1) Change your body language

When you’re talking to someone, try to keep your head as still as possible (“but not stiff like a robot,” adds Regan). It may feel unnatural, but it will make you look more self-assured and confident in yourself.

When someone is speaking to you, keep your body language as open as possible: don’t cross your arms and legs, maintain eye contact and make sure, above all else, to listen to what they’re saying.

2) Prepare, prepare, prepare

“Actors always do a warm up before they do a play,” says Regan. “They stretch out, they shake out, they warm up their voice… and it really does help.”

She suggests making funny noises (the entire room is soon singing a loud chorus of ‘mi-mi-mi-mis’ in unison) to loosen up your vocal chords and get yourself ready for speaking aloud.

3) Change the words you use

“Men present opinions as fact, and women present facts as opinion,” says Regan, reminding us that one person is far more likely to get what they want if they say, “I need this…” rather than, “I think we might need this…”

“If you’re using apologetic language, the story you’re telling isn’t, ‘trust me, I’ve got this,’” she insists. “So go through your emails and take out every single ‘I thinks’, ‘I’m sorry’, ‘I’m not sure’ and ‘if you could.’”

Megan adds: “Are you apologising for yourself? In your language and your body? In your thoughts? Don’t.”

Yes, you really CAN teach yourself to be charismatic