The Charisma Myth

How Anyone Can Master the Art and Science of Personal Magnetism

By: Olivia Fox Cabane

Narrated by: Lisa Cordileione

Length: 8 hrs and 20 mins

Publisher's summary

What if charisma could be taught? For the first time, science and technology have taken charisma apart, figured it out and turned it into an applied science: In controlled laboratory experiments, researchers could raise or lower people's level of charisma as if they were turning a dial. What you'll find here is practical magic: unique knowledge, drawn from a variety of sciences, revealing what charisma really is and how it works. You'll get both the insights and the techniques you need to apply this knowledge. The world will become your lab, and every person you meet, a chance to experiment.

The Charisma Myth is a mix of fun stories, sound science, and practical tools. Cabane takes a hard scientific approach to a heretofore mystical topic, covering what charisma actually is, how it is learned, what its side effects are, and how to handle them.

Please note: The accompanying workbook for this title is available at AskOlivia.com/book/exercises/.

©2012 Olivia Fox Cabane (P)2012 Gildan Media, LLC

Critic reviews

"Fox Cabane's distinct writing style...makes listening to each chapter both informational and fun. Each exercise is practical and easy...If you are interested in increasing your ability to be charismatic in your unique setting or employment, this audiobook will give you direct skills to use" ( PsychologyToday.com )

Better as a hardcopy book than an audiobook

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

I would not recommend this as an audiobook. The author references charts, tables and page #s regularly. It was frustrating to maximize the worth I got from the book by listening to it. I would get the book as a hard copy, however. The narrator, specifically, sounded indifferent, almost monotone, and lacked any emotion in her narration.

What did you like best about this story?

I enjoyed the examples and references to other literature. I certainly got some ideas for additional reading.

Would you be willing to try another one of Lisa Cordileione’s performances?

Never. She lacked tone in her voice. I wasn't too excited to listen to her performance. I believe she did the Cabene's book a disservice.

Was The Charisma Myth worth the listening time?

The Charisma Myth is not worth the listening time because of numerous references to charts, tables, and examples. It would be easier to have a hard copy of the book or even a pdf to use the book as it was intended.

The Science of Charisma

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

There is a science and practice of charisma, and this book makes charisma learnable and usable for anyone willing to invest the time and attention. Highly recommended.

great info and insight

loved it. I am currently putting these into action but continue to practice under low stakes situations.

A much needed leg up!

An excellent book that I shall be listening to over and over! lots of information and the narration improved as the book progressed. This is a must have for business, executives or anyone involved in public speaking.

Good psych overview, ok reading

The tips were a great mix of behavioral psychology and Dale Carnegie, mixed with some good exercises. All in all, it was a well-thought story that was about the right length.

The narrator was more patronizing than charismatic, hence 4 stars.

Highly recommend.

Very good.

What did you love best about The Charisma Myth?

Had very excellent advice and ideas but it did seem to drone on with some of the examples.

Best books I've listened to. Truly impressed.

Great examples and easy to try options. Already helped me in a couple of situations. A must read for everyone.

Weird spots in audio, helpful book though.

I have listened to it quite a few times and the exercises work well just to stay level headed throughout the day. Buying have definitely been seen as more charismatic lately and I source this book for that.
Bought some copies for friends even.

More than I expected

This book had more in it than I expected.
I love the idea that in order to project yourself better outward you have to project yourself better inward. Beautiful.
This book is going in my always keep, read again shelf.

Amazing!

Tons of actionable steps to improving communication and life with others. I came across this book while reading a ton of other self help and communications books and this one was the only one I listened to twice. Follow through with the tricks and watch your relationships with others grow and succeed. 5 stars all around.