Smalls_wordmark with tag_white-01

The Charismatic Advantage™

The Charismatic Advantage Venn diagram shows the intersection between public speaking, affective leadership (affective with an “a”) and mindset.

The entertainment industry is not an easy place to launch a career. 

Now that you’ve agreed with my understatement of the year, I want to tell you how I’ve managed to thrive as a successful entertainer. I’ve learned a number of lessons navigating through the industry as a live event host, a DJ, an actor and keynote speaker. 

Here’s what I believe: The keys to my success are accessible to everyone.

That isn’t to say that everyone is destined to become the next Jim Carrey. (Because, honestly, who can top the legend??)

However, everyone has their own array of talents that differentiates them from the crowd. No matter what your stage looks like, you have a unique voice that can astonish, inspire, and transform your life and the lives of those who listen to you. 

You have a keynote message the world needs to see, feel and hear. It’s a message that’s much needed. From you.

My mission is to help you discover and own your Charismatic Advantage.™

That’s my keynote message.

The Charismatic Advantage™ happens at the intersection of thoughts, words and actions. A combination of public speaking, servant leadership, and an internal poise makes it all possible.

It’s a mindset shift that empowers you with a positive perspective of yourself.

It’s a clear vision of your message that creates dynamic visibility as a public speaker.

It’s an authentic connection with others that cultivates Affective Leadership and influence.

The Charismatic Advantage™ is how I stand in front of an audience, big or small, and lead a roller-coaster experience.

Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Aaron, I’ve got to learn more!”

A Deeper Dive into

The Charismatic Advantage™

A Deeper Dive into The Charismatic Advantage™

“The moment you doubt whether you can fly, you cease forever to be able to do it.”

― J. M. Barrie

Mindset

The first step of our journey is internal. In order to affect and inspire your audience, you need confidence. You need to claim a powerful image of yourself in order for others to believe that image.

I’ve had some great moments as an entertainer. Some amazing people have encouraged and mentored me, giving me early opportunities to test my talents on real stages.

That’s the Instagram Story of my career. The truth is that I’ve dealt with a lot of rejections. The entertainment industry hands out more “no’s” than Pinocchio.

However, the difference between success and throwing in the towel is in reframing our mindset.

Now, I’m not asking you to change your whole brain. Small adjustments can have a huge impact. And, it’s important to harness the power of incremental change over time.

For example, we all know that success requires hard work. But “hard work” sounds … really difficult. No one gets excited about hard work.

What if we reframe “hard” work as “dedicated” work? Hard work means some terrible task that I’m going to put off — at least until tomorrow. At the earliest. Dedication means that I’m applying diligence to my passions. I can get pumped about dedicated work.

And just like that: a small adjustment within my mind alters my whole Perspective.

Amazing stuff, right? A keynote presentation on this small aspect of The Charismatic Advantage™ would invigorate the leaders within your business to powerful new heights, wouldn’t it?

Public Speaking

You might think that only people with natural charisma can become talented public speakers.

To that I say, go back and read about reframing your mindset. Then let’s talk about how to communicate on stage.

Public speaking is both what you say AND how you say it.

Perhaps you’ve been in an argument where your partner says exactly what you want to hear. They’ve apologized and admitted that you’re right. But you’re not at all satisfied.

Why?

Because they said it sarcastically. They rolled their eyes and stormed off. They said the right words, but you are convinced that they don’t mean it. The message has no effect on you: the audience of their words.

Michael Hyatt event

HOW you say what you say matters.

On stage, the way you pitch your voice, how you pace your speech, what power you apply to your words all create impact. Even a dramatic pause can make the difference between affecting change and the message falling flat.

Of course, WHAT you have to say is the other half of public speaking. To communicate well, you must clearly define and develop your keynote message. If it’s unclear to you what you mean to say, then it will be unclear to your audience.

It seems simple, but not every seasoned leader has mastered all these skills. To be a leader, you must have two things: a vision of the world that does not exist and the ability to communicate it.

In our oversaturated society, you cannot rely on charisma alone to deliver your message and expand your Visibility.

I believe everyone can improve how they communicate their keynote message to the world. I want to empower audiences with the applicable public speaking techniques they need to make it happen.

Affective Leadership

The third aspect of The Charismatic Advantage™ is leadership. Not just any leadership. Leadership that affects change.

To your question: No, I haven’t been spelling “Affective Leadership” wrong this whole time. Being “affective” is about influencing emotions. Affective leadership changes how people feel.

The best type of leader inspires those around them into the fullest versions of themselves. 

When you reframe your mindset with confidence and positive energy, you develop your personal power. When you communicate your message effectively, you inspire your audience into change.

However, in order to pursue affective leadership, you need to connect to your audience with authenticity. You begin the relationship with charisma, yes. However, your goal is to build and nurture trust along the journey of your keynote message.

You cannot build trust without offering some authentic aspect of yourself. For that, you need a powerful concept of self.

When people feel connected with you on an emotional level, they become willing to trust you. When they trust and believe in you, your words gain the power to change their thoughts and actions. That is the true meaning of Influence.

When you combine Visibility, Influence and Perspective, you achieve the full VIP Experience. When you leverage all three, you gain the power of the Charismatic Advantage.™

Five Pillars of

The Charismatic Advantage™

As a keynote speaker, I have partnered with some of the biggest brands and networks around the world with the powerful message of the Charismatic Advantage.™ 

I teach audiences to differentiate themselves, increase their value and strengthen their relationships. 

Along the way, I’ve identified some pillars that make The Charismatic Advantage™ possible.

Suspension of Disbelief

How to identify the little, unconscious things that limit your success

Result: Increase your own success and the success of those around you

Rejection
Injection

How to convert “no” into a more powerful motivator than “yes”

Result: Inoculation against complacency

Clear-ify Your Vision

How to make small shifts in your focus

Result: Create clarity, excitement and assurance to keep moving in the right direction

Lights, Camera
… Play!

How a youthful lens can inspire originality and creativity

Result: More confidence and better energy management

INQS *
I’m Not Status Quo

How to differentiate yourself from patterns and make bold choices

Result: More opportunities as you light up every room you walk into

Suspension of Disbelief

How to identify the little, unconscious things that limit your success

Result: Increase your own success and the success of those around you

Rejection
Injection

How to convert “no” into a more powerful motivator than “yes”

Result: Inoculation against complacency

Clear-ify Your Vision

How to make small shifts in your focus

Result: Create clarity, excitement and assurance to keep moving in the right direction

Lights, Camera
… Play!

How a youthful lens can inspire originality and creativity

Result: More confidence and better energy management

INQS *
I’m Not Status Quo

How to differentiate yourself from patterns and make bold choices

Result: More opportunities as you light up every room you walk into

* “INQS” is correct. I’m not status quo, and neither are you!

Book Aaron Smalls for Your Event

Ready to bring The Charismatic Advantage™ to your business or upcoming event? I am, too. Let’s schedule a Creative Session!

I appreciate the gift of your time and attention. In 20 minutes, we’ll discuss:

  • The details of your special event or seminar
  • How I will introduce The Charismatic Advantage™ to your audience or to leaders within your business
  • How my other Curiously Talented array of skills would enhance your event

Let’s get started!