Captivate Reviews

You really wrote a fantastic book here that I think embodies fundamentals in communication and succeeding with people that I believe reaches across many cultures and knows no bounds. Personally, I have recommended this book multiple times to my friends and colleagues and they tell me they absolutely loved it. Keep up the great work.

Want to make a good first impression? Feeling stuck in an awkward social situation? You are not alone. I have faced such situations in the past myself. To improve, I had to turn to different forums, websites, articles and books for help. And while they offered some good advice, the sources were scattered and I had to spend lots of time connecting the dots. So if you are looking for a single comprehensive guide that would save you time and teach how to develop #charisma and hack human behavior, I'd suggest you check out the #Captivate book by Vanessa Van Edwards.

Halfway through @vvanedwards “Captivate” insightful, funny at points, a great read all around 👍🏼 also... 😐 how do I hire her to be my personal people decoder for all time? You’d think being from Los Angeles would’ve made me less socially inept

One of the best books I’ve read years back. @vvanedwards enthusiasm is contagious even through her writings.

Hi Vanessa, I just finished Captivate and wanted to say thank you. The book was absolutely fantastic and immediately useful. My Favorite Hacks: Regarding Hack 3, the quirky opener idea really clicked for me. Using curious, unexpected openers has made my first minutes with new people far more engaging. Regarding Hack 4, Highlighting, I am now calling out specific strengths and goals in conversations. This simple focus on the other person has lifted the quality of my daily interactions by a lot. Hack 8, the Appreciation Matrix, I mapped my own preferences and started matching how I appreciate others. Tailored recognition is landing much better already.

Just finished #Captivate by @vvanedwards! So very relatable (especially the part about my now parellogram shaped IKEA wardrobe). The way you story tell the science is great & I'm already sharing some interesting stuff with others.. so when is the next book Vanessa?

Want to improve your social game? @vvanedwards book #Captivate: The Science of Succeeding with People is a must-read

Do you wish you could decode people? My friend @vvanedwards can help in her new book #Captivate:

Morning! ☀️ Do something today that adds value to someone else. 💪🏼 (🙌🏼 @vvanedwards) [Image Quote]: 'I define value as how many problems you're solving for someone' - Vanessa Van Edwards

Learn the people skills you weren’t taught in school with help from my friend @Vvanedwards in #Captivate

I recently listened to your book (twice). I was also contacted by a large tech firm in the Seattle area. Three different hiring managers had come across my resume floating around for me and they wanted to talk to me about a role on their team. All were roles that were about 2 levels above where I am today. And not one of them flinched. I had 6 phone conversations and that led to interviews this week. I'm also a recovering awkward person. An introvert. Horrible at meeting people and being curious instead of nervous. After refreshing with the audiobook, I did my interviews and I received emails from the people that interviewed me in response to my thank you notes. "I love working with leaders who are self-aware and human and I can see you are that! And I'm blown away by your data driven decision making style!! I wish you well and hope we get a chance to work together soon." "Thank you for the thoroughly delightful conversation" "You and I could be friends!" I truly enjoyed my interviews because I followed the advice in your book. Whether I get this job or not, I know I now have the skills and confidence to meet and just have conversations with decision makers. They are just people, right?

This is an interesting book about the the science of succeeding with people. It's by @vvanedwards -

Hola Vanessa, I am assuming it: this mail is read by Vanessa, not a customer care expert of your team. How's It Going? Your book is really a game changer for me in this short span, when I have just completed reading only the first 6 chapters of the book. Now, I'm better at conversation with strangers. I started reading this book because I was interested in decoding people, but this book is way more than that. Researching and analyzing people's behavior is a ginormous task, and you have compiled it in this short book in a great way. It's a must read for a person like me who is a recovering awkward person.

This is one of the most fascinating books I have ever read! I am a very structured person in everything I do, and this book by Vanessa Van Edwards has taught me step-by-step techniques or "hacks" for my day-to-day interaction with people. I never thought this could be learned, since I (wrongly) believed you are either a "people-person" or not. Vanessa taught me this is a learnable skill which you can practice, tweak, experiment and have fun with. Thanks for writing such an amazing book! I highly recommend the "deluxe" digital version, since it provides videos that will help you to better grasp some concepts. #strategy #people #books #socialentrepreneurship

I'm a teenager whose book of yours help improve my social skills (and my life)! I learned some cool tips and now I can do better, exciting conversations and rave more about people often. It helped me understand what makes the people around me tick, lead by trusting their capabilities, and handle toxic people. I'm so grateful I read your book ate Vanessa ♡♡

Your book Captivate honestly saved my life. Someone wanted to seriously harm me for no apparent reason but I was able to read the micro expressions and cues and trust my gut.

LOVE the book. It’s helped me immensely as a therapist and blossoming public speaker. 😍

I got it in spanish. I am reading it. Each coin I spened the book returns me a huge profit

Well deserved Vanessa Van Edwards!! I have purchased the book myself from library years ago and its such an excellent guide to have in dealing with people in all aspects of life. It taught me alot of things, lot of small details that make huge difference in human interactions! I can go on and on about how valuable this book is for me. Thank you for your amazing work! 👌 Definitely recommended to everyone!!!

What. A. Book. Up there with the best, most actionable and insightful I've ever read. Thank you for all the work you've done, and for sharing it in such a fantastic way. Kudos @vvanedwards

I've already given this book a 5-star review! If miscommunication is the root of conflict, then this book deserves a Nobel Peace Prize! Grab this book and get a grip on your social skills TODAY!

You're a treasure, VVE :) Captivate has turned me from a hermit to an amateur social scientist!

Super excited for @Vvanedwards new book #Captivate amzn.to/2oFv4qV learn to decode people (& the best part: I'm on the back cover!)

CAPTIVATE by @Vvanedwards breaks down the science and how-to of “people skills” — Super interesting!

📚 Must-Read Monday Captivate by @vvanedwards is your science-backed guide to making better first impressions, building trust, and mastering social influence. Perfect for leaders who want to connect deeper + lead smarter. #Leadership #Captivate #ExecutivePresence

Selected Captivate for the June read of the Mindful Money Book Club. That month’s theme is career growth. I pre-read the book. Your ideas on how to network a room were so helpful to me. I know they will be for the other women in the group too. 💡

Captivate by Vanessa Van Edwards 😍 read this on a flight and practiced what I learned with the lady sitting next to me- we became friends and are still in touch!

I’ve recently finished reading a book Captivate by Vanessa Van Edwards ! As you can see it’s a book I will be using again and again and again ( of you love reading in the bath like I do then choose something else- it’s hard to make notes, put sticky tape and highlight whilst making sure you don’t drop everything in to the water) This book has got everything you need to know about people in it. How we think, best places to be when out networking ( and we’re heading that way! Yay! ) how to be likeable and leave a lasting impression on people. You definitely need this book if you’re networking or just starting out to make sure people remember you. What is your one 'to go to' book you keep close? Thank you Vanessa for sharing your knowledge in this amazing invaluable book! 🙏🏻🌺🖤 #networkingtips #peopleskills #impression

Love this amazing book! I go to a lot of network parties hosted by the Cornell Club of Japan. We have mixers with other US and European colleges. I meet many new people and I feel at ease starting and engaging in pleasant conversation thanks to your book and tips on YouTube! Thank you so much Vanessa! You changed my life! Now our parties are on Zoom, we are put into breakout rooms of about 5 people each for 15min. Then mixed up. I stay on talking at the after-party! I was on for six hours straight one time. I am applying the body language and conversation tips. Zoom is great because I see myself and how I appear when I am talking with others. It's an exciting, novel experience. It will help train me for post covid when I actually meet people in person.

Favorite new book: Captivate: The Science of Succeeding w People by @vvanedwards Entertaining, 100% useful science

I read the book Captivate by Vanessa Van Edwards this summer, and can’t recommend it enough to all prospective MBAs. I consider myself someone who is highly extroverted and genuinely enjoys networking, and I still found this book to be packed with insights and surprisingly practical tips that I will leverage during interviews, social gatherings, negotiations, and pitches. This book breaks down the science of human behavior so that you can learn how to improve your first impression, forge deeper connections, and ultimately grow your personal and professional networks.

I have long been a fan of Vanessa Van Edwards' book #Captivate and now she is giving away the first chapter for free! In the book she has great advice for working a room - so if you want to be prepared for #inreallife when we are all done #workingfromhome - or if you just need a great read that will help you in all your interactions with people. She is a self-proclaimed recovering awkward person. If you have anxiety in social situations, if you are early in your career and just learning to navigate the new social world you are in - you have to Check this out! [link] #scienceisreal #womenentrepreneurship #leadership #inspiration #anxietymanagement #motivation #strongwomen

#BookRecommendation. Captivate: The Science of Succeeding with People by Vanessa Van Edwards. Have you ever felt awkward at a social event or didn’t know how to start a conversation with the person you just met? Then you might enjoy this book. Vanessa claims she is a recovering awkward person, and in the book Captivate, she shares research, shortcuts, and secretes for how to turn awkward, boring interactions into memorable, captivating moments. Special thanks to Leticia Saiid for recommending the book. #goodbook #alwaysreading #captivate #scienceofpeople

Dear Vanessa, I graduated from college two years ago a by-the-book introvert. I dreaded socializing outside my immediate friend-group and always stuck to familiar social situations to avoid the catastrophic embarrassment I was sure would result from my lack of innate social skills. I stumbled onto your first podcast episode with AOC a few months after leaving home to begin my job search, and my life hasn’t been the same since. Since then, I’ve taken every single one of your classes on Udemy, I read Captivate at a faster pace than I read the final Harry Potter book, and I’ve discovered a level of comfort, confidence, and enjoyment when interacting with others that I simply didn’t believe was possible for someone like me. Your teaching even helped me land a job at a top consulting firm! In previous interviews, I had taken the typical "Type A" approach to interviewing; I obsessively rehearsed answers for every possible scenario. For this interview, I decided to instead experiment with how effectively I could build rapport with my interviewers using the tools laid out in Captivate. I received an offer the next day and my recruiter raved about how well my interviewers and I had gotten along. I too now consider myself a “recovering awkward person” and the ability to read, analyze, and decipher people and social interactions has touched every part of my life. Thank you SO MUCH for providing me with the tools to do that. No reply needed, just wanted to thank you and let you know how much your work has impacted my life. All the best, Sam

Getting to know each other. Based on scientific information and personal experiences, Captivar is a well of information and knowledge. It is told in a great mood-filled mood, which grants it a rather unexpected lightness. One of the aspects that conquered me the most was being so intuitive and practical, especially because of the exercises spread by the book that helped me understand it better. Before starting the work I expected to learn a lot about my surroundings, but I was surprised to realize that I learned much more about myself than anything else. I could not have loved it more Highly recommend for those interested in non-verbal language. Full review on Goodreads QOTD | Have you seen this book? 📖 #bookaesthetic #bookadict #vanessavanedwards

Day 15, Book 15 Captivate" by Vanessa Van Edwards is an insightful and practical guide on the art of persuasion and human behavior. The book is well-written and easy to understand, making it accessible to readers of all levels of expertise. Throughout the book, Van Edwards provides practical examples and tips to help readers improve their communication and social skills. Captivate" delves into the psychology of body language and nonverbal communication, providing readers with the tools they need to understand and influence others through their actions and expressions. The book also covers the art of conversation, and gives readers the tools to become more confident and engaging communicators. One of the most valuable aspects of "Captivate" is the section on how to read people, which provides readers with the ability to better understand the motivations and emotions of others. Another important aspect of the book is the section on how to build rapport with others, which is crucial for building trust and forming strong connections. The author also provides tips on how to create memorable impressions, which is important for networking and building professional relationships. The book also covers how to use storytelling to persuade and influence others, which can be a powerful tool in business and personal interactions. Overall, "Captivate" is a valuable resource for anyone looking to improve their communication and social skills. It provides actionable advice, tips and examples that can be applied to a wide range of situations. Author: Vanessa Van Edwards #ammarsreview #bookreview #reading #professionaldevelopment

This book changed my life! One of the best books I’ve ever read!!! 🙏🏼❤️

Fabulous book (as is Cues!) a must read for every adult who want to be their best self and show up in meaningful ways.

I purchased this book in late 2017, and to be completely honest, Vanessa is the modern-day Dale Carnegie. This should be the new guide for social interactions, as all the tips are current and supported by solid scientific research. This means that the lessons can be applied to a wide variety of cultures with high expectations for success. I bought "Cues" but haven't started reading it yet. However, "Captivate" truly was a game-changer that greatly influenced my career, as Vanessa is my biggest inspiration.

CAPTIVATE the science of succeeding with people, the book changed my life @vvanedwards

Rereading my thick set of notes from @vvanedwards amazing book "Captivate". One of the rare books where the author interviewed so well during their tour and then their book took it to the next level! Highly recommend.

Almost done with reading your book, Captivate.. It offers a fresh perspective to things we perceive and after reading quite a few books on self help, I can say that this one stands apart from the general stuff you come across in other books. Thank you.

Hello fellow people-watcher! I just discovered your book Captivate while at work (I work in a library). It has revolutionized the way I see my coworkers. I finally understand my boss! I feel ready to take on the frightening world of interacting with people (I do like watching them). Thanks for the fantastic read! Recommending to all my coworkers now. Dancing through life, Elayna

Love all your books and have recommended "Captivate" to all my clients for years, Vanessa! You're the best!

I highly recommend this book to anyone who interacts with other human beings! Vanessa Van Edwards does a wonderful job of being open and vulnerable in her efforts to show you researched-based findings that can help you succeed with people. As a fellow introvert, I often find it draining to be out in public, having to "play the networking game". Van Edwards provides the reader with great, practical tips to help people like us navigate any public situation successfully. There is SO MUCH INFORMATION in this book that it can feel overwhelming at times, but the practical and proven approaches definitely add to my arsenal...er...repertoire. Read this book and master your ability to captivate!

Our team read your book and it was very interesting. We learned a lot and will definitely apply it to our everyday lives. We really enjoyed this read! Awesome book ❤️

Captivate by @vvanedwards is full of insight into communicating our ideas to one another and also understanding one another on a deeper level. So good!

So #Captivate by @vvanedwards is one of the most useful books I've read in years. Highly recommend picking it up

Hi, Vanessa. Firstly thanks for putting together such an excellent read, I wanted to share an awesome side effect of one of your early Hacks... Whenever it's my turn to go to the bar on a night out I put on my /invisibility jacket/ and watch while everyone gets served around me and gets back a fun time to their friends. However, that's not been the case since practicing the launch pose while at the bar. I have been served consistently quickly, sometimes almost instantly, once while a barman was serving someone else and amazingly ahead of other people at the bar ( although I did point the barman to the right person that time, I'm not a monster! ) A massive thank you for giving me more of my evenings back :) I hope I can make the other Hacks work so effectively for me and I'm looking forward to applying them where ever I can. Cheers, have a great weekend.

Hi, my name is Tosha, and I am an oversharer. If only there was a rewind button for life... Let's be honest, if there was, life wouldn't be as much fun, but it would be a little less cringy at times. I am guilty of telling my life story to someone I have known for less than a day...on more than one occasion. Sometimes, after talking with a stranger, a new friend or colleague, I drive home, think about the conversation and have one of those chills that literally made you wiggle. WHY IN THE WORLD DID I TELL THEM THAT?! I have learned the hard way that moderation is key. On every personality test I have ever taken, my highest attribute is usually described as; outgoing, personable, talkative, or as an influencer. Basically, I like to talk, and what do I know more about than ME!? Well, I am proud to announce, I have been practicing my listening skills lately and can report progress. I have been working at my new job for 2 1/2 months and I don't think anyone knows how I got my middle name, how many times I moved schools or about my sister's best friend's cousin's drama with her ex-boyfriend. They DO know how bitter I am about getting second place in the regional spelling bee to a kid in my own class, but apparently, I am going to need some counseling to let that one go. I have been reading/listening to Vanessa Van Edwards book, Captivate. Now, I have very interesting questions in my toolbox to ask instead of filling the silence with my life story. Thank you, Vanessa, you are a life saver! Since starting this book, I have been less awkward, I talk about things that matter and try to make an actual connection with all of the new people I am meeting. I listen to the book on my way to every networking event and decide which piece of advice, well actually science, I am going to test out on my new group of friends. It has taken the anxiety out of walking into a room full of strangers and made it a fun and challenging science experiment. 11/10 would highly recommend!

I cannot understate how impactful this book has been on my life and I’ve already lost count of how many times I’ve referred it to people or sent it as a gift. It’s gotta be over 100 times at this point. If you haven’t read it yet take this as an opportunity and don’t miss it.

Brilliant book and should be required reading for everyone. I personally have cycled through the audiobook 6-7 times and know I will again someday. The chapters are all important links in the chain of understanding and communicating with others. But if I am to choose one, I would choose Chapter 9: Value - How to Get Along with Anyone. I feel that this is where many of the tools come together to help us understand there is no wrong or right personality type; it’s that we all have differing primary and situational values. Working to understand what people may value is key to respectfully leading, partnering or supporting those in our lives.

Enjoying the new pickup for work going to try to either finish or put in a big chunk of time today reading it. But so far I’m in love with this book. @vvanedwards #Captivate

I first learned these concepts from your book "Captivate," Vanessa Van Edwards. And before stumbling upon your TEDx talk "accidentally" — I'd tell you how I wasn't meant to but I did, psst, it's our secret — and subsequently that same day on your book #Captivate, I changed from one who found it hard approaching people to one who finds it hard ending conversations, lol. I appreciate whoever, whatever or the series of situations that motivated you to write that book and your next "Cue," because it was a blessing to me shortly after getting into the University. And one day, we'd definitely see in person. Perhaps, as co-speakers or so in Texas where you live (or lived — not sure) or generally anywhere on Earth — or Mars? I tell my friends that it's going to happen soon. And I know that it's for good. Thank you for helping more of us build stronger people skills. Thank you for fulfilling your purpose, Vanessa Van Edwards. P.s. Any new "C-lettered" book coming up?

I can testify that Captivate and Cues will give you positive feedback right away if you apply the lessons and strategies to improve.

Is connecting with others (especially in a professional setting) challenging for you? Do you want to hold more effective meetings? You need this book in your life! Vanessa Van Edwards walks you through all the pieces of effective #communication. My favorite part was learning about leaders' #bodylanguage (Chapter 3). If you want to start right away, and show that you have an open mind, then open up your arms. Carrying a notebook in a hug across your chest? Drop your arms to your side and lean in to listen closer. When speaking to a crowd, show you are open by stepping out from behind the podium. This is an excellent guide if you want to improve your executive presence, get to the corner office, or desire to master your communication skills!

I just wanted to say that I am a HUGE fan of your work and have watched your Masterclass and read Cues and Captivate and they changed my life. Thank you for all you do!

I just finished Cues! The first (audio)book that I have completed in a while; especially nice to listen to whilst driving. Genuinely so interesting because a lot of this stuff is very overlooked by society. I will definetely be listening to Captivate next..

I'm a big fan of Vanessa Van Edwards' work. I highly recommend Captivate and her most recent book, Cues. Both are filled with robust information on how to connect and communicate with others more effectively. Her website https://www.scienceofpeople.com/ is a fantastic resource.

Reading your book currently. Life changing, thank you. it's gonna be books by @vvanedwards back to back. Captivate and Cues. Excited for it too.

Your both book have changed me and my life!!!! It was one of my best investment!!! I made notes of those books (captive/cues) and then made affirmations of it and meditated every Morning before stepping outside my home.. today I have the ability to make anyone my friend and have long conversations with them!! Only because of you!!!

Have you heard of Vanessa Van Edwards, yet? I came across her book, Captivate, on a recommendation from Jonathan Mahan. So glad I did as I have learned so much about communicating with others and how not to be so awkward in networking situations. She just released another book, Cues!

Okay non tech related, and no it's not an ad lol. As I said, I'm really bad with people and been reading and learning a lot lately. One thing I'd highly recommend is checking out @vvanedwards's work. She's sooooo amazing and I'm learning so much from her

They are both stellar reads—thank you for writing them! While I was reading your books, my 11-year-old got his hands on "Cues" and read it cover to cover. He says it's great for a kid prepping for Middle School.

I have been re-reading both Captivate and Cues and have found great value from Vanessa's work in both personal and business relationships. As a fellow "recovering awkward person" I thank you for sharing your struggles and insights to help others.

I love Vanessa Van Edwards. She has changed my life with her books Captivate, and Cues. Being in a family that lived in the middle of nowhere, social skills were a mystery to me. Getting bullied and made fun of through school nearly ended my life at the age of 13. Ended many of my relationships. I could not understand cues that people gave because I didn't grow up around people. I grew up around dogs. I could understand a dogs social cues, but not a humans, other than anger and disappointment. I have spent most of my life struggling. Her books have opened a new world up to me. She showed me what I was missing all along and now I finally feel like a member of society. Thank you for putting her on your show!

@vvanedwards hits another grand slam with her #CuesBook! I can't believe it's as good as her #CaptivateBook! Incredibly valuable content! But only if you're human.