Week 1

Foundations of Charisma

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On 17.11.2025
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Foundations of Charisma
Foundations of Charisma
Understand the Science & Psychology behind charisma.
Amy Cuddy
Guest Expert

Neuroscientists, psychologists, and communication experts have studied charisma for decades.

Their research proves that anyone can train themselves to be more charismatic by understanding how presence, power, and warmth work together to create influence.

Part 1

The Three Pillars of Charisma

According to research by social psychologist Olivia Fox Cabane, charisma isn’t just about personality. It’s a combination of three key factors:

1/ Presence:
The ability to be fully engaged in an interaction. Charismatic people make others feel like they’re the only person in the room.
2/ Power:
The projection of confidence, authority, and status. This isn’t about dominance, it’s about being perceived as someone worth listening to.
3/ Warmth:
The ability to make others feel comfortable and valued. It’s the secret behind why some leaders feel approachable rather than intimidating.

Olivia Fox Cabane, the author of “The Charisma Myth: How to Engage, Influence and Motivate People”, says that charisma depends on how intentional you are in each interaction.

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Olivia Fox Cabane
“Being charismatic does not depend on how much time you have but on how fully present you are in each interaction.”
Olivia Fox Cabane
Part 2

The Science of Charisma

Harvard psychologist Amy Cuddy, known for her research on body language and presence, states that your face is the first thing to speak, not your mouth.

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Amy Cuddy
“People judge you really quickly, at first just on your facial features. There are two dimensions – warmth and competence. You can think of them as trustworthiness and strength.”
Amy Cuddy

Keanu Reeves wasn’t always the cool, composed presence we see today.

Early in his career, he was often described as awkward, reserved, and lacking screen presence.

But over time, he deliberately trained his body language, voice, and eye contact to exude calm confidence.

1/ Pace:
He slowed down his speech and added strategic pauses, making his words feel more intentional.
2/ Silence:
He mastered the power of silence, using fewer words but making them more impactful.
3/ Intention:
He learned how to use eye contact to make people feel seen, making him one of Hollywood’s most respected and well-liked figures.
The Neuroscience behind Charisma

Now, with all the new knowledge you’ve gained, it’s time to look deep inside and honestly ask yourself: what’s your main goal on your journey to mastering charisma?

By training yourself to observe your behavior, you’ll be able to start making intentional adjustments.

Charisma isn’t about being perfect. It’s about learning how to show up as the best version of yourself.

Everything you need to be magnetic is already within you. Now, it’s time to bring it out.