As the cofounder of the organization Water.org, which aims to bring safe water and sanitation to developing countries, actor Matt Damon spends a lot of time influencing audiences to support his cause. Part of his success is due to his ability to connect with audiences on a humane and passionate level, without relying on his celebrity status. How does someone’s general character influence how you listen to him or her?

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Todd Williamson/Invision for Water.org/AP Images