By Dara Mormile
“Never be overlooked, underestimated, or misunderstood again.”
This is the message behind best-selling author Vanessa Van Edwards’ new book “Master the Secret Language of Charismatic Communication: Cues (Small Signals. Incredible Impact).”
If you’re the quiet type who yearns for ways to express your thoughts and ideas without sounding arrogant or boastful, Cues offers an in-depth look at they way we communicate or what Edwards calls, "secret communication weapons!"
In her new book Edwards breaks the "Cues" down into four different modes.
1. Non-Verbal: Body language, facial expressions, hand gestures, posture, even personal space.
2. Vocal: The tone, volume, frequency and cadence of
your voice.
3. Verbal: Words do matter!
4. Ornaments: Colors you wear, props you carry, the decor you surround yourselves with, and the fonts you use in an email.
This insightful guide provides practical techniques and exercises to hone your cues and empower you to communicate effectively.
According to Edwards, "Cues" encompasses a 17-year-long exploration of body language, facial expressions, verbal content, and the latest research in interpersonal intelligence. This work includes fascinating real-life case studies involving billionaires, celebrities, politicians, and reality stars such as Oprah, Jeff Bezos, and Mark Cuban. Even Leonardo da Vinci's painting "The Last Supper," featuring Jesus and the apostles, is analyzed.
"Cues" will further teach you:
* Which body language cues can instantly increase trust and charisma
* Which vocal cues make you sound more confident in video calls and on the phone
* Which verbal cues to use in your résumé, branding, and emails to increase trust (and generate excitement about interacting with you.)
* Which visual cues you are sending in your profile pictures, clothing, and professional brand.
A self-admitted "recovering awkward person," Edwards began a YouTube channel in 2007 with the idea of helping other "awkward people" behave well, less awkward! That channel now received more than one million views! That's a lot of awkward!
“Cues” also goes into the science of wowing your boss, coworkers and clients so you can convey warmth and competence in your interactions. For introverts this could be a challenge without realistic tools to use in their professional lives every day.
“No matter your profession, cues enable brilliant, talented individuals to expertly share their ideas,” she notes on her website. “Cues help introverts be heard without being loud and they are critical to helping you showcase your talent, ideas, and skills with confidence.”
If you’ve ever been interrupted in meetings, overwhelmed in presentations, or even felt awkward during interactions, Edwards wants you to know it’s not you, it’s your ‘cues’!
Vanessa Van Edwards is a Behavioral Investigator and national bestselling author of Captivate: The Science of Succeeding With People, translated into 16 languages. Tens of millions of people watch her on YouTube and in her TEDx London Talk. She founded Science of People and has taught communication science for over a decade. Her unique work has been featured in Fast Company, Inc., USA Today, CNN, CBS, Entrepreneur Magazine, and many more.
