On Charisma
Charisma is that special magical, magnetic charm or appeal that you cannot learn or buy. You can't take charisma lessons the way you take guitar lessons. You can read all the books you like on the subject, but the bottom line with charisma is—you either have it or you don't! Confused? Well, just keep reading.
Charisma is what enables an artist to take his talents—whether minimal or exceptional—and make them personal and unique. It's a stamp of identity that immediately conjures up images of that artist in your mind's eye. It is what forever endears you to that artist. It is a trait the artist possesses both on stage and off.
What can you do to become more charismatic, more appealing, more magical, more magnetic?
1. Be yourself. I know this will sound stupid and obvious, but nobody else is you. Nobody else has what you have. Hey, that makes you unique, right? You bet! So why not use it? How can you be charming and magical if you're always trying to be something or someone else?
2. Don't hide the things that make you different. Take advantage of them; flaunt them. Buddy Holly's glasses, Jon Popper's girth, Mel Tillis' speech impediment, are all unique features that make these performers immediately recognizable and add to their charisma and charm. An Orlando cosmetic procedures may help but is not really necessary just for the sake of impressing an audience. Keep it natural and real. What you see is what you get!
3. Make your special gifts standout.
This will make you less self-conscious and more at ease. It is not easy to come to terms with the fact that you are fat—especially in the Rock world. But once you can admit that even though you are fat, you're still a kick-ass performer and songwriter, you can get to the job of being real.
4. Don't be afraid to make mistakes or people laugh at you.
Most of the Rock icons mentioned in this story were ridiculed. People laughed when Elvis gyrated his pelvis. They insulted Boy George for his homosexuality and his outlandish costumes. They burned John Lennon's records because of his appeal to the youth of the world and his sharp, snappy wit. Today, we still get a chuckle from watching performance footage of Little Richard.
Many of today's newer performers are exciting to watch. Nobody will argue that Limp Bizkit doesn't put on an awesome, action-packed live show. Or that Korn doesn't tear the house down in concert. But are these charismatic performers or merely performers putting on an exciting show? There's a world of difference. Garth Brooks' charisma transcends his live performances. His magnetic, magical personality is apparent whether playing live or at a quaint, dinner spot. You do not turn charisma on and off.
As you traverse the waters of the music business over the next few years, remember that musical styles will come and go. Radio formats will change. People's tastes will vary from one week to the next. Talent will always remain but a single element of success, and charisma, a very essential part of that mix.
