Welcome to The Charismatic Leader Podcast.

Brett McDermott kicks off this new era with a practical deep dive into the science of influence—because success isn’t just about working harder, it’s about communicating better.

In this episode, Brett reveals three levers you can pull today to transform how people experience you: eye contact, verbal pausing, and listening without interruption. These aren’t abstract theories—they’re tactical skills you can practice in every conversation.

Whether you’re leading a team, pitching an idea, or simply connecting with people in your daily life, this episode shows you how to project presence, build trust, and create the kind of charisma that makes others lean in.

Key Takeaways:

• Use the 60/40 eye contact rule to balance confidence and warmth
• Harness silence with verbal pauses that signal certainty and eliminate filler words
• Practice two-beat listening to make people feel valued and understood