Lecture Notes: Charisma and Cues by Vanessa Van Edwards

Importance of Cues

• Gestural cues are more trusted than verbal communication.
• Liars tend to use fewer gestures.
• Learning to read and control cues can enhance success and create authentic relationships.

Key Concepts:

• Warm and Competence Cues: Essential elements in building first impressions and relationships.
  • 82% of impressions are based on these elements.
• Vanessa Van Edwards: A behavioral investigator focused on teaching charisma through science-backed methods.

Personal Background

• Vanessa self-identifies as a "recovering awkward person."
• She discovered charisma is not genetic and can be learned through cues.
• Developed research and frameworks to teach people how to be more charismatic and less awkward.

Framework and Research

• Blueprints for Conversation: Designed to help improve communication and reduce awkwardness.
• Research Base: 400,000 students trained over 12 years.
• Focus Areas: Body language, vocal tones, micro-expressions, and first impressions.

Warmth and Competence

• Highly successful people balance warmth and competence.
• Warmth cues: Make you approachable and liked.
• Competence cues: Make you respected and credible.
• Danger Zone: Low warmth and competence lead to negative perceptions.

Case Studies and Research

• Resting Bothered Face: Perceptions based on neutral expressions can be misinterpreted.
• Jamie Siminoff Example: Importance of conveying ideas with warmth and competence for success.

Practical Application

• Professional and Social Success: Success requires people skills, regardless of intelligence.
• Environmental Influence: Performance improves by 15% when near high performers but decreases by 30% near low performers.

Personal Insights

• Vanessa shares her transformation journey from awkwardness to confidence.
• Importance of understanding self-narrative and how others perceive you.

Communication Techniques

• Cues in Communication: Utilize body language, vocal cues, and verbal cues effectively.
• Power of Words: Language primes others to react in specific ways (e.g., "community" vs. "Wall Street" game study).

Tips for Charisma

• Hand Gestures: Use them to emphasize points and aid listener comprehension.
• Vocal Variety: Important in engaging an audience.
• Proxemics: Understanding of personal space zones enhances communication.

Social Interactions

• Making Friends: Overcome loneliness by being a "first liker." Encourage others to like you by liking them first.
• Avoid Autopilot in Conversations: Ask engaging questions to deepen connections.

Learning and Growth

• Confidence can grow through small experiments and behavioral changes.
• Imperfection: Being authentic and embracing flaws can enhance relatability and trust.

Conclusion

• Charisma is a learnable skill crucial for personal and professional success.
• Understanding and applying cues can revolutionize how you interact and form connections.

Additional Materials

• Vanessa's books and resources for further learning on charisma and cues.