work on your self-confidence.

Download Article

Charismatic people tend to be confident and self-assured. This doesn’t mean that you have to be the most outgoing or extroverted person around—it’s more about being true to who you are and comfortable in your own skin.^{[15]
X
Research source} Here are some tips to build your self-confidence:
- Practice positive self-talk. This means being kind and supportive toward yourself, the way you would be toward someone you love, instead of being overly self-critical.
- Make a list of all your positive qualities and accomplishments to build yourself up. This will help banish self-doubt.^{[16]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  
  National Health Service (UK)
  Public healthcare system of the UK
  
  Go to source}
- Don’t compare yourself to others, and don’t try to change yourself to “fit in.” You are uniquely you, and that’s beautiful!^{[17]
  X
  Research source}

13

Adopt a positive mindset.

Download Article

Positive energy is infectious. It draws people in and makes them want to be around you, which is an important part of being charismatic. Here are some tips to help you cultivate a more optimistic outlook:^{[18]
X
Trustworthy Source

Johns Hopkins Medicine
Official resource database of the world-leading Johns Hopkins Hospital

Go to source}
- Practice reframing negative thoughts. When you catch yourself thinking something negative like, “This is too hard. I might fail,” counter it with a positive statement, like “This is an opportunity to learn and grow.”^{[19]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  
  Johns Hopkins Medicine
  Official resource database of the world-leading Johns Hopkins Hospital
  
  Go to source}
- Make a gratitude list or keep a gratitude journal. Appreciating the good things in your life helps you maintain a more positive mindset.^{[20]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  
  Harvard Medical School
  Harvard Medical School's Educational Site for the Public
  
  Go to source}
- Improve your mood with laughter. Laughter can help you feel less stressed and keep your mood up at difficult times. So watch a funny movie, tell a joke, or share a funny story!
- Surround yourself with positive people to help you maintain your optimism.^{[21]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  
  Mayo Clinic
  Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
  
  Go to source}

14

Allow yourself to be vulnerable.

Download Article

Vulnerability makes you more relatable and down-to-earth. This puts others at ease and helps you build connections with them, which is an important aspect of charisma. This doesn’t mean telling people all about your deepest fears and insecurities. It just means that you’re willing to honestly express your emotions and embrace your imperfections.^{[22]
X
Research source}
- Don’t be afraid to poke fun at yourself, share an embarrassing memory, or be honest about a time you struggled.
- It takes courage to be vulnerable in this way, and people will respect you for it!

Expert Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Question

How can I make my body language positive?

Sheila A. Anderson
Certified Image Consultant & International Branding Icon
Sheila A. Anderson is a Certified Image Consultant, International Branding Icon, and the Founder of Image Power Play, an impression management and personal branding company. With over three decades of experience, she specializes in empowering corporate professionals to raise their personal image to meet the value of their brand. Sheila is a Certified Image Consultant with The Image Resource Network and a Certified Universal Style Consultant with The Universal Style International. Sheila is a member of the C-Suite Network Advisors and the author of the book, I.C.U., The Comprehensive Guide to Breathing Life Back Into Your Personal Brand.

Sheila A. Anderson

Certified Image Consultant & International Branding Icon

Expert Answer

Try to be as open and energetic as possible. Smiling, making direct eye contact, leaning inward as you talk, and using expressive hand gestures are great ways to exude positive body language.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 12 Helpful 21
Question

What does it mean to mirror someone?

Sheila A. Anderson
Certified Image Consultant & International Branding Icon
Sheila A. Anderson is a Certified Image Consultant, International Branding Icon, and the Founder of Image Power Play, an impression management and personal branding company. With over three decades of experience, she specializes in empowering corporate professionals to raise their personal image to meet the value of their brand. Sheila is a Certified Image Consultant with The Image Resource Network and a Certified Universal Style Consultant with The Universal Style International. Sheila is a member of the C-Suite Network Advisors and the author of the book, I.C.U., The Comprehensive Guide to Breathing Life Back Into Your Personal Brand.

Sheila A. Anderson

Certified Image Consultant & International Branding Icon

Expert Answer

Mirroring someone is a special technique where you mimic another person's behavior. It's actually a great way to exude charisma—not only does mirroring imply a level of understanding and empathy, but it also makes your conversational partner feel good.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 7 Helpful 23
Question

How can I become more charismatic quickly?

Sheila A. Anderson
Certified Image Consultant & International Branding Icon
Sheila A. Anderson is a Certified Image Consultant, International Branding Icon, and the Founder of Image Power Play, an impression management and personal branding company. With over three decades of experience, she specializes in empowering corporate professionals to raise their personal image to meet the value of their brand. Sheila is a Certified Image Consultant with The Image Resource Network and a Certified Universal Style Consultant with The Universal Style International. Sheila is a member of the C-Suite Network Advisors and the author of the book, I.C.U., The Comprehensive Guide to Breathing Life Back Into Your Personal Brand.

Sheila A. Anderson

Certified Image Consultant & International Branding Icon

Expert Answer

Try changing up your vocabulary and tone! Sprinkling positive, uplifting words and genuine compliments into your day-to-day conversations helps build meaningful connections with the people around you.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 5 Helpful 28

See more answers

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Tips

Submit a Tip

All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published

Submit

Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

Warnings

Don't try to force charisma. It takes practice to learn how to be charismatic. If you try to change your whole demeanor too quickly, your behavior may seem bizarre and untrustworthy.

Thanks
Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0