Who hasn’t heard of Marilyn Monroe? She’s one of the biggest icons in movie history. Her fame gave rise to what’s now called “The Marilyn Monroe Effect.” This term probably popped up in the late 20th century, but guess what? In 2023, Gen Z is bringing it back, especially on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram. For them, it’s about how Marilyn’s influence helps them express themselves, boost their confidence, and embrace body positivism. They’re even rocking her classic looks and giving them a modern twist. But it’s not just about fashion; they’re celebrating her curvier figure as a symbol of beauty and self-love. And that’s refreshing, though. Considering a lot of younger folks get caught up in chasing these so-called “ideal” body types that just keep getting skinnier. Plus, the awesome part about the Marilyn Monroe Effect is that Gen Z uses it to tap into their confidence, even when they’re feeling a bit off. In other words, Monroe’s impact on society is massive and complex. She changed beauty standards, pushed back against societal norms, and left a cultural footprint that’s still felt today.
What makes Monroe so iconic in society? Well, it wasn’t just her stunning looks—platinum blonde hair, bold red lips, and that classic hourglass figure was definitely eye-catching. But it was her vibe that really hooked people. Marilyn had this amazing charm and a playful, vulnerable side that made her both someone to look up to and easy to connect with. In a short word, charismatic. But maybe you know this one, too, right? Her personality in movies or in front of the camera is so different from when she’s just chilling away from the spotlight. Everyone knows she was super shy, really insecure, and had some serious battles with self-worth. This isn’t new info! You probably know, too, that she was really smart and loved to read. She even had her own personal library with over 400 books!
For me, this is the whole Marilyn Monroe effect I can totally learn. It’s all about her knack for being able to turn her charm on and off whenever she felt like it. She could either stand out like a superstar or just fade into the background, depending on what was going on. Even though Marilyn Monroe is like one of the most iconic and glamorous ladies ever, she could totally blend in whenever she wanted. There’s this cool story about her strolling down a busy New York street in broad daylight with her buddy, Sam Shaw. She was just chilling in casual clothes, no makeup, looking like any other girl. She was just Norma Jeane, being her real self. And surprisingly, nobody even noticed her. Then, like flipping a switch, Marilyn turned to Shaw and said, “Wanna see me turn into her?” She switched up her posture, facial expressions, and energy, and there you go! Suddenly, people started recognizing her. Within moments, a crowd gathered around her, proving that her celebrity side was something she could she could “turn on” at will.
What’s the main idea behind that classic story? Monroe’s charisma and star power didn’t just happen by chance. She worked for it! She totally got that fame is more than just being cute. It’s all about the energy you bring, the confidence you have, and the vibe you give off. It shines a light on the Marilyn Monroe Effect. How she could either blend in like a ninja or be the center of attention, all depending on how she was feeling and how she carried herself.
And I guess Monroe’s was got the point. The ability to turn the charisma ‘on’ and ‘off’ is needed. Vanessa van Edwards in her book “Cues: Master the Secret Language of Charismatic Communication” explains it clearly. Basically, she wants to explain that charisma is not a fixed trait. It’s a skill that can be adapted and shifted based on the situation. Charisma comes in a different styles. Many people think charisma is just about being extroverted or charming, about being born with certain personality traits, but in reality, there are two kinds of traits that showing the person has a charisma: Warmth and Competence. We can shift our charisma depending on our environment, audience, and goals. It can be learned and developed through understanding and mastering various communication cues. This book focuses on teaching us, the readers, how to develop charismatic communication skills through primary forms of communication.
The Warmth trait is all about connection, trust, being really present, and listening actively. So, what are the key traits? Think open body language, a kind tone, emotional connection, intense eye contact, patience, and actually making people feel heard. When can we pull this off? In personal relationships, job interviews, and networking. Just check out Oprah Winfrey interviewing guests on her talk show. She totally nails these traits, and that’s why she’s one of the best hosts ever! Or look at Barack Obama during serious discussions. He really knows how to engage one-on-one, especially during negotiations or mentoring.
The Competence trait is all about nailing that strong body language, speaking directly, having a commanding vibe, being enthusiastic, and throwing out forward-thinking ideas. So, when do we actually pull this off? Well, think leadership roles, business meetings, or any time we need to show who’s boss. Just like how Steve Jobs owned the stage during an Apple keynote. Or when we’re pitching a cool idea, giving a speech, or rallying people around a cause. Kinda like Elon Musk chatting about the future of space travel.
But please, take this note. As I mentioned in earlier posts, it’s super important to find a balance between these two types of traits. You gotta pick which one fits the situation and your goals best. There are times when we can totally go all in on one, but there are also times when we can’t do that at all. Like, in business meetings, we might lean towards being competent to build professional trust. But at a family gathering? No way we’re sticking with competence; we need that warmth to really connect. So, we should think about which vibe we wanna show off more, or maybe find a middle ground. Balance is key! The most charismatic person is totally a great mix of being warm and super capable. You can really feel the trust and reliability of them. We see them as friendly and smart, really impressive, and always ready to work together. They’ve totally earned our respect and admiration.
Charisma isn’t a one-size-fits-all trait. It’s about harnessing the right style for every situation. Mastering this skill will empower us to become more influential, persuasive, and socially adept. Cultivating a charismatic presence will strengthen our relationships and is essential for achieving our goals, whether personal or professional. So, are you ready to take charge and become the most charismatic person in the room, just like Monroe?
Love,
Kirana
