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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

How Subtle Cues Create Strong Connection

For a lot of us, socializing comes with a side of anxiety...and the advice we get often isn’t helpful.

@vvanedwards is a social skills expert who teaches her students a simple starting point: find the moments in conversation where you already feel good, and play into those strengths.

Social confidence is then a byproduct of creating safe conditions to build those muscles.

🎧Check out our full conversation wherever you get your podcasts: “How to Stop Being Socially Awkward (According to Science) with Behavioral Scientist Vanessa Van Edwards”

How To Become Instantly More Charismatic

Follow me, then comment SCHOOL and I'll send you my people skills program.

Why Faking It Will Never Work For You

Follow me, then comment
SCHOOL and l’Il send you my people skills program.

Such an immense honor to be back at @entreleadership

Every time I’m in this room, I leave inspired by the caliber of leaders, entrepreneurs, and humans committed to building businesses that actually make people better.

Grateful to share ideas, learn from some of the best, and be part of conversations that matter. Truly never take opportunities like this for granted.

Such an immense honor to be back at @entreleadership

Every time I’m in this room, I leave inspired by the caliber of leaders, entrepreneurs, and humans committed to building businesses that actually make people better.

Grateful to share ideas, learn from some of the best, and be part of conversations that matter. Truly never take opportunities like this for granted.

Such an immense honor to be back at @entreleadership

Every time I’m in this room, I leave inspired by the caliber of leaders, entrepreneurs, and humans committed to building businesses that actually make people better.

Grateful to share ideas, learn from some of the best, and be part of conversations that matter. Truly never take opportunities like this for granted.

Such an immense honor to be back at @entreleadership

Every time I’m in this room, I leave inspired by the caliber of leaders, entrepreneurs, and humans committed to building businesses that actually make people better.

Grateful to share ideas, learn from some of the best, and be part of conversations that matter. Truly never take opportunities like this for granted.

Such an immense honor to be back at @entreleadership

Every time I’m in this room, I leave inspired by the caliber of leaders, entrepreneurs, and humans committed to building businesses that actually make people better.

Grateful to share ideas, learn from some of the best, and be part of conversations that matter. Truly never take opportunities like this for granted.

Such an immense honor to be back at @entreleadership

Every time I’m in this room, I leave inspired by the caliber of leaders, entrepreneurs, and humans committed to building businesses that actually make people better.

Grateful to share ideas, learn from some of the best, and be part of conversations that matter. Truly never take opportunities like this for granted.

Such an immense honor to be back at @entreleadership

Every time I’m in this room, I leave inspired by the caliber of leaders, entrepreneurs, and humans committed to building businesses that actually make people better.

Grateful to share ideas, learn from some of the best, and be part of conversations that matter. Truly never take opportunities like this for granted.

Breaking down exactly what makes a profile stop-the-scroll, build instant trust, and convert—without feeling try-hard or overdone. I’m walking through what works, what’s intentional, and the subtle details most people miss. Can I glaze @justinsua for his amazing body language?! 👍

Did you realize there’s a formula to this!? Are you trying any of these? What’s worked for you? And of course, if you want me to analyze yours next, comment PROFILE!

Comment “collisions” and we’ll DM you the full episode.

We used to accidentally get good at being human. Now? We don’t have to talk to anyone… and it’s showing.

Vanessa Van Edwards (@vvanedwards) is a behavioral researcher, founder of Science of People, bestselling author, and social skills expert. She says the casual collisions that used to organically build our social muscles have quietly disappeared — replaced by apps, AI, and screens that do the hard parts for us.

She believes we are living in the most critical moment in history to start building these skills on purpose. Because if we don’t start now, we never will.

Are you creating casual collisions in your life?

🎧 Listen to the full episode of A Bit of Optimism wherever you get your podcasts.

The #1 Thing Is Killing Your Charisma

Follow me, then comment SCHOOL and I'll send you my people skills program.

Did you know there are body language patterns that consistently show up in successful people? Researchers have found that the way you carry yourself can change how competent, confident, and trustworthy people perceive you to be — often before you even speak.

The highest performers in interviews, leadership roles, dating, and networking tend to use the same signals: steady eye contact, open posture, slower movements, genuine smiling, and controlled gestures.

Most people think success is about saying the perfect thing, but your body is often speaking louder than your words.

Once you learn how to use these signals intentionally, people respond to you differently instantly.