Arts and Humanities People and Community

By Barbara Gutierrez [email protected] 06-18-2026

It's recognized right away. The person has a particular warmth, a charm. They draw people in and make them feel important.

There is a natural ease in how they navigate the world and those around them. The person has charisma.

Charisma is not an easy trait to describe. Yet it is easily recognizable. Are people born with it, or can it be nurtured?

Several professors at the University of Miami provided their insights on charisma.

What is charisma?

Although there will be many definitions of this, I would say that charisma is a combination of charm-but not kitschy-style charm-and includes other things such as presence, communication, engaging, captivating, and inspiring.

• Alex Piquero, professor and chair in the Department of Sociology and Criminology in the College of Arts and Sciences

There are various personality and physical traits one can be born with that can contribute to charisma. Life experiences can also foster charisma, and it can be nurtured such that most people can cultivate a degree of charisma.

• Scott Rogers, senior lecturer and director of the Mindfulness in Law Program in the School of Law

Charisma is derived from the Greek word "charis," which means grace. The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines it as "a special magnetic charm or appeal" or, for a public figure, "a personal magic of leadership arousing special popular loyalty or enthusiasm." While Google AI takes it a step further, saying charisma is "the compelling, magnetic appeal that draws others to a person." One version says it has three main pillars, including the ability to be fully present, show warmth, and reflect competence. According to AI, it is demonstrated by strong communication skills, emotional intelligence, and authenticity.

It seems all of these qualities are true, in part. However, these definitions are missing the magic ingredient, from my perspective. It seems charisma is more about being interested in others and how we make them feel than in being interesting ourselves. If we genuinely care about others, they will instinctively trust us and tell us about themselves. If we approach them authentically, with warmth and compassion, they will feel comfortable with us as well. It isn't about us, but about others and how we may engage with them in an honest and authentic way.

Taking the focus off of ourselves and on making the other person feel comfortable seems to be useful in life, but also in journalism. We must be genuinely interested in what people we interview have to say and share, rather than just how they serve our stories. I always caution students that we are not there to use people only to serve our stories. However, the interest must be authentic, as people sense when it is merely an act.

• Gina Presson, senior lecturer at the School of Communication and appointed faculty fellow to Vista Residential College

Are you born with charisma, or can it be nurtured?

It is always difficult to pinpoint whether people are born with or without certain traits, as familial and contextual environments can nurture or shape an individual's emotional intelligence, to include things like charisma. So, I would lean more toward a bit more nurture than anything else.

• Alex Piquero

Some people have charisma from birth, and others develop these gifts as they mature. Everyone may nurture these traits throughout life.

• Gina Presson

What draws people to someone-confidence, mystery, or vulnerability?

I think people are drawn to others who espouse confidence, but not in an egotistical way, and effective communication, because it makes them feel valued and potentially inspired. Charismatic people tend to draw others in, but not in a nefarious way, but rather a supportive way, if their intentions are in the right place.

• Alex Piquero

Each can play a role, and the variety across these domains suggests that charisma is not just one thing but can emerge from a range of qualities. One of the hallmarks of charisma is the ability to naturally capture and hold the attention of others, often creating a heightened sense of engagement and presence. Confidence is a significant factor, particularly in times of uncertainty, as a leader who displays a confident demeanor can become a source of comfort and reassurance. A certain degree of mystery can also capture and hold attention, inviting fascination and heightened interest. Vulnerability, especially when accompanied by self-acceptance rather than shame or self-doubt, can also be charismatic, as people may identify with what is revealed. In doing so, people may become more accepting of and comfortable with themselves.

• Scott Rogers

People are drawn to others for many reasons. Confidence is attractive, but not when it becomes arrogance. Mystery can be attractive, but not when it threatens trust and truthfulness. Vulnerability in an authentic way is attractive, but not when it becomes extreme neediness. Charismatic people are not afraid to reveal their humanity, to express their feelings, their compassion, and their curiosity about others. They are confident in their gifts and celebrate their ability to help others with those gifts. They also celebrate others' gifts and try to bring out the best in people. They see the good in everyone.

• Gina Presson

What does charisma allow people to do that others without it cannot?

I think charismatic people feel comfortable in just about any situation because they can use their skill set to naturally fit into different contexts and conversations. They are relatable, approachable, and engaging.

• Alex Piquero

Charisma can make it easier to persuade others to follow, whether into danger or toward an important decision, such as voting for someone, making a major life choice, or purchasing a product. When coupled with integrity, charisma can inspire trust, confidence, and meaningful action. When integrity is lacking, however, charisma can cloud judgment and make it more difficult to accurately assess a person's character and motives.

• Scott Rogers

Charisma allows people to encourage others to work together for the common good and to make a difference.

• Gina Presson

Who is a famous person who has charisma, and how does it manifest itself?

I think there are many famous people who have charisma, but you have to bear in mind that when we see "famous people," they are not behind closed doors, where they may be surrounded by those close to them and potentially allow themselves to feel more vulnerable.

In that sense, a person's-especially a famous person's-public persona may only be a glimpse of what we see, but I would say that Bono, U2's lead singer, would be someone who espouses charisma when he sings and talks.

• Alex Piquero

Many world leaders throughout history, along with entertainers, spiritual leaders, and sports figures, have displayed charisma. Confidence, achievement, wealth, and power often emerge from the roles they play and can also help explain their ascent into those positions. Charisma can also be found close at hand, including here at the U-in our leaders, inspiring teachers, colleagues who influence decisions and workplace culture, and among our gifted students.

Isaac Prilleltensky, the former dean of our School of Education and Vice-Provost for Institutional Culture, who passed away recently, displayed a powerful charisma that was evident to colleagues, students, and friends alike.

While he possessed many of the more recognizable qualities associated with charisma, including confidence, energy, humor, and courage, his form of charisma also reflected something found in perhaps the most enduring charismatic figures.

Whether teaching a class, presenting at a conference, leading a group project, or meeting with someone one-on-one, he naturally created in others a sense that they mattered-because he knew they did. Perhaps the forms of charisma with the greatest impact are those that transcend more superficial qualities and help others feel seen, valued, and reassured that things will be okay.

• Scott Rogers

Oprah Winfrey is a famous person with charisma who comes to mind. She has used her charisma to give back to others and to inspire both individuals and corporations to do the same. She has contributed her personal wealth to the well-being of others, both on her show and in her personal life. She has also committed her effort to covering topics that increase the national understanding of issues affecting many, but not often brought into the limelight, including sexual assault and domestic violence. She has helped make survivors of violence feel they are not alone and they are not what happened to them. She has also given a platform to many voices not often heard, helping expand the dialogue about issues facing individuals and the nation.

• Gina Presson