4 Ways To Be Charismatic - WikiHow

Home » How To Gain More Charisma » 4 Ways To Be Charismatic - WikiHow

Maybe your like

Skip to ContentQuizzes
  • Home
  • Random
  • Browse Articles
  • Quizzes & Games
  • All QuizzesHot
  • Love Quizzes
  • Personality Quizzes
  • Fun Games
  • Dating Simulator
  • Learn Something New
  • Forums
  • Courses
  • Happiness Hub
  • Explore More
  • Support wikiHow
  • About wikiHow
  • Log in / Sign up
Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Be More Charismatic PDF download Download Article Captivate everyone you meet by enhancing your natural charisma Explore this Article IN THIS ARTICLE 1 Make eye contact with people. 2 Focus on smiling more when interacting with others. 3 Use open and engaged body language. 4 Talk with your hands. 5 Share your unique interests and passions. 6 Show off your great sense of humor. 7 Remember people's names, and use them in conversation. 8 Compliment and praise the people around you. 9 Bond over mutual interests. 10 Practice active listening. 11 Develop your empathy. 12 Work on your self-confidence. 13 Adopt a positive mindset. 14 Allow yourself to be vulnerable. + Show 11 more... - Show less... Other Sections Expert Q&A Tips and Warnings Related Articles References Article Summary Co-authored by Sheila A. Anderson and Annabelle Reyes

Last Updated: August 12, 2025 Fact Checked

PDF download Download Article X

This article was co-authored by Sheila A. Anderson and by wikiHow staff writer, Annabelle Reyes. Sheila A. Anderson is a Certified Image Consultant, International Branding Icon, and the Founder of Image Power Play, an impression management and personal branding company. With over three decades of experience, she specializes in empowering corporate professionals to raise their personal image to meet the value of their brand. Sheila is a Certified Image Consultant with The Image Resource Network and a Certified Universal Style Consultant with The Universal Style International. Sheila is a member of the C-Suite Network Advisors and the author of the book, I.C.U., The Comprehensive Guide to Breathing Life Back Into Your Personal Brand. There are 19 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 2,514,305 times.

We all know someone who captures everyone’s attention as soon as they walk into the room, who wins people over easily with their infectious energy. These people possess an important quality: charisma. Charisma is the ability to attract and influence others.[1] It’s essentially a blend of charm, confidence, and enthusiasm that makes someone magnetic to the people around them. Luckily, charisma isn’t just something people are born with. It’s also a skill you can practice and cultivate, and we’ll tell you how. Keep reading to learn how to exude charisma in any situation!

Things You Should Know

  • Charisma is the ability to attract, influence, and charm other people. Charismatic people are often likable, confident, passionate, and empathetic.
  • Using engaged body language, making eye contact with people, and smiling more can help you come across as more charismatic.
  • It’s also helpful to maintain a positive attitude, talk about your interests and passions, and share your sense of humor.

Steps

1

Make eye contact with people.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Eye contact draws people in and shows them you're interested in them. Eye contact draws people in and shows them you're interested in them. This is super important if you’re hoping to be more charismatic. As soon as you enter a room, make an effort to look people in the eye, and maintain eye contact while you're speaking with them.[2]

    If you have trouble making eye contact, practice with someone you love and feel comfortable with. Then, slowly expand how long you make eye contact with people you don't know well.

    2. Advertisement
2

Focus on smiling more when interacting with others.

PDF download Download Article
  1. A smile can make you seem more approachable and charismatic. A smile can make you seem more approachable and charismatic. Smiling lights up your face, and research suggests that it even makes you appear more attractive. A smile also gives you a warm, inviting air, which draws people toward you and puts them at ease.[3]
    • Just be careful not to smile too hard, as this can be off-putting. It’s important that your smile seems genuine and not forced!
3

Use open and engaged body language.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Try not to hunch over, face away from people, or cross your arms. Try not to hunch over, face away from people, or cross your arms. This type of body language closes you off to others, which makes you seem less approachable and charismatic. Instead, keep your arms uncrossed, angle your body toward the people you’re talking to, and lean toward them when they’re speaking.[4] This helps you appear more engaged and interested in connecting with them.[5]

    Charismatic people are open, so closing off yourself will turn people off from you.

    2. Advertisement
4

Talk with your hands.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Gesture with your hands while you speak to emphasize your points. Gesture with your hands while you speak to emphasize your points. This makes you seem more animated and passionate about what you’re talking about, which helps you capture people’s attention.[6] This is a key aspect of being charismatic!
5

Share your unique interests and passions.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Charismatic people fascinate others with their enthusiasm. Charismatic people fascinate others with their enthusiasm. So, when you’re hanging out with people, don’t be afraid to share your amazing ideas and talk about the things you’re passionate about. Be excited about what you say and do, and invite others to share in your excitement![7]
    2. Advertisement
6

Show off your great sense of humor.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Humor is a surefire way to win people over and hold their attention. Humor is a surefire way to win people over and hold their attention. Try cracking jokes, telling a hilarious story, or making a funny, self-deprecating comment. Just be careful not to go overboard. Pepper humor throughout your conversation, rather than trying to do a full stand-up routine.
7

Remember people's names, and use them in conversation.

PDF download Download Article
  1. This makes people feel special and important to you. This makes people feel special and important to you. When you meet someone new, repeat their name to help cement it into your memory. Then, use their name frequently throughout the conversation, and remember it the next time you see them. This shows that you have a genuine interest in knowing who they are.[8]

    Repeating a person's name several times while you speak to them is the best way to cement it in your mind.

    2. Advertisement
8

Compliment and praise the people around you.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Charismatic people build others up and make them feel special. Charismatic people build others up and make them feel special. When you’re offering a compliment to someone, be specific and genuine to make your comment more meaningful. Be careful not to overdo it, however, as this can come across as insincere.[9]
    • For example, you could say something like: “Congratulations on getting that new job! You’re such a dedicated and passionate person. They’re so lucky to have you.”
9

Bond over mutual interests.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Charisma is all about connecting with others. Charisma is all about connecting with others. Talking about shared interests and experiences is a great way to do this![10] Maybe you enjoy the same type of music, or have the same favorite movie. Or, maybe you both love to ski or play basketball. If you’re able to find some common ground, a genuine connection will follow!
    2. Advertisement
10

Practice active listening.

PDF download Download Article
  1. This means giving your undivided attention while someone’s talking. This means giving your undivided attention while someone’s talking.[11] Active listening shows the other person that they’re important to you, and that you’re genuinely interested in what they have to say, which helps you come off as charismatic. Here are some examples of what to do:
    • Nod your head and react with appropriate facial expressions while they’re talking to signal that you’re fully present and engaged.
    • Paraphrase what they’ve said and repeat it back to them. For example, you could say, “That’s so crazy that you ran into your friend from high school! Did you have fun catching up?”
    • Ask relevant, thoughtful questions to show that you’re interested. If they mention that they’re a photographer, for example, say, “That’s so cool! What kind of photos do you enjoy taking the most?”
    • Avoid conversational narcissism. In other words, don’t hog the conversation, and make sure you’re taking equal turns while talking.[12]
    • Don’t look at your phone or aimlessly scroll while having a conversation—make sure your full attention is on the other person.

    Designate time to check your phone. For example, you might occasionally excuse yourself to the restroom, where you can check your phone.

11

Develop your empathy.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Charismatic people make others feel seen and understood. Charismatic people make others feel seen and understood. Empathy, or the ability to put yourself in another person’s shoes, is a key ingredient for this.[13] To be more empathetic, think about where other people might be coming from, and try to see things from their perspective. Show people you care about how they feel by verbally acknowledging their emotions and listening to what they're going through.[14]
    2. Advertisement
12

Work on your self-confidence.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Charismatic people tend to be confident and self-assured. Charismatic people tend to be confident and self-assured. This doesn’t mean that you have to be the most outgoing or extroverted person around—it’s more about being true to who you are and comfortable in your own skin.[15] Here are some tips to build your self-confidence:
    • Practice positive self-talk. This means being kind and supportive toward yourself, the way you would be toward someone you love, instead of being overly self-critical.
    • Make a list of all your positive qualities and accomplishments to build yourself up. This will help banish self-doubt.[16]
    • Don’t compare yourself to others, and don’t try to change yourself to “fit in.” You are uniquely you, and that’s beautiful![17]
13

Adopt a positive mindset.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Positive energy is infectious. Positive energy is infectious. It draws people in and makes them want to be around you, which is an important part of being charismatic. Here are some tips to help you cultivate a more optimistic outlook:[18]
    • Practice reframing negative thoughts. When you catch yourself thinking something negative like, “This is too hard. I might fail,” counter it with a positive statement, like “This is an opportunity to learn and grow.”[19]
    • Make a gratitude list or keep a gratitude journal. Appreciating the good things in your life helps you maintain a more positive mindset.[20]
    • Improve your mood with laughter. Laughter can help you feel less stressed and keep your mood up at difficult times. So watch a funny movie, tell a joke, or share a funny story!
    • Surround yourself with positive people to help you maintain your optimism.[21]
    2. Advertisement
14

Allow yourself to be vulnerable.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Vulnerability makes you more relatable and down-to-earth. Vulnerability makes you more relatable and down-to-earth. This puts others at ease and helps you build connections with them, which is an important aspect of charisma. This doesn’t mean telling people all about your deepest fears and insecurities. It just means that you’re willing to honestly express your emotions and embrace your imperfections.[22]
    • Don’t be afraid to poke fun at yourself, share an embarrassing memory, or be honest about a time you struggled.
    • It takes courage to be vulnerable in this way, and people will respect you for it!

Expert Q&A

Search Add New Question
  • Question How can I make my body language positive? Sheila A. Anderson Sheila A. Anderson Certified Image Consultant & International Branding Icon Sheila A. Anderson is a Certified Image Consultant, International Branding Icon, and the Founder of Image Power Play, an impression management and personal branding company. With over three decades of experience, she specializes in empowering corporate professionals to raise their personal image to meet the value of their brand. Sheila is a Certified Image Consultant with The Image Resource Network and a Certified Universal Style Consultant with The Universal Style International. Sheila is a member of the C-Suite Network Advisors and the author of the book, I.C.U., The Comprehensive Guide to Breathing Life Back Into Your Personal Brand. Sheila A. Anderson Sheila A. Anderson Certified Image Consultant & International Branding Icon Expert Answer Try to be as open and energetic as possible. Smiling, making direct eye contact, leaning inward as you talk, and using expressive hand gestures are great ways to exude positive body language. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 14 Helpful 32
  • Question What does it mean to mirror someone? Sheila A. Anderson Sheila A. Anderson Certified Image Consultant & International Branding Icon Sheila A. Anderson is a Certified Image Consultant, International Branding Icon, and the Founder of Image Power Play, an impression management and personal branding company. With over three decades of experience, she specializes in empowering corporate professionals to raise their personal image to meet the value of their brand. Sheila is a Certified Image Consultant with The Image Resource Network and a Certified Universal Style Consultant with The Universal Style International. Sheila is a member of the C-Suite Network Advisors and the author of the book, I.C.U., The Comprehensive Guide to Breathing Life Back Into Your Personal Brand. Sheila A. Anderson Sheila A. Anderson Certified Image Consultant & International Branding Icon Expert Answer Mirroring someone is a special technique where you mimic another person's behavior. It's actually a great way to exude charisma—not only does mirroring imply a level of understanding and empathy, but it also makes your conversational partner feel good. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 9 Helpful 33
  • Question How can I become more charismatic quickly? Sheila A. Anderson Sheila A. Anderson Certified Image Consultant & International Branding Icon Sheila A. Anderson is a Certified Image Consultant, International Branding Icon, and the Founder of Image Power Play, an impression management and personal branding company. With over three decades of experience, she specializes in empowering corporate professionals to raise their personal image to meet the value of their brand. Sheila is a Certified Image Consultant with The Image Resource Network and a Certified Universal Style Consultant with The Universal Style International. Sheila is a member of the C-Suite Network Advisors and the author of the book, I.C.U., The Comprehensive Guide to Breathing Life Back Into Your Personal Brand. Sheila A. Anderson Sheila A. Anderson Certified Image Consultant & International Branding Icon Expert Answer Try changing up your vocabulary and tone! Sprinkling positive, uplifting words and genuine compliments into your day-to-day conversations helps build meaningful connections with the people around you. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 7 Helpful 41
See more answers Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement

Tips

Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

Warnings

  • Don't try to force charisma. It takes practice to learn how to be charismatic. If you try to change your whole demeanor too quickly, your behavior may seem bizarre and untrustworthy. Thanks Helpful 7 Not Helpful 1
Advertisement

You Might Also Like

Increase CharismaHow toIncrease Charisma Be CharmingHow toBe Charming Charisma TestCharisma Test Become a Person Everyone Wants to Know14 Ways to Become a Person Everyone Wants to Know Make People Instantly Like YouHow toMake People Instantly Like You Be a Bubbly PersonThe Best Ways to Have a Bubbly & Likable Personality Act ConfidentHow to Act (and Feel) More Confident Attract PeopleHow to Attract (the Right) People to You Be FriendlyHow to Be a Friendly Person (With Expert Advice) Make People Feel GoodHow to Make Someone Feel Better About Themselves Be LikableHow toBe Likable Have an Attractive PersonalityHow toHave an Attractive Personality Make Someone Attracted to YouHow to Attract Someone to You: Highlighting Your Personality & More Impress a GuyHow toImpress a Guy Advertisement

References

  1. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/charisma
  2. ↑ https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20171027-the-art-and-science-of-being-charismatic
  3. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/communications-matter/202007/how-be-more-charismatic
  4. ↑ Sheila A. Anderson. Certified Image Consultant & International Branding Icon. Expert Interview
  5. ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/articles/relationships-communication/nonverbal-communication.htm
  6. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/charisma#how-to-develop-charisma
  7. ↑ https://www.inc.com/kevin-daum/5-things-really-charismatic-people-do.html
  8. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/social-influence/202201/7-easy-ways-to-become-more-likable
  9. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/articles/200403/the-art-the-compliment
More References (13)
  1. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/communications-matter/202007/how-be-more-charismatic
  2. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4844478/
  3. ↑ https://ggia.berkeley.edu/practice/active_listening
  4. ↑ https://psychcentral.com/health/warm-personality
  5. ↑ https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/six_habits_of_highly_empathic_people1
  6. ↑ https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20171027-the-art-and-science-of-being-charismatic
  7. ↑ https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/self-help/tips-and-support/raise-low-self-esteem/
  8. ↑ https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/self-esteem#self-esteem-building
  9. ↑ https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/the-power-of-positive-thinking
  10. ↑ https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/the-power-of-positive-thinking
  11. ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/healthbeat/giving-thanks-can-make-you-happier
  12. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/positive-thinking/art-20043950
  13. ↑ https://psychcentral.com/relationships/the-good-kind-of-vulnerability#vulnerability-defined

About This Article

Sheila A. Anderson Co-authored by: Sheila A. Anderson Certified Image Consultant & International Branding Icon This article was co-authored by Sheila A. Anderson and by wikiHow staff writer, Annabelle Reyes. Sheila A. Anderson is a Certified Image Consultant, International Branding Icon, and the Founder of Image Power Play, an impression management and personal branding company. With over three decades of experience, she specializes in empowering corporate professionals to raise their personal image to meet the value of their brand. Sheila is a Certified Image Consultant with The Image Resource Network and a Certified Universal Style Consultant with The Universal Style International. Sheila is a member of the C-Suite Network Advisors and the author of the book, I.C.U., The Comprehensive Guide to Breathing Life Back Into Your Personal Brand. This article has been viewed 2,514,305 times. 14 votes - 97% Co-authors: 99 Updated: August 12, 2025 Views: 2,514,305 Categories: Featured Articles | Charisma and Charm Article SummaryX

To be charismatic, try to be positive and optimistic when you're around people since people are drawn to positivity. Also, make people feel special about themselves by really listening to what they have to say and offering them genuine compliments, which will make them want to be around you more. When you're talking with people, try to stand up straight, smile, and make eye contact to show that you're confident and engaged in the conversation. To learn how to build confidence so you can be more charismatic, keep reading! Did this summary help you?YesNo

In other languages Italian Spanish German Portuguese French Russian Chinese Indonesian Thai Arabic Hindi Korean Vietnamese Czech Japanese
  • Print
  • Send fan mail to authors
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 2,514,305 times.

Reader Success Stories

  • Decy Soares

    Decy Soares

    Apr 4, 2016

    "Very helpful article. Contains a lot of necessary things you need to become a better person. Explains in different..." more
More reader stories Hide reader stories Share your story

Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Sheila A. Anderson Co-authored by: Sheila A. Anderson Certified Image Consultant & International Branding Icon Co-authors: 99 Updated: August 12, 2025 Views: 2,514,305 97% of readers found this article helpful. 14 votes - 97% Click a star to add your vote Decy Soares

Decy Soares

Apr 4, 2016

"Very helpful article. Contains a lot of necessary things you need to become a better person. Explains in different..." more Eraine Emil

Eraine Emil

May 28, 2016

"I'm going to high school and I've always been known as a witty, bubbly person, but most of my jokes can..." more Jazmine Herrera

Jazmine Herrera

Aug 23, 2016

"It helped me realize that I have a few charismatic traits already. It did help out with new ways to be though...." more Stephen Afonja

Stephen Afonja

Jul 10, 2016

"Very educative and inspiring article. I have learned new ways to communicate with people of different levels." Devamshi Dinesh

Devamshi Dinesh

Jun 10, 2016

"I am always used by others. This taught me about self-confidence and believing in myself." Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories

Quizzes & Games

Charisma TestCharisma TestTake QuizAm I Good at Flirting QuizAm I Good at Flirting QuizTake QuizRizz Game: Test Your RizzRizz Game: Test Your RizzTake QuizAttractiveness Score QuizAttractiveness Score QuizTake QuizAm I Sexy QuizAm I Sexy QuizTake QuizAm I a Likable Person QuizAm I a Likable Person QuizTake Quiz

You Might Also Like

Increase CharismaHow toIncrease CharismaBe CharmingHow toBe CharmingCharisma TestCharisma TestBecome a Person Everyone Wants to Know14 Ways to Become a Person Everyone Wants to Know

Trending Articles

Am I Good at Flirting QuizAm I Good at Flirting QuizHow Sexual Am I QuizHow Sexual Am I QuizHow Many Secret Admirers Do I Have QuizHow Many Secret Admirers Do I Have QuizRank My Attractiveness QuizRank My Attractiveness Quiz5 Different Types of Butts: Find Your Shape5 Different Types of Butts: Find Your ShapeWhat Would My Nickname Be QuizWhat Would My Nickname Be Quiz

Watch Articles

Impress a Girl on a First DateHow toImpress a Girl on a First DateWhat Are Tear Burns on TikTok and What Causes Them?What Are Tear Burns on TikTok and What Causes Them?Wear a HoodieHow toWear a HoodieChiffonadeHow toChiffonadeMake a Fabric RoseHow toMake a Fabric RoseConfront a BullyHow toConfront a Bully

Trending Articles

What Is My Intelligence Type QuizWhat Is My Intelligence Type Quiz210+ Shower Thoughts: Funny, Deep, Weird & Mind-Blowing210+ Shower Thoughts: Funny, Deep, Weird & Mind-BlowingTell That Your Crush Likes You BackHow toTell That Your Crush Likes You BackDepression Test for TeensDepression Test for TeensSCP Fight Simulator: Who Will Win?SCP Fight Simulator: Who Will Win?Am I Autistic QuizAm I Autistic Quiz

Quizzes & Games

Am I Annoying QuizAm I Annoying QuizTake QuizLet Us Rate You 1-10: Attractiveness Scale QuizLet Us Rate You 1-10: Attractiveness Scale QuizTake QuizAm I a Memorable Person QuizAm I a Memorable Person QuizTake QuizRank My Attractiveness QuizRank My Attractiveness QuizTake QuizAm I A Chad QuizAm I A Chad QuizTake QuizHow Many People Have a Crush On Me QuizHow Many People Have a Crush On Me QuizTake Quiz wikiHow
  • Categories
  • Health
  • Psychological Health
  • Emotions and Feelings
  • Confidence
  • Charisma and Charm
wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.
  • Home
  • About wikiHow
  • Experts
  • Jobs
  • Contact Us
  • Site Map
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Info
  • Not Selling Info
  • Contribute

Follow Us

×

Get all the best how-tos!

Sign up for wikiHow's weekly email newsletter

Subscribe You're all set! X --676

Tag » How To Gain More Charisma