Charisma is defined as a compelling attractiveness or charm that can inspire devotion in others, and this ability to influence and inspire others merely by your presence is a MUST for any event planner.
According to a recent article, several new scientific studies reveal that charismatic people habitually use these key behaviours:
1. They Tell Stories Rather Than Relate Facts
Humans use stories to put facts into context and give meaning to the random events of the world. For example, stories create rapport between the storyteller and individuals in the audience and “move” them emotionally to take action. When discussing an event with a client or potential clients, storytelling is the best way to help them visualise your vision and bring them on board with you.
2. They Get Plenty of Sleep
I know this one is easier said than done when there is an event deadline looming, but people can sense when you’re “running on empty,” even if you’re normally charismatic. In one recent study, audiences rated sleep-deprived speakers (who’d been woken up every hour the night before) as less charismatic than their well-rested counterparts.
Charismatic people instinctively sense when it’s the right time to inspire others. The study about sleep-deprived speakers also revealed that sleep-deprived audiences are less swayed by charisma than well-rested ones. As an event planner, you need to remember this when you’re putting together the speaker schedule at a conference for example. To make the most of any guest speakers talents, and to make sure each talk is as good as it can be. You should seldom schedule talks before breakfast or late at night.
4. They Express Deep Moral Conviction
The great religious leaders of history were so charismatic that their followers believed they were touched by God. The same is true, in a more limited sense, to charismatic event planners. They’re neither wishy-washy nor namby-pamby. They show by word and deed that they aspire to something greater than their own self-interest.
5. They Believe We Can And Will Achieve
It’s often said that great leaders are visionaries, vision without belief and planning is the definition of impotence. Charismatic event planners set challenging but achievable goals and then convince us not just that we can achieve those goals, but that they as the event planner will inspire those around them to do their part to achieve those goals.
6. They Have Broad Interests And Are Deeply Curious
Charismatic people connect more easily because they’ve acquired general knowledge on a broad range of subjects, thereby creating more opportunity to find points of common interest. A charismatic event planner responds quickly when other people bring up subjects that interest them. By contrast, specialists are seldom charismatic.
7. They Let People Hug Them
While charismatic event planners never force themselves physically on other people (which would be creepy), they are open to being hugged and touched. Apparently, many people unconsciously believe that some of the person’s charisma will “rub off” onto them, much like touching a lucky charm.
