share on
Charismatic leaders vary the tone, volume, and pace of their voice to emphasise key points and keep the attendees engaged, says Aditi Sharma Kalra.
Think back to a time when you were part of meetings more as an attendee rather than the host or the facilitator. What are some qualities of the meeting leader that are worth remembering?
Among my colleagues, many start every meeting by taking out a few minutes to check in with everyone, asking how they are feeling and whether there are any personal updates, or anything fun they did on the weekend, that they wanted to share. This small gesture gives a voice to those who are hesitant to speak up, and builds rapport as people get to know each other better.
Clearly, the meeting leader plays an important role for setting the tone, guiding the discussions, meeting the conversation on track (and on time), and ensuring that the meeting achieves its intended objectives.
A strong and charismatic meeting leader can create a positive and productive atmosphere where participants feel comfortable, valued, and motivated to engage.
The good thing about charisma is that it can often be developed through intentional practice and awareness. Here are specific ways to enhance your charisma during meetings:
1. Be present and engaged
- Active listening: Show genuine interest in what others are saying. Nodding, maintaining eye contact, and asking follow-up questions all signal that you are fully engaged.
- Use body language: Your body language should be open, relaxed, and confident. This makes you appear approachable.
2. Be expressive and energetic
- Vary your tone: A monotone voice can quickly lose people’s attention. Charismatic leaders vary their tone, volume, and pace to emphasise key points and keep the team engaged.
- Express emotion: Show excitement or concern where appropriate. People are more likely to follow a leader who is passionate and visibly invested in the subject matter.
3. Use humour and storytelling
- Light humour: Appropriate humour can break the ice. Just make sure it's relevant and sensitive to the group.
- Tell stories: People connect with stories much more than dry facts. Sharing personal anecdotes or real-world examples can make points resonate more deeply.
4. Be authentic
- Own your style: Charisma comes across best when it feels natural. Don’t try to mimic someone else’s style of leadership. Instead, focus on being genuine, whether you're reserved or outgoing.
- Show vulnerability: Authenticity means admitting when you don’t have all the answers. Leaders who can acknowledge their own limitations are often seen as more human and relatable.
5. Be confident in your leadership
- Decisiveness: A charismatic leader speaks with confidence and conviction. When you express yourself clearly and decisively, people are more likely to follow your lead.
- Positive energy: Confidence is contagious, but so is negativity. Make sure you bring a positive, can-do attitude to the meeting. If something goes wrong, focus on solutions rather than assigning blame.
6. Be generous with recognition
- Praise others: Recognise the contributions of others during the meeting. Charismatic leaders are often generous with praise, making others feel valued and encouraging them to contribute more.
- Highlight team wins: Acknowledge team accomplishments and share credit where it’s due. This fosters a sense of collaboration and respect within the group.
7. Inspire action
- Create a sense of purpose: Charismatic leaders inspire others to act. Make sure that each meeting concludes with clear next steps and instill a sense of excitement or urgency around those tasks.
- Empower your team: Charismatic leaders encourage autonomy and trust their team members to take ownership of decisions.
As you go about mindfully incorporating these points in your future meetings, do remember that a charismatic leader isn’t necessarily someone who dominates the room, but someone who knows how to foster an environment where others feel energised and included, and want to contribute their best ideas.
ALSO READ: The workforce in 2025: The rise of the ‘superworker’, and more trends shaping HR’s priorities
share on
