Charisma: from Greek kharis, kharisma, “favor, grace;” compelling attractiveness or charm that can inspire devotion in others.

Charisma mainly describes a special charm, magnetism, or appeal that causes people to feel inspired and excited. One rather famous quote calls charisma the “transfer of enthusiasm.” Performers are charismatic. You simply cannot look away from them. They have a spark; a vitality. Many people believe that you are born with charisma and cannot develop it as a skill.

I disagree. Charisma is rooted in values and feelings and flows from your personal and moral credibility, a term Aristotle identified as “ethos.”

There is a wealth of articles out there that suggest tactics to develop and enhance your own natural charisma. If you can master these qualities, you will be able to leave a positive and lasting impression on business contacts and networking opportunities. Most of the suggestions come from presentation skills and much of the information is common sense, but in this post, I will summarize the most popular ways to increase your charisma.

1. Pay attention. Be completely present; people feel valued when you focus on them. Look at each person. If you are having a one-on-one conversation, make that person feel like the only person in the room.
2. Use humor. Don’t be all business but take some time for light-hearted topics. You don’t need to be a stand-up comedian to share funny anecdotes or a bit of self-deprecation.
3. Learn names by repetition. When you repeat someone’s name, not only does it help you to remember it, but it makes that person feel good. Especially when it’s genuine. Remembering names makes people feel special and worthy of attention. Don’t cop out by saying to yourself, “I’m terrible with names.” Create association or patterns to help you remember the names of people you meet. Use their names every now and then during the conversation. Repeat their names in your head to help cement them in your memory.
4. Keep negatives to a minimum. Wouldn’t you rather talk about positive subjects than complain about hardships? Choose a topic you are passionate about  or ask acquaintances that you meet what they love to do. When you speak about positive things, your face lights up and you begin to smile. Leaving a conversation on an upbeat note will make people want to continue the contact.
5. Make eye contact. Look people in the eye. Focus on who you talk to.  Do not be distracted by other people in the room or worse, your phone. If you find it difficult to use eye contact, practice! Using eye contact says to people that you value the conversation.
6. Look good. You don’t have to be a model, but avoid looking sloppy. Good grooming goes a long way to enhance your confidence and credibility.
7. Gesture naturally and practice good posture. Be expressive when you talk. Share stories. Paint pictures. You will enhance both your appearance and your appeal.
8. Notice good things. Pay attention to detail and notice things about the people you speak with. Pay genuine compliments.
9. Look at connections as opportunities. Walking into a roomful of people that you don’t know is ripe with opportunity to learn, to change your life, or to be inspired. Seek connections to make contacts and friends. Don’t shudder at the thought of networking events. Develop a strategy to “work the room.”
10. Listen more; talk less. Listen actively and consider the ideas and points of the person you are talking to. Don’t miss details thinking about what you’re going to say next. Give non-verbal feedback that confirms you are listening and understanding. And think before you speak.

If charisma is indeed the “transfer of enthusiasm,” develop your personal desire to share your passion and energy with others.