September Read

Title: The Charisma Myth: How Anyone Can Master the Art and Science of Personal Magnetism
Author: Cabane, Olivia Fox
Call Number: 158.2 C112C 2012
Subject: charisma (personality trait)
Number of Pages: 264
ISBN: 9781591844563
Book Description from amazon.com:

      What if charisma could be taught?

 

The charisma myth is the idea that charisma is a fundamental, inborn quality—you either have it (Bill Clinton, Steve Jobs, Oprah) or you don’t. But that’s simply not true, as Olivia Fox Cabane reveals. Charismatic behaviors can be learned and perfected by anyone.

 

Drawing on techniques she originally developed for Harvard and MIT, Cabane breaks charisma down into its components. Becoming more charismatic doesn’t mean transforming your fundamental personality. It’s about adopting a series of specific practices that fit in with the personality you already have.

 

The Charisma Myth shows you how to become more influential, more persuasive, and more inspiring.

My Read:

     There was a time rush and limit for me to finish this good book; it's a library book and there was a list of requests. But I did finish the book.

     From my recall, there are 3 elements in charisma: power, warmth, and presence. It takes power to be charismatic for you have to hold something useful and helpful needed for others. They could look up at you and seek assistance. Warmth radiates friendliness and kindness. When others seek help they feel they are welcome. Without presence, your existence would go unnoticed. A charismatic person has wonderful listening skills and their empathetic trait allows the other parties feel they are heard and taken care of.

     As I am composing this review a thought came to me. A charismatic person might not be the main course a person is having and enjoying at the table. The enjoyment and enlightenment might come from the right seasonings. When we have great time savoring a dish we usually appreciate the visible materials in the plate. It's the right seasonings that highlight the food and the taste on our tasting buds. It's just a after thought of mine.

     It's kind of nature vs nurture when we deal with charisma. According to the author it's a skill anyone could learn and excel at. It's another book that piques my curiosity about people and their behaviors. Mindset dominates and it is organic. Good read and good luck to those who gonna read the book.