Vanessa Van Edwards Keynote Speaker
- Wall Street Journal bestseller, Cues: Master the Secret Language (2022)
- 70 million+ views of her TEDxLondon talk & Science of People videos
- Signed fourth book deal in December 2024; release expected in 2025
Vanessa Van Edwards's Biography
Vanessa Van Edwards is a behavioral scientist who transforms complex interpersonal dynamics into actionable strategies for connection, influence, and credibility. A nationally bestselling author of Captivate and the WSJ-chart-topping Cues, she combines cutting-edge research with engaging storytelling to reveal the hidden signals that shape trust and rapport.
At her Austin-based human-behavior lab, Science of People, Van Edwards has conducted original studies on micro-expressions, vocal power, and first impressions that now guide leaders at Google, Microsoft, and the United Nations. Her data-driven insights feature regularly in the Harvard Business Review, CNN, and Fast Company, while her online courses have enrolled more than half a million professionals seeking to elevate their people skills.
Van Edwards’ TEDxLondon talk, “You Are Contagious,” has surpassed 70 million views, cementing her reputation as a dynamic communicator who pairs academic rigor with real-world relevance. Onstage she equips audiences with science-backed “people hacks” they can apply the very next day—boosting team cohesion, executive presence, and customer loyalty.
Fluent in the latest research on human behavior—and keen to demystify it—Van Edwards empowers organisations to build cultures of clarity, confidence, and authentic charisma.
Vanessa Van Edwards's Speaking Topics
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THE SURPRISING SECRETS OF HIGH PERFORMERS: How the Most Successful People Use Effective Communication to be More Productive
Highly effective people have a unique approach to productivity. Over the last decade, Vanessa has studied the patterns of successful people and found a surprising way we can all work smarter, not harder. The key is being a productive communicator. Vanessa will teach attendees how to maximize their relationships and streamline their communication with a simple, but powerful framework. The goal is to empower attendees to increase efficiency by connecting and collaborating in a purposeful way. This highly actionable, engaging talk will energize every audience member to look at their to-do list in a completely new way.
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The Three Levels of Connection: Build Stronger Relationships by Using the Science of People
Our desire for community and connection doesn’t end at work. While connection with colleagues looks different from purely personal connections, having authentic and healthy connections in the workplace is one of the main determinants of productivity and workplace satisfaction. While the increase of virtual mediums presents an added challenge, creating meaningful connections is possible. In fact, there’s a science-based blueprint to fostering connections quickly and maintaining them with professional intention. In this presentation, Vanessa Van Edwards teaches the three levels of connection that build trust and rapport. These principles can be applied at work, within teams, at conferences, and while networking, with colleagues and customers alike. Each level builds on the next, providing insight and tools on how to deepen relationships. Along with gaining a deeper understanding of the levels of connection, attendees will learn the practice of creating a safe space for vulnerability and ideas.
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CHARISMATIC COMMUNICATION: THE ART AND SCIENCE OF PRESENCE, CONFIDENCE AND TRUST
Better communication skills pay dividends in every conversation for the rest of your life. There are no downsides to becoming a better communicator, but the upsides may be more powerful than we know. Studies show that people with high interpersonal intelligence (PQ) perform at higher levels, have higher salaries, have better immune systems, and help generate more revenue for companies they work for. In this research-based and reflective keynote, Vanessa Van Edwards teaches attendees powerful communication strategies based on new science that they can apply at work and in their personal lives. Pulling from her bestselling books Captivate and Cues, she shares the latest research on behavioral psychology and how it can be used to improve professional relationships, make positive and lasting impressions, and better connect with co-workers and customers. Audiences are left with a better understanding of their own communication pitfalls and the knowledge and confidence to apply new tools to become more authentically charismatic in their interactions.
Videos of Vanessa Van Edwards

Articles, Media & Podcasts
Books by Vanessa Van Edwards

