Captivate: The Science of Succeeding with People
learn the science-backed shortcuts to connection, influence, and authentic charisma
About This Book
Turn awkward moments into advantages and everyday talks into lasting trust. This practical guide shows you how to engineer first impressions, read hidden emotions, spark absorbing conversations, and lead people without forcing it. You’ll map events to find your social sweet spots, master the nonverbal signals that unlock trust, and use psychology frameworks—like habit loops, dopamine triggers, microexpressions, and the Big Five—to understand what makes people tick. With relatable stories and step-by-step playbooks, you’ll build confidence quickly, resolve friction without drama, and create relationships that help you thrive at work, at home, and anywhere you meet people.About the Author
Vanessa Van Edwards is a behavioral investigator who turns cutting‑edge people science into simple, useful tools. Through her research lab and widely viewed classes, she has helped millions apply psychology to everyday interactions—from first impressions and leadership to dating and difficult conversations. She has advised fast‑growing startups and Fortune‑level teams, and her frameworks have been featured across major media. Known for warm, practical teaching and memorable experiments, she equips readers to act confidently, connect authentically, and communicate with clarity in any room.
Biggest Takeaway
• Make stronger first impressions using a repeatable nonverbal system. • Replace small talk with memorable conversations that release dopamine and stick. • Decode microexpressions to uncover what people really feel, even when words mislead. • Speed‑read personalities with the Big Five and tailor communication for better results. • Motivate teammates, clients, and partners by speaking their true appreciation language. • Lead without micromanaging by giving ownership, clear whys, and smart delegation. • Defuse difficult behavior with a simple three-step method that calms emotions fast. • Build a personal “social game plan” so you only play where you naturally thrive.
Key Insights from This Book
Explore the most important ideas and learn how to apply them in your life.
Design your Social Game Plan so you only play where you thrive
Win first impressions with the Triple Threat of hands, stance, and gaze
Create conversational sparks that people replay and remember
Listen like a highlighter so people perform better around you
Thread Theory reveals fast common ground most people miss
Read microexpressions to hear the feelings words hide
Speed‑read personalities with the Big Five and adapt your approach
Speak the right appreciation language to unlock motivation and loyalty
Lead with ownership using a clear why, skill solicitation, and customization
Defuse difficult behavior with the NUT Job name, understand, transform
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