5 Hacks for Instant Charisma

Charisma is usually seen as something that's innate. After all, most people would think that you just can't fake charisma. In reality, there are some very real tips that can help you to fake it until you make it. Below are five hacks that will give you instant charisma in any situation.

Use Names

If you really want to be memorable, put in the effort to remember others. Knowing names makes others feel like they have a connection to you. While you can't exactly go around with index cards to remember names, you can come up with easy mnemonic tricks to help you remember who people are. The more names you remember, the more connected and charismatic you will seem.

Enhance What You've Got

Don't be fake, but do enhance what you have. Going a little thin on top? Look into hair restoration with hair building fibers. Getting a little soft in the middle? Wear clothes that flatter your. Be the kind of person who acknowledges his or her own flaws and works to complement them, not hide them. It will make you look more confident and more appealing.

Master Eye Contact

Eye contact is a funny thing. Too little and you seem nervous, too much and you seem aggressive. Hold eye contact with people just a little longer than necessary - it allows them to know that you're paying attention. Don't go on so long that you seem creepy, but rather look for intensity. Being the person who pays attention can make you stand out in any crowd. Charisma on Command has a tutorial on effective eye contact that might be helpful.

Talk Less, Smile More

rnBe mysterious. No, don't wear a cape - just keep your mouth shut. Don't talk too much! Respond when you need to, of course, and be part of the social scene - but don't be the guy who tries to get in a word every ten seconds. Instead, be calm and confident in your silence. Time each word for maximum impact so that everything you do will be memorable.

Ask Questions

Deep down, everyone loves talking about their favorite topic - himself or herself. If you really want to be charismatic, try to engage people by getting them to talk about their own lives. Sure, they won't learn anything about you - but they'll remember you as the guy with whom they had a great conversation. This one's a little tricky, but smoothly redirecting the subject away from yourself helps to build your own mystery while building up the ego of others.