The skills you need guide to interpersonal skills

Try to show empathy. 
Demonstrate that you can understand how the other 
person feels and can see things from their point of view.
• 
When you agree with the other person, 
openly say so and say why. 
Build on the other person’s ideas.
• 
Be non-judgemental 
towards the other person. Let go of stereotypes and 
any preconceived ideas you may have about the person.
• 
If you have to disagree with the other person, give the reason first 
then say 
you disagree.
• 
Admit when you don’t know the answer or have made a mistake. 
Being 
honest is always the best tactic, and acknowledging mistakes will help to 
build trust.
• 
Offer a compliment, avoid criticism and be polite.

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30
2.
ADVANCED COMMUNICATION SKILLS
ABOVE ALL…
Be genuine, with visual and verbal behaviours working together 
to maximize the impact of your communication.
Most people are able to detect insincerity very quickly, and it is 
the fastest way to destroy any developing rapport.

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31
2.
ADVANCED COMMUNICATION SKILLS
CHARISMA
Charisma
, 
n.
A personal quality or gift that enables an individual 
to impress and influence many of his fellows.
Chambers english dictionary, 1989 edition. 
Charisma used to be thought of as a ‘gift of the gods’. In other words, you 
either had it or you didn’t. However, being able to impress and influence others 
is actually the result of excellent communication and interpersonal skills. These 
skills can be learned and developed, and therefore developing increased charisma 
is not only possible, but very achievable.
HOW TO BE CHARISMATIC
Becoming charismatic involves paying careful attention to how you interact with 
other people; the traits that make up charisma are positive and appealing to others.
The charismatic person uses their skills to get people on their side, perhaps from 
a professional, ideological or social point of view. For these reasons, charisma is 
often linked to leadership skills, and being charismatic can be an important trait of 
a successful leader.
When asked to think about a charismatic person most people think about a public 
figure, like a politician, celebrity or successful leader. These people are charismatic 
and successful, often because of their charisma, but there are also many ‘ordinary’ 
people who possess a charismatic personality, such as the popular child at school, 
the staff in the restaurant who make the most tips, or the person in the office who 
is friends with everybody.
Some people are more charismatic than others. We can recognise charisma but 
what makes it?

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32
2.
ADVANCED COMMUNICATION SKILLS
BEING CHARISMATIC MEANS
Being Confident
Charismatic people are confident people—or at least have the ability to appear so.
Many people struggle to have the confidence to communicate in a variety of 
situations, one-to-one, in groups and in front of audiences. A charismatic person 
not only appears confident in communication but can also help others feel 
confident too, thus improving the communication process. Charismatic people are 
confident in a positive way, without being boastful or egotistical.