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A review by jay_sy
The Charisma Myth: How Anyone Can Master the Art and Science of Personal Magnetism by Olivia Fox Cabane
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.