What is charisma?

[Gene L]

I'm interested in a definition of this term. Who can honestly deny it exists?

Other words might be "presence" or "personality," although they're not quite as defining of what charisma means to me.

And if it exists, who can define it in "scientific" terms? Is this a form of non-verbal communication that's learned, possibly? Why do some posses more charisma than others?

Would love to hear your opinion.

[Badger]

For a strict definition, one could always use a dictionary.

However, the subtleties that lead to someone being charismatic interest me as well. In another thread, a poster indicated how impressed they were by a particular politician. Now, having seen this politician on tv, and in photos, I can't see how, so perhaps the subtleties somehow don't translate well via that media.

Some of the subtleties and subconscious signals I'd suspect can be found in "Charismatic" people are facial and body symmetry (biologically indicative of advantageous genetics and health), posture/carriage/body movement, and vocal cues such as tone and pace.

On the whole, I'd suspect that people who look healthy and behave decicively as well as nurturing might display characteristics of "charisma". I don't think there's any magic to someone having a presence. I think they appeal to our more primitive instincts on a subconscious level.

[CriticalSock]

Charisma is the least important Primary stat of a Dungeons and Dragons character. :)

[Ravenwood]

Unless you want to be a Paladin :)

[Hellbound]

Important for Clerics, Bards, and Sorcerers, too.

[Bikewer]

I agree with Badger, it's an interesting and probably difficult-to-quantify question. Why is an "alpha" male chimp (or any other such critter) "alpha"? Would seem to be more than just size and strength; we know from researchers that an alpha chimp will occasionally fall from grace and be attacked by his subordinates.
Are there qualities of leadership (well, chimp leadership), posture, action, pheremones, etc. going on?

We humans seem strongly disposed to respond to alpha individuals; there's hardly a primitive group that does not have a "chief", and as anthropologists note, these chiefs frequently display qualities that their tribe responds to.
I wonder if part of our fascination with celebrities is part of this?

[godless dave]

And if it exists, who can define it in "scientific" terms?

No one. I'm sure it has a scientific explanation, but it's likely to be a very complicated one that we won't figure out for quite some time. Human psychology is immensely complex and currently isn't very well understood.

[Ateius]

What is charisma?

Dump stat. :p

[rjh01]

How about
'The ability to get the majority of people to do things by persuasion alone.'

[I Ratant]

Actors seem to be able to take up "charisma" effectively.
I'm thinking of Henry Cele in "Shaka Zulu", and Russell Crowe in "Master & Commander".
Both portrayed their characters exceptionally well as leaders.
In other films and other actors, not so much.

[orphia nay]

Just because there is a word for it ("charisma") doesn't mean it is a separate entity.

It seems to be a lot of different things, not necessarily all at once. (Things described in the OP and Badger's post. I'd also add "wit" and "compassion".)

[learner]

Whatever it is, ive got it and the girls know it. Just got to be careful not to abuse the power!

[Gene L]

Just because there is a word for it ("charisma") doesn't mean it is a separate entity.

It seems to be a lot of different things, not necessarily all at once. (Things described in the OP and Badger's post. I'd also add "wit" and "compassion".)


Wouldn't attribute wit and compassion to Hitler. Edit: Or lots of other "charismatic" leaders and religous figures, business leaders, etc. Jonathan Edwards, Charles Manson...

I think it's something more visceral than the obvious, and is driver in part by the ability to communicate. Verbally and non-verbally.

[Ramblinnerd]

Wikipedia has a pretty good entry on charisma. It seems to be a fairly vague term. There is apparently a "scientific" definition used originally by Max Weber which I won't quote because I am posting from my phone, but it is still fairly unhelpful except to describe some one who is regarded as special and revered on a gut level by many but for whom there is no objective reason for such reverence

[JEROME DA GNOME]

Charisma is

JEROME DA' GNOME!!!

[fuelair]

I'm interested in a definition of this term. Who can honestly deny it exists?

Other words might be "presence" or "personality," although they're not quite as defining of what charisma means to me.

And if it exists, who can define it in "scientific" terms? Is this a form of non-verbal communication that's learned, possibly? Why do some posses more charisma than others?

Would love to hear your opinion.

http://www.fancast.com/tv/Buffy%2C-the-Vampire-Slayer/88780/59936/Buffy-the-Vampire-Slayer/photos?autoplay=0 of course.

[Niobe]

Just because there is a word for it ("charisma") doesn't mean it is a separate entity.

It seems to be a lot of different things, not necessarily all at once. (Things described in the OP and Badger's post. I'd also add "wit" and "compassion".)
You can also add a sexual component. Somebody who exudes confidence and "charisma" is a person who has a lot of play.

[Stellafane]

I'm the last person to ask what charisma is.

[Cuddles]

However, the subtleties that lead to someone being charismatic interest me as well. In another thread, a poster indicated how impressed they were by a particular politician. Now, having seen this politician on tv, and in photos, I can't see how, so perhaps the subtleties somehow don't translate well via that media.

This is certainly true. Tony Blair, for example, comes across most of the time as a smug, arrogant pillock with all the charisma of a dead fish. However, having met him in person it's impossible to deny that there really is something extremely charismatic about him, although I have no idea what or how.