The Charisma Myth Book Summary - The Charisma Myth Book explained in key points
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The Charisma Myth summary

Olivia Fox Cabane

How Anyone Can Master the Art and Science of Personal Magnetism

4.2 (488 ratings)
23 mins

Brief summary

The Charisma Myth by Olivia Fox Cabane is a self-help book exploring the nature of charisma and teaches practical tips for anyone to improve their presence, communication, and leadership through various exercises.

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    The Charisma Myth
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    Charisma is good for you: it makes for success in all areas of your life.

    Charismatic people have a great impact on others; they're charming, persuasive and impressive – all without any apparent effort. They lead more successful lives, too. Compared with the average person, charismatic people are more attractive, higher earners and less stressed.

    It's unsurprising, then, that charisma gives you an advantage in the business world. It gets people to like and trust you, and to follow your leadership. Whether you're applying for a new job or trying to get ahead in your current one, charisma can help you to excel.

    Indeed, studies have revealed that the workplace performance of charismatic people is rated very highly by their co-workers. One researcher observed that followers of charismatic leaders were strongly committed to their leaders' mission, often exceeding their official duties and even making significant sacrifices in their personal lives.

    But charisma is beneficial not just in business; it can also help in other professions and in education.

    For example, charisma can help high school students perform brilliantly in college interviews, or win student elections. It also helps them to become socially confident, and thus more popular among their peers.

    As for professionals, charismatic academics find it much easier to get their research published and funded, and get to teach the courses they want to. Similarly, charismatic physicians are very popular with their patients, who are more likely to follow their medical advice and less likely to sue, should anything go wrong.

    We can see the benefits of charisma outside the professional arena, too. Stay-at-home mothers, for example, must charm and influence all kinds of people: their children, school teachers and other community members.

    Charisma, then, is for everyone, not just leaders or business people. From stay-at-home moms to students to physicians, charisma can help people lead happier, healthier, more successful lives. And the good news is that anyone can be charismatic. How? Keep reading to find out.

    Charisma is good for you: it makes for success in all areas of your life.

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    Key ideas in The Charisma Myth

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    What is The Charisma Myth about?

    The Charisma Myth (2013) defies the popular notion that charisma is inherited, arguing instead that everyone can cultivate their own charisma, and in doing so can have a more positive attitude, find more success, and handle obstacles more successfully.

    Using wide-ranging examples of charismatic people, from state leaders to CEOs to employees, the book also outlines the different styles of charisma and how to practice demonstrating each, and offers some useful tools and exercises with which to improve their psychological well-being.

    The Charisma Myth Review

    The Charisma Myth (2012) by Olivia Fox Cabane is an insightful book that explores the art of charisma and offers practical techniques to develop it. Here's why this book is worth reading:

    • It provides concrete strategies and exercises that readers can implement to enhance their charisma, enabling them to make a positive impact in their personal and professional lives.
    • Backed by scientific research and real-life examples, it offers a comprehensive understanding of charisma, debunking common myths and providing practical insights.
    • Through its engaging and relatable storytelling, the book keeps readers captivated, ensuring that learning about charisma is anything but boring.

    Who should read The Charisma Myth?

    • Anyone who wants to know what constitutes charisma
    • Anyone who wants to learn how to become more charismatic

    About the Author

    Olivia Fox Cabane is an expert in charisma and leadership. She is currently Director of Innovative Leadership for the Stanford StartX program, and has worked with the leaders of Fortune 500 companies, assisting them in becoming more persuasive, influential and inspiring. Olivia is often featured in media such as the New York Times, Bloomberg and the Wall Street Journal. She also writes regularly for Forbes

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    The Charisma Myth FAQs 

    What is the main message of The Charisma Myth?

    The main message of The Charisma Myth is that anyone can learn to be charismatic by mastering specific techniques and behaviors.

    How long does it take to read The Charisma Myth?

    The reading time for The Charisma Myth varies depending on the reader's speed, but it typically takes several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.

    Is The Charisma Myth a good book? Is it worth reading?

    The Charisma Myth is worth reading because it provides practical strategies to enhance your charisma and interpersonal skills.

    Who is the author of The Charisma Myth?

    The author of The Charisma Myth is Olivia Fox Cabane.

    What to read after The Charisma Myth?

    If you're wondering what to read next after The Charisma Myth, here are some recommendations we suggest:
    • Captivate by Vanessa Van Edwards
    • The 11 Laws of Likability by Michelle Tillis Lederman
    • How to Be a People Magnet by Leil Lowndes
    • How to Make People Like You in 90 Seconds or Less by Nicholas Boothman
    • How to Talk to Anyone by Leil Lowndes
    • Mindset by Carol Dweck
    • If I Understood You, Would I Have This Look On My Face? by Alan Alda
    • Read People Like a Book by Patrick King
    • The Fine Art Of Small Talk by Debra Fine
    • The 80/20 Principle by Richard Koch