My newest piece on Return of Kings: The third and last article in my “charismatic trilogy”, in which I explain the four types of charisma, and why the shittiest people are often the most charismatic and thus successful:

So it has finally come to this, the last of my trilogy of articles pertaining to charisma. As I have repeatedly stated, the state of being charismatic is a set of tools rather than just some inherent wonderfulness that you’re either born with or you’re not. And in a related revelation, there is more than one way to be charismatic than just being the stereotypical loud and aggressive Chad—although that is certainly one of the ways to be charismatic.

More specifically, there are four main types of charisma. In this article we will be discussing those, as well as my theories as to why “Charismatic” people (like celebrities and politicians) also seem to be abject pieces of shit.

1) Focus Charisma

Focus charisma is defined by having ample amounts of “presence” (See the previous articles) and a cool confidence. This is good for introverts. People with focus charisma are people who make you feel like every word you say is being listened to. His body language hints at his PRESENCE. Even if you’re a dweeb you can have this. Focus charisma also conveys respect for others and makes them feel like they matter.

You get focus charisma by paying attention to people, good listening skills, and patience. Do the “presence” exercises that I discussed before. Also the nullifying of internal discomfort, like delving into sensations and responsibility transfers, again from the previous article.

This is the simplest and easiest form of charisma to get, and it can be effective in more subdued and intellectual scenarios. But as it is the easiest, it is, in my opinion, the type of charisma that can most often go wrong.

One of the risks is the one that I have always warned about: having too much presence without enough power could very easily make you into the SPIKE IS MY HERO puppy dog, and that will not convey sort of positivity to those you are trying to convince. In other words, if you don’t display enough power you’ll come off as a fellating little tool, so try to avoid this.

However, remember that the three elements of charisma are power, presence and warmth. Having power and presence without warmth can have its own problems, mainly that if you convey too little warmth, you will come off as interrogative. And whether you’re trying to make a sale or get into a woman’s bed, you don’t want to come off like a teacher grilling a student.

Focus charisma is good for defusing angry situations, or in negotiations. Do NOT use it when you need to be in authority.

Read it here