The Art and Science of Personal Magnetism

The Art and Science of Personal Magnetism is a book by William Walker Atkinson, first published in 1913. This practical manual teaches readers how to cultivate charm, inner power, and persuasive presence through disciplined mental work. Written in plain, exercise-driven chapters, the book breaks down "personal magnetism" into repeatable techniques — concentration drills, breath and posture awareness, focused visualization, and methods for strengthening willpower and self-confidence. It’s aimed at anyone who wants to develop charisma deliberately rather than relying on natural temperament alone. Atkinson blends practical psychology with New Thought-style mental practices, showing how thought, suggestion, and directed attention influence interpersonal impact. Readers will find step-by-step lessons that move from basic attention-training to more advanced methods for projecting influence, managing mental states in social settings, and cultivating an unshakable personal presence useful for leadership, sales, or everyday social ease. Balanced between pragmatic self-help and early-20th-century metaphysical ideas, the book is as much a course in habit and posture as it is a manual of persuasive psychology. Expect clear exercises you can practice daily, with an emphasis on steady, cumulative improvement — ideal for those seeking reliable tools to become more confident, compelling, and effective in personal and professional life.