MUSINGS Which celebrities have charisma – and why?

That elusive charm

Musings

Sonia Kelly

Yes – what exactly is charisma? And wouldn’t we all like to have it! Very few do, though, and perhaps by looking at some well-known possessors of it we will get some clues.

It seems to be singularly lacking in the most prominent members of our society – to wit, politicians – who might seem to need it most. In fact, Obama and Clinton are the only ones that spring to mind that do. What is special about them?

Is it a willingness to connect with others? A certain openness? An I-acccept-you-for-who-you-areness? Good looks do help, but are not essential. (I always disliked Bill Clinton’s mouth.) A smile plays a big part, and so does hair. (At least in my view.)

Let’s take a look at some more of those I consider to be charismatic: Terry Wogan certainly wowed a lot of people in the course of his career ad this seems to have been largely due to his ability to empathise with his fans.

David Norris has something else – a kind of sparkle that energises his surroundings and makes one want to be near its source.

I think the BBC’s Trevor McDonald had it. Some kind of quality of kindness emanated from him.

And maybe Paul McGrath the footballer, whose vulnerability was somehow attractive.

On occasions hair has a lot to do with it. Visualise Michael Ryan, Fergal Quinn and Frances Brennan. Particularly the latter – don’t you adore the way his hair flops?

These three also have that openness, approachability and empathy that draws one to them. Then again, it can be some special quality that sparks one’s fancy, like ‘Coast’ presenter Neil Oliver’s Scottish accent. And it can be helped by what one knows about a subject.

Take Martin McGuinness – neither hair nor smile prevailing here – but the knowledge that he writes poetry, likes fishing and phones his mother every day creates a strangely fascinating contrast to the ruthless IRA commander. His accent helps too, although I normally find the Northern one unattractive.

Not many women on my list, I notice. One who definitely tops it though, is Maeve Binchy. In a similar way to David Norris – the atmosphere around them is imbued with fun and vitality. Maeve also exudes empathy and a willingness to take on board uncritically whatever is thrown at her.

Then there is Mary O’Rourke. What can it be here? There’s that sparkle of fun and a sort of don’t-care-what-you-think-of-me attitude that suggests risqué possibilities that make you want to be near her. She has a definite form of magnetic energy.

So what conclusions have we come to about charisma? Apparently qualities (although not all have to be present) are empathy, or the ability to identify with others, good hair and a big smile, a sense of fun and magnetic energy, an appealing accent and unexpected occupations – even vulnerability – are all helpful.

If these clues are suggestive, including floppy grey hair, maybe we can all assess ourselves and practice those qualities that are missing. If everybody had a few of them, just think how pleasant existence would be!