Learn from Ted Lasso's Unique Charisma Style (7 Social Cues) (2024)

There’s a reason why everyone loves Ted Lasso. He uses captivating nonverbal cues that silently communicate charisma. Let’s break down some of the nonverbal cues he uses and how you can apply them to your own interactions.

Check out below for the written version!

Who is Ted Lasso?

Ted Lasso, the beloved fictional character from the TV series “Ted Lasso^{1 https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10986410/} ,” is a charming, optimistic American football coach who takes on the challenge of coaching a British soccer team.

Played by Jason Sudeikis, Ted’s unique charisma and unconventional coaching methods quickly win over both his team and the audience. His ability to connect with people and uplift their spirits is rooted in his mastery of nonverbal communication

Let’s explore the social cues that make Ted Lasso’s charisma so captivating and how you can use them, too!

Purposeful Hand Gestures

Ted Lasso loves dynamic hand gestures. Interestingly, he often keeps his hands in his pockets, but when they’re out, he uses them purposefully.

Our brains are wired to love purposeful gestures! Try using intentional hand movements to emphasize your points during conversations. It keeps your audience engaged and shows you’re passionate about what you’re saying.

For example, use one of these purposeful gestures and cut out the non-purposeful ones:

Want more? Check out our resource below!

Unlock the Secrets of Charisma

Control and leverage the tiny signals you’re sending – from your stance and facial expressions to your word choice and vocal tone – to improve your personal and professional relationships.

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See Also

'The Harder You Work, the Luckier You Get': These 30 “Ted Lasso” Quotes Will Make Your DayTed Lasso Season 4 Gets Promising Update from Show ExecIs Ted Lasso based on a true story? | Goal.com

Animated Facial Expressions

We love listening to Ted Lasso speak because he has a super animated and expressive face.

When sharing a story, let your face reflect your excitement or surprise. Smile broadly (and avoid a fake smile) when expressing joy or raise your eyebrows and widen your eyes to show astonishment. Avoid a blank, expressionless face, which can make you seem disinterested or bored.

People are drawn to visible expressions of joy, surprise, and concern—as well as other emotions on the emotion wheel.

The “Up Face”

Ted Lasso has what I call an “up face.” A “down face” looks somber, tired, or apathetic, which can be discouraging. Ted Lasso listens with an “up face”—his eyebrows raised, eyes wide open, and mouth in an upturned position. This shows his receptiveness and enthusiasm.

Avoid a “down face” where your features droop, indicating disinterest or fatigue.

Eyebrow Raises

Ted Lasso often uses an eyebrow raise to communicate without words, conveying curiosity, surprise, and interet. An eyebrow raise can prompt someone to dig deeper into their thoughts or elaborate on their ideas.

Incorporate this subtle cue to encourage more dynamic interactions—for example, when a colleague shares an interesting idea, raise your eyebrows and say, “Really? Tell me more about that.”

Vocalizations

Ted Lasso listens loudly. He uses vocalizations like “Ah,” “Oh,” and “Wow.” These sounds show active listening and engagement. Vocalizations let people know you’re following along and are interested in what they’re saying. They’re small yet powerful tools to enhance your conversational presence!

Pro Tip: Avoid remaining silent when someone is hinting at a response. Also try to avoid giving non-committal responses like “Hmm” or “Uh-huh,” which can come across as disengaged.

Ted Lasso makes deep eye contact when someone is opening up to him. Maintaining direct eye contact shows you’re giving your full attention and value what the other person is saying. It’s a strong signal of respect and empathy, making the other person feel seen and heard.

Want more on eye contact? We’ve got you covered: How to Read People’s Eye Direction and Behavior With 34 Cues

Touch Moments

Ted Lasso loves to high-five, fist bump, and give shoulder pats. These touches communicate connection and engagement, helping to physically bring people closer. A simple touch can make a significant impact. Try initiating a high-five or fist bump to create instant rapport and seal the connection.

Bonus: Nice, But Assertive

One thing Ted Lasso excels at is being both nice and assertive. He clearly states his boundaries while remaining likable.

This is a skill you can learn, too!

Check out our free training, “A Nice Person’s Guide to Being Assertive,” to learn how to be both liked and respected. It’s a valuable addition to your social toolbox, helping you set boundaries and communicate effectively while maintaining positive relationships.

Watch it now and start mastering the art of assertive kindness!