Vanessa Van Edwards

Have you ever walked away from a conversation and thought, “Did they seem annoyed with me?” Or wondered if your ‘neutral’ face is sending the wrong message? Today’s guest, Vanessa Van Edwards, has cracked the code on human connection. As a behavioural investigator and founder of Science of People, she’s trained over 400,000 people in mastering the secret language of cues that drive charisma, confidence, and connection. Comment ‘Vanessa’ and I’ll personally DM you a link to listen to our conversation! In this episode, Vanessa reveals: - The 4 types of cues you must master for likability. - How your Resting Face is pushing people away (and how to fix it). - The simple “Hand Gesture Hack” that instantly builds trust. - Why fake smiles don’t work (and how to spot them in others). - How to become more likeable, charismatic, and memorable in every room you walk into. Vanessa describes herself as a “recovering awkward person” — and this episode is a masterclass in conquering that awkwardness. She’s living proof that likeability isn’t something you’re born with, it’s something you learn. It’s practical, science-backed, and packed with tactics you can use in your next meeting, first date, or even a video call. 📺 Watch it now on YouTube — search ‘The Diary of a CEO Vanessa Van Edwards’ — and discover how to control the cues you’re giving off (instead of letting them control you).

Never Ever Say “Nice To Meet You” | @jenniferhudsonshow

The Best Conversation Starters | @ted

Are You Using Al The Right Way? | @howtowritebetter Follow me, then comment QUIZ and I’ll send you a free people skills quiz.

How You Arrive Is How You’re Remembered

This Chemical Makes People Trust You | @ryanhawk12

Can Warmth Make Up for Competence? Follow me, then comment SCHOOL and I’ll send you my people skills program.

We’ve all been there. A friend is asking for advice....and we don’t know how to comfort them. When someone has worries, your instinct might be to fix it. Don’t. The most powerful thing you can do is acknowledge it. Not: “you’re fine” Not: “don’t worry” But: “that makes sense” “I can see why you’d feel that way” Acknowledgment calms the nervous system. It tells their brain: I’m safe. I’m understood. And from there? That’s when real support actually lands. Want the exact phrases + frameworks I teach for high-stakes moments like this? Comment SCHOOL and I’ll send it.

The Hidden Vocal Sign Of Dishonesty | @findingmastery Follow me, then comment SCHOOL and I’ll send you my people skills program.

How Self Awareness Builds Confidence Yourself Follow me, then comment SCHOOL and I'll send you my people skills program.

There are four nonverbal mechanisms behind "Zoom fatigue" — close-up eye contact, watching yourself in real time, reduced mobility, and higher cognitive load from interpreting fewer cues. The paper is theoretical, drawing on prior research in nonverbal communication; empirical tests are still rolling in. Open question: do these mechanisms apply equally across cultures with different norms for eye contact and personal space? From Technology, Mind, and Behavior (2021). #scienceofpeople

Most people hate being underestimated. They rush to prove themselves. Talk more. Perform harder. Try to be seen. Understand what people actually respond to. And then—when you move, you move with precision. The best connectors and high performers don’t rush their moment. They build presence quietly. They wait until it counts. Comment SCHOOL if any of these sound like you!