How To Be Charismatic?

[Dien Rice]

Hi Ankesh,

Thanks, wow, what a cool and amazing analysis of it all...

The part about how, in school, the "cool kids" didn't let everyone into their circle, they built up exclusivity... I'm sure you're right, there! Fascinating...

Scarcity is one powerful beast.

And your other points are great too.

One thing that amazes me is how some actors and actresses seem to have "charisma" on the screen. That is, when they're on the screen, your eyes are drawn to them like a magnet. The other characters on the screen just seem to melt away into the background... Even when they're playing a minor role, they can have this effect.

How do they do it?

"Looking good" may be part of it, since these "charismatic" actors usually are considered to be "good looking" people. But not always, I think... I don't think that's the whole story. Not all "good looking" actors have this type of "charisma"...

I think what may be at work there is your point about "Unusual calmness. Assertiveness. Rhythm."

I think confidence plays a big role (and confidence is associated with calmness). People seem to be attracted to people who are confident.

And to those with conviction. We like certainty in our lives, so when someone promises certainty, people may find themselves attracted to that. Uncertainty can be so uncomfortable.

I think this may be how some of these cult leaders get their followers. They offer certainty and conviction, along with strong confidence. They may be saying that UFOs are going to come and get us, but to some people, that message said with conviction, and no doubts, might be charismatic and attractive (at least to a few)...

Anyway, I'm just thinking out loud here. Fascinating topic...

Thanks Ankesh, those are some amazing insights...

Best wishes,

Dien

P.S. Your "2 word internet marketing strategy" (from the link in your sig) is right on the money... I also learned some new stuff from your section on "Human Psychology"! (I don't get anything by saying this...)