5 Steps to Being More Charming

“It is absurd to divide people into good and bad. People are either charming or tedious.” –Oscar Wilde, Lady Windermere’s Fan

By: Rhett Power

In his book All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten, Robert Fulghum gives us a blueprint for success.

Almost three decades later, his words to the wise are still viable, and actually, still quite contemporary. Taking direction, here are a few hacks that illustrate the qualities of the most charming people.

1. Share Everything.

Most important, share yourself. Be genuine and a bit vulnerable. Smile when you meet someone, and not just with your mouth. Smile with your eyes. The eyes are a powerful communication tool. Be open and approachable. Stand tall and claim space in a room.

2. Don’t Hit.

Make people feel special. Compliment folks on whatever it is they do well.

Everybody does something well. Be sincere, and be interested. Ask questions, and really listen to what others have to say. Encourage people to talk about themselves. Look people in the eye, and make physical contact. Touch is a sensory empowerment tool. Use it wisely and cautiously.

3. Put Away Your Toys.

Give folks your full attention. Let people know you really are glad to see them, and you are listening to them. No phones, no tweets, no electronic devices of any kind.

4. Wash Your Hands.

Dress the part of charming. Be meticulous in your grooming and personal hygiene. Pay special attention to your clothing. Be remembered for who you are, not what you wear.

5. Flush.

Clean up your own messes and eliminate any negativity. A positive attitude is always charming. As my grandmother used to say, “You catch more flies with honey than you do with vinegar.”

Keep these suggestions in mind, and remember, you can develop a magnetic personality that makes people respond to you in positive ways.