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Charm School: 8 secrets of charismatic stars

  • Charm School: 8 secrets of charismatic stars
    By Shannan RoussFor certain Hollywood legends, charisma seems like second nature—and maybe it is. But that doesn't mean you can't learn to be the most magnetic person in the room. According to Olivia Fox Cabane, author of The Charisma Myth: How Anyone Can Master the Art and Science of Personal Magnetism, Charisma is the result of specific nonverbal behaviors, not an inherent or magical personal quality. Here are eight tricks for turning on the charm.
    http://static1.glo.com/photos/Original/113727_Original.jpg
  • Charm School: 8 secrets of charismatic stars
    Your mother was right: Stop slouching. Instead of standing hunched, making yourself appear small and closed off, try opening up your stance, keeping your shoulders back and taking as much space as you need. Studies show that assuming this superhero stance actually reduces cortisol (the so-called stress hormone) and increases testosterone, a hormone that's associated with power and strength.
    http://static.glo.com/photos/Original/113730_Original.jpg
  • Charm School: 8 secrets of charismatic stars
    Here are Cabane's tricks for boosting your charisma in conversation: Lower the intonation of your voice at the end of sentences, speak slowly, nod sparingly, and pause for a solid two seconds before responding. Another helpful tip? Smile (or even just think about smiling) while you speak to give off vocal warmth.
    http://static.glo.com/photos/Original/113733_Original.jpg
  • Charm School: 8 secrets of charismatic stars
    In order to have presence, you must be present, says Cabane. This means listening attentively when someone else is speaking to you. To improve your presence, Cabane suggests trying to meditate—even for just a minute a day. The good news is that so few people are ever fully present that getting a little better at it will make a big difference.
    http://static2.glo.com/photos/Original/113728_Original.jpg
  • Charm School: 8 secrets of charismatic stars
    Similar to being present, making eye contact is a critical component of charisma. Cabane recommends maintaining eye contact for a full three seconds at the end of a conversation. Just avoid the Blue Steel gaze. Your eyes should appear relaxed with a look that's more soft than intense.
    http://static.glo.com/photos/Original/113734_Original.jpg
  • Charm School: 8 secrets of charismatic stars
    As Cabane writes, People feel most comfortable with those who are similar to them in some way, including appearance and behavior. A shortcut to putting others at ease? Mimic their body language. It will trigger a feeling of trust and camaraderie.
    http://static2.glo.com/photos/Original/113729_Original.jpg
  • Charm School: 8 secrets of charismatic stars
    Charisma isn't about being constantly strong and assertive. Revealing a weakness or sharing an embarrassing story can foster a sense of connection between you and others. After all, people love secrets, says Cabane.
    http://static.glo.com/photos/Original/113731_Original.jpg
  • Charm School: 8 secrets of charismatic stars
    While there's nothing wrong with showing some vulnerability, you don't want to come off as a nervous Nellie—especially in group situations. If you're feeling anxious before a meeting or at a friend's party, Cabane says to imagine being hugged by someone you love. (Just do so discreetly.) Research has shown that thinking about a warm embrace can rev up oxytocin, a neuropeptide that counteracts stress. NEXT GALLERY: 10 Men to Never (Ever) Date
    http://static.glo.com/photos/Original/113732_Original.jpg
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    Audrey Hepburn: Bert Hardy/Picture Post/Getty Images
  • 2 of 8
    Katherine Hepburn: Corinne MARCHETTI/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images
  • 3 of 8
    Gregory Peck: Gene Lester/Getty Images
  • 4 of 8
    Elizabeth Taylor: Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
  • 5 of 8
    Cary Grant: Peter Stackpole//Time Life Pictures/Getty Images
  • 6 of 8
    Diana Ross & Johnny Carson: Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
  • 7 of 8
    Marilyn Monroe: Baron/Getty Images
  • While there's nothing wrong with showing some vulnerability, you don't want to come off as a nervous Nellie—especially in group situations. If you're feeling anxious before a meeting or at a friend's party, Cabane says to imagine being hugged by someone you love. (Just do so discreetly.) Research has shown that thinking about a warm embrace can rev up oxytocin, a neuropeptide that counteracts stress. NEXT GALLERY: 10 Men to Never (Ever) Date
    8 of 8
    Barbara Streisand: GAB Archive/Redferns
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  • Comments
    * When using Facebook Connect your image and name may display on Glo. All privacy settings are controlled by Facebook.
  • Comments
    * When using Facebook Connect your image and name may display on Glo. All privacy settings are controlled by Facebook.
  • Comments
    * When using Facebook Connect your image and name may display on Glo. All privacy settings are controlled by Facebook.
  • Comments
    * When using Facebook Connect your image and name may display on Glo. All privacy settings are controlled by Facebook.
  • Comments
    * When using Facebook Connect your image and name may display on Glo. All privacy settings are controlled by Facebook.
  • Comments
    * When using Facebook Connect your image and name may display on Glo. All privacy settings are controlled by Facebook.
  • Comments
    * When using Facebook Connect your image and name may display on Glo. All privacy settings are controlled by Facebook.

  • Charmed, I'm Sure

    1 of 8

    By Shannan Rouss

    For certain Hollywood legends, charisma seems like second nature—and maybe it is. But that doesn't mean you can't learn to be the most magnetic person in the room. According to Olivia Fox Cabane, author of The Charisma Myth: How Anyone Can Master the Art and Science of Personal Magnetism, "Charisma is the result of specific nonverbal behaviors, not an inherent or magical personal quality." Here are eight tricks for turning on the charm.

  • Stand Tall

    2 of 8

    Your mother was right: Stop slouching. Instead of standing hunched, making yourself appear small and closed off, try opening up your stance, keeping your shoulders back and taking as much space as you need. Studies show that assuming this "superhero stance" actually reduces cortisol (the so-called stress hormone) and increases testosterone, a hormone that's associated with power and strength.

  • Pace Yourself

    3 of 8

    Here are Cabane's tricks for boosting your charisma in conversation: Lower the intonation of your voice at the end of sentences, speak slowly, nod sparingly, and pause for a solid two seconds before responding. Another helpful tip? Smile (or even just think about smiling) while you speak to give off "vocal warmth."

  • Listen Up

    4 of 8

    In order to have presence, you must be present, says Cabane. This means listening attentively when someone else is speaking to you. To improve your "presence," Cabane suggests trying to meditate—even for just a minute a day. The good news is that so few people are ever fully present that getting a little better at it will make a big difference.

  • Look 'Em in the Eye

    5 of 8

    Similar to being present, making eye contact is a critical component of charisma. Cabane recommends maintaining eye contact for a full three seconds at the end of a conversation. Just avoid the Blue Steel gaze. Your eyes should appear relaxed with a look that's more soft than intense.

  • Copy That

    6 of 8

    As Cabane writes, "People feel most comfortable with those who are similar to them in some way, including appearance and behavior." A shortcut to putting others at ease? Mimic their body language. It will trigger a feeling of trust and camaraderie.

  • Be Vulnerable

    7 of 8

    Charisma isn't about being constantly strong and assertive. Revealing a weakness or sharing an embarrassing story can foster a sense of connection between you and others. After all, "people love secrets," says Cabane.

  • Picture This

    8 of 8

    While there's nothing wrong with showing some vulnerability, you don't want to come off as a nervous Nellie—especially in group situations. If you're feeling anxious before a meeting or at a friend's party, Cabane says to imagine being hugged by someone you love. (Just do so discreetly.) Research has shown that thinking about a warm embrace can rev up oxytocin, a neuropeptide that counteracts stress.

    NEXT GALLERY: 10 Men to Never (Ever) Date

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