“Charisma is not something that you either have or don’t have. It’s a combination of authenticity, confidence, and the ability to connect with others.”
John Kotter
Introduction
Charisma or the ability to connect with your patients is of paramount importance when it comes to effective communication.
It increases the trust and affinity that your patients will feel and project to you. With that increased affinity, their acceptance to your recommendations is bound to increase, driving case acceptance upwards.
Being confident, authentic and genuinely concerned and caring will shoot your charisma upwards making your patients want to refer as many people to you as possible. People that want your services and are ready to accept your recommendations.
In this article I have included 7 ways you can boost your charisma;
- Be Authentic
People can usually tell whether someone is sincere or fake. Being true to yourself and showing genuine interest in others can help to improve your charisma.
There are several studies that support the idea that being authentic and genuine can improve one’s charisma. One study conducted by psychologists at the University of California, Berkeley, found that people who were perceived as being genuine and authentic in social situations were rated as more charismatic than those who were seen as insincere or inauthentic.
Another study, published in the journal Personality and Social Psychology Review, found that individuals who were rated as more authentic tended to have higher levels of social influence and interpersonal attraction compared to those who were seen as less authentic. These findings suggest that being genuine and authentic can be a key factor in building charisma and forming strong relationships with others.
2. Be Confident
Confidence is a key component of charisma. When you are projecting confidence practice good posture, make eye contact, and speak with conviction.
There have been several studies that support the idea that confidence is a key factor in improving one’s charisma. One study, published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, found that individuals who were rated as confident were also rated as more charismatic.
Another study, published in the Journal of Applied Social Psychology, found that participants who were primed to feel confident before a social interaction were rated as more charismatic than those who were not primed to feel confident.
Additionally, research has shown that people who exhibit high levels of confidence tend to have better communication skills and are more effective at influence and persuasion, which can also contribute to their perceived charisma.
These studies suggest that confidence is an important aspect of charisma and can play a role in improving one’s interpersonal skills and ability to form strong relationships with others.
3. Be a Good Listener
Charisma is not only about speaking, but also about listening. Make sure to give your full attention to the person you’re talking to and show that you’re interested in what they have to say.
There are several studies that suggest a strong correlation between good listening skills and increased charisma.
One study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that individuals who are considered good listeners are more likely to be perceived as likable, trustworthy, and confident.
Another study published in the Journal of Communication found that individuals who are good listeners are more likely to be perceived as warm, empathetic, and charismatic.
Additionally, being a good listener can help build deeper connections and relationships with others, which can further increase one’s charisma.
4. Show Empathy
Being able to understand and relate to others is a key component of charisma. Show that you care about others by being empathetic and compassionate.
Studies have shown that empathy, or the ability to understand and share the feelings of others, can have a positive impact on one’s charisma.
This is because empathetic people are seen as warm and approachable, which can make others feel more comfortable around them.
Empathy can also help build deeper connections with others, which can further enhance one’s charisma.
Research has also shown that empathy can have a positive effect on communication skills, which can also boost charisma.
5. Use Positive Body Language
Body language is an important aspect of charisma. Use open and confident body language to show that you’re approachable and friendly.
There are several studies that show the impact of body language on charisma. Here are a few examples:
“The impact of nonverbal expressiveness on impression formation: An evaluation of theoretical perspectives.” This study published in the Journal of Nonverbal Behavior found that people with more expressive body language are perceived as being more charismatic.
“The power of a smile: A nonverbal indicator of charisma.” This study published in the Journal of Social Psychology found that people who smile more often are perceived as being more charismatic.
“The effect of eye contact on the perception of charisma.” This study published in the Journal of Social Psychology found that people who make more eye contact are perceived as being more charismatic.
“Charismatic body language: The effect of gesture on impression formation.” This study published in the Journal of Nonverbal Behavior found that people who use more gestures are perceived as being more charismatic.
6. Be Charismatic in Different Situations
Charisma is adaptable, so you need to practice it in different settings. Be charismatic in a meeting, at a party, or even during a phone call.
Studies have shown that being charismatic in different settings can indeed improve one’s overall charisma.
For example, in social settings, being charismatic can make people feel more comfortable and engaged, leading to stronger relationships and more opportunities for social and professional advancement.
In a business setting, being charismatic can help build trust, communicate ideas effectively, and make a positive impression on others.
Charisma is not just about one’s words, but also about nonverbal cues such as posture, eye contact, and tone of voice. So, being charismatic in different settings can help you develop and strengthen your overall charisma.
7. Practice, Practice, Practice
Charisma is a skill that can be developed with practice. The more you practice, the more natural and effortless it will become.
There is some evidence from psychological research to suggest that practicing behaviors associated with charisma, such as being confident, having strong eye contact, using animated gestures, and actively listening to others, can improve one’s charisma over time.
For example, a study published in the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology found that participants who were instructed to engage in charismatic behaviors during a social interaction were rated as more charismatic by observers compared to a control group who did not engage in these behaviors.
Another study published in the Personality and Social Psychology Review found that individuals who regularly practiced nonverbal expressions of charisma, such as smiling and nodding, were rated as more charismatic in social interactions.
These studies suggest that practicing being charismatic can improve one’s charisma over time.
Conclusion
Being charismatic is simply establishing a relationship with your audience whereby you increase their affinity towards you.
The higher the affinity, the more pleasant and effective the interaction.
in our practices, as dentists, we of course communicate with patients. Most of the time, the communication involves a recommendation by us for the patient to have a certain procedure performed to alleviate a problem that we detect, whether the patient is aware of it yet or not.
The higher their affinity towards us, the higher probability they will accept our recommendations.
Abe Jarjoura D.D.S., M.S.
Founder: Dental Care Team Croup
Founder: Control “Freaks”- A Group for Dentists Who Want to Smile More
https://www.facebook.com/groups/dentistscontrol
Control "Freaks" 
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