In a workshop recently the question of personal presence and charisma arose. We were talking about being ‘centred’ and how actors use this as a term to denote readiness for ‘action’. Being centred is also taught in any martial arts training. Your centre, as a place for balance, means your centre of gravity is located around the navel. There is a very nice exercise that allows you to discover your physical centre simply by thinking low in the body. When doing this you gain stability with flexibility.
But does a centred person have more charisma? I have always believed that your charisma/presence is something we all have and that as an adult you opt to ‘give’ away. I sometimes use the analogy of a there never being a baby that does not invite being looked at, albeit in an involuntary way. This has led to challenges from parents who say of course some babies have more personality than others and this may well be true. When centred you have to be in good alignment (babies always are) – so your spine is fully flexed, lengthening you in the neck and small of back. Your shoulders are also dropped and wide. You are strong and vulnerable. You can catch but you can also throw – a punch or a ball.
Centred is often sexy. It has a ‘look at me’ quality and sexy is usually also a mixture of strength and vulnerability. When public speaking you have chosen to be looked at. Often people don’t feel they have made the choice. In fact they have by dint of being in the job they do. Once you overcome the denial and accept the responsibilty of being in the spotlight it becomes easier. Once you choose to be seen you are already developing your presence. Of course some people take longer to find or exploit what is natural but I am sure we all have it.
