The Magnitude of Presence

Do you know someone who has an incredible “presence”? There’s something about them that is intriguing and difficult to articulate, but we know that they possess the power to captivate.

They immediately capture our attention. What compels us to take notice?

I’m not referring to people whose physique or loud voice is overpowering and intimidating, keeping us at a distance, but those who have that distinct magnetism that draws us closer. 

I believe that presence is about being completely available to the people or situations in which you find yourself. It is about engagement and personal connection with one person – or 1000 people. It is about how you carry yourself, being poised and comfortable in your own skin.

While physical attractiveness can increase one’s presence, relying totally on one’s looks isn’t sustainable. I’m sure that you can think of many people whose outward characteristics alone would not command attention, and yet they have an ability to draw you in with seemingly little effort on their part – perhaps it is because of the way they treat others, the wisdom they share, or maybe the way they speak. There is always something about them that transcends our visual impression. 

So how can we all have that “presence”; that charismatic attraction with people that happens naturally, and it is not just for the privileged few?  

The source of true presence must be deep inside you. You don’t need to be mature in years or rich in terms of possessions to have presence, nor do you fly in to save people from themselves and manipulate outcomes. 

Instead, push your agenda completely out of the way and make yourself totally available to others so that you will be able to recognize their intrinsic attributes. 

When you can affirm and encourage people to embrace and use these, meaningful relationships develop. These relationships are at the core of true wealth.  

In short, when you use your personal presence to achieve great things not just for yourself, but as a source of motivational good that can positively influence and empower others, you’ll attract great opportunities.

Get your copy of Empower Your Presence, by Catherine Bell, today in the Knowledge Bureau bookstore.