Teaching Men The Art of Flirting

by Christina Shovlin 2005.

Guys who find themselves unlucky in love have a new opportunity to learn how to meet and attract women. Charisma Sciences (Charisma Arts), hosted by Wayne Elise, who also goes by the nickname "Juggler," is out to teach men how to approach women and find a date.

Similar to the new movie "Hitch," in which Will Smith plays a dating coach, Wayne goes with clients to meet women.

"The seminars are in a classroom setting," Charisma Sciences (Charisma Arts) business manager John Henson said. "While in workshops, guys go out with Wayne and approach women, and afterwards Wayne critiques them. We offer workshops, seminars, and even boot camp. Most guys don't come here wanting a girlfriend, they just want to have the ability to get a girlfriend if they wanted to. You want to be in a relationship because you want to be in it, not because you need to be in it."

Many men may look to the program as a way to overcome shyness, or simply to enhance one's overall social skills.

"I know a few guys, myself included, that are shy," FSU freshman Eugene Holley said. "I don't know how to approach females. I think it's a good idea."

Henson emphasized that most of the Charisma Sciences (Charisma Arts) clients are not psychologically handicapped; they're simply really shy.

According to Henson, the unique idea for this company started because there is a community of guys on the Internet who want to know how to meet and seduce women. A major belief of the company is that a person can't be good with women if they aren't good with people.

"You need to see everyone as a friend first," Henson said. "Our theory is that if you become more confident and have a good flow of conversation, you'll be able to meet women. It's about the approach and getting over the fear of talking to each other."

Some may wonder how a company such as Charisma Sciences (Charisma Arts) came to be.

"There is a demand for it, so that's why it exists," FSU sophomore Teddy Wohlford said. "I wouldn't use it personally because I don't have a problem with it, but if I find myself struggling, I would. For guys who (are) socially awkward, and trying to date, it could help."

There is a growing demand for this service.

"The market is about to explode," Henson said. "The 'Hitch' movie is coming out and Neil Strauss of Rolling Stone is releasing a book called "The Game." There are people from all over the world interested in this. In March, we're going to Australia."

Clients range in age from 18 to about 42, but some are older. A personal workshop costs $700, while a workshop with two people costs $600. The boot camp, however, costs $1600 for the weekend.

"It's not trickery, it teaches basic flirty language," Henson said. "Clients who come usually find this to be a long-term problem. It's not psychological. They find themselves being clingy in relationships and afraid to go out (to meet new people) by themselves. They've gotten shot down before. Some guys by their early 20s who aren't popular or successful with women realize that they need to get this part of their life settled."

Some women have expressed concern over the intentions of the company.

"I think it's kind of fake and insincere," FSU sophomore Melissa Wallace said. "It's kind of cheesy. It's sweet that he's making the effort, but it means more if it comes from his own head."

Others contend that what doesn't come naturally shouldn't come at all.

"If you don't know how to approach them on your own then you shouldn't be approaching them," FSU junior Keondra Mincy said. "It's unnecessary. Use your own tactics. If they don't appreciate you, then that's not a person you should be dating."

So far the Juggler does not have a program set up for women to meet men, but it is a future possibility. The company is also releasing DVD's that will help men learn how to flirt.

"It's about learning how to meet and attract women. There is a psychological element to it," Henson said.

The company can be contacted online at Charisma Arts.