What is the title given to someone who influences others' opinions through personal contacts?

The title given to someone who influences others' opinions through personal contacts is "opinion leader." This term refers to individuals who have the ability to shape the attitudes and behaviors of others within their social circles, primarily due to their knowledge, expertise, or personal relationships. Opinion leaders are often seen as credible sources of information, which makes their influence particularly significant in social interactions and community dynamics.

Their role is especially important in areas like marketing and social movements, where the dissemination of information often relies on trusted personal connections rather than traditional mass media. This term is distinct from others such as "influencer," which typically refers to individuals who leverage social media platforms to reach a broader audience, or "charismatic leader," which describes someone with a compelling personality who can inspire a group, but does not specifically imply the influence through personal contacts. "Public figure" denotes someone who has attained public recognition but does not necessarily have a direct influence on individual opinions through personal relationships.