Intellectuals tend to be VERY dismissive of critically looking at charisma and persuasion as tools.
They're convinced that since they're ideas are SO GOOD they should will just be accepted upon stating facts.
Besides, only manipulators and cult leaders try to be charismatic and persuasive.
But I argue that "If only bad people study charismatic persuasion, then only bad people will be charismatically persuasive"
Along the same lines, those who are leading the effort in making Science more popular and attract, for example, underrepresented minorities, should focus on making more visible scientists who are good looking, charismatic, and therefore persuasive. It sounds manipulative, especially to the eyes of intellectuals, but it'd work.
Not only that, but confidence and certainty are very charismatic, or at least, draw attention. That works fine as a mechanism for liberating people from concerning themselves with the minutiae of every part of life in society. But we all know some variation of that quote about the certain fools and uncertain wise. I'm thinking of those especially confident scientists who have used their platform to trash reflective subjects like Philosophy (not naming any names).
I suppose a good summary of my point is that charisma can transform interest into idolatry.
I was once denied an opportunity by a Hollywood finance guy because, as he said, "You're not that smooth.." He was smooth, but not exactly charismatic. Possibly another side of a related coin.
I think I do both! I'm extremely charismatic but imo not that bright so coast on personality but sometimes fall back on working lots of hours.
My charisma story is that I was very naturally attractive but then had an accident and gained a large % of bodyweight while bedridden for over six months. When I came back into the real world I sort of got forced to improve my personality because I could no longer coast on looks!
Yes! I had a group at work of a core team. One guy who, in retrospect held me by the hand and led me along stupidvising as I learned a new system. He gave me endless attention and tutoring, celebrated wins and helped redirect when I messed up without ever getting upset. When I came back to work after having gained, he was weird and cold and blunt, and was way more demanding and curt in his feedback.
What really opened my eyes was when I lost again, suddenly I had my patient and thoughtful "mentor" back. It was disheartening, to be honest... just a feeling of sadness for humanity on how many opportunities the unattractive don't have offered to them on silver platters.