The X-Factor

How some leaders have mastered the infl uence game.

- Karen Tee

It takes mere moments for Nichol Ng to make an instant connection. At The Peak’s Power List gala last year to honour philanthropists and social entrepreneurs, the co-founder of The Food Bank Singapore hooked the audience immediately with her acceptance speech. She asked a ballroom-full of people accustomed to the material comforts in life: “How many of you did not finish your food?”

In contrast to the previous, more formal speeches, her conversational style not only made people sit up and listen, it also highlighted food wastage and why it is important that excess food is redistributed to the needy.

Her ability to connect extends to her daily interactions. With a frank demeanour that makes even complete strangers feel like they are old pals, and a straightforward manner of speaking, she is surprisingly effective at converting people to her cause.

This power to engage and appeal to strangers – charisma, in short – is even more crucial today with the power of social media, as right or wrong, the message is amplified and critiqued around the world.

“Technology has levelled the playing field so everyone can become famous,” says Christel Quek, vice-president of the Asia-Pacific at Brandwatch. “But it is those with charisma who are able to spark action with their posts.”

WALKING THE TALK