themaggiemch's review against another edition
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
4.0
This was an interesting read, and I do think it had some good ideas, but I feel like I would've gotten more out of it had I read it on paper instead of via audiobook. Additionally, I don't really care about being charismatic to everyone (only to my crush lol) so most of these techniques I'll likely never implement.
ksbookjunky's review
4.0
I have always hating networking. It's one thing to have to do it, it's another thing to do it well. Since it's a necessary evil I figured I might as well acquire some skill to do it better. This book shows you how to pull your head out of the sand, use mindfulness, and teach yourself to connect better to those around you. Everyone can improve these sorts of skills. The author does a good job of making this realistic.
jay_sy's review
4.0
I listened to the audio version of The Charisma Myth by Olivia Fox Cabane, which was centred around the idea that charisma isn't innate but can be taught. It was an informative with many practical tips that were balanced with anecdotes showing them put into practice.
Cabane states that there are many types of charisma based on three aspects: presence, power, and warmth. She then proceeds to explain how you can bring out these qualities in yourself.
The first third or so of the book seemed to offer tips related to being or projecting confidence. There are numerous exercises you try, including imagining people with angel wings to perceive people positively, or responsibility transfer, to lessen your fears of the outcome of events. This is because your presentation or mood can be infectious to others, which is something I've observed in my personal life. For example, I've known multiple people who suffer with depression or anxiety, but the depressed people who could act upbeat, or the anxious people who acted calm were all pleasant to be around, while people who act like downers or anxious people who spread their anxiety to others are tiring to be around.
There's information about listening to others, not specifically how to actively listen, but to give the impression of being a good listener (not interrupting others, but letting yourself be interrupted). She also provides advice on how to make a graceful exit and how to take compliments.
A lot of the advice seems to centre on state of mind and how that plays out in your body language. I likely won't use much of it in my personal life, but I'm very interested to see how it will play out in my tabletop roleplaying hobby, since my latest character is meant to be quite charismatic.
Overall, it was a quick and easy read with many actionable tips, and I enjoyed reading it.
Cabane states that there are many types of charisma based on three aspects: presence, power, and warmth. She then proceeds to explain how you can bring out these qualities in yourself.
The first third or so of the book seemed to offer tips related to being or projecting confidence. There are numerous exercises you try, including imagining people with angel wings to perceive people positively, or responsibility transfer, to lessen your fears of the outcome of events. This is because your presentation or mood can be infectious to others, which is something I've observed in my personal life. For example, I've known multiple people who suffer with depression or anxiety, but the depressed people who could act upbeat, or the anxious people who acted calm were all pleasant to be around, while people who act like downers or anxious people who spread their anxiety to others are tiring to be around.
There's information about listening to others, not specifically how to actively listen, but to give the impression of being a good listener (not interrupting others, but letting yourself be interrupted). She also provides advice on how to make a graceful exit and how to take compliments.
A lot of the advice seems to centre on state of mind and how that plays out in your body language. I likely won't use much of it in my personal life, but I'm very interested to see how it will play out in my tabletop roleplaying hobby, since my latest character is meant to be quite charismatic.
Overall, it was a quick and easy read with many actionable tips, and I enjoyed reading it.
beutrs's review against another edition
informative
inspiring
reflective
4.0
might be better to read the physical copy of this book
justinty's review
Not the content I expected out of the title. Still useful, worth future reread.
misssusan's review
4.0
In the game of randomly putting books on hold because I like the look of the title this was a definite win. :D One of the better self-help books I've read. I found the way she broke down charisma and how it works very understandable and the exercises seem like they'd achieve their intended effect. Possibly I'll come back to this review if I make the effort to implement some of her suggestions. 4 stars