Captivate

Practice After Each Chapter

Introverts and logical people would find this book useful. Each chapter provides examples, "before" and "after" dialogs, and a list of actions (which research has demonstrated to be effective). After finishing each chapter, practice the techniques before moving on. While some of the suggestions are simple (like having hand gestures to make your talk more engaging to the listener), you need to develop that habit and be able to do it naturally. Or you can sign up for the digital bonus material at scienceofpeople.com/toolbox.

There are some chapters that highlight concepts from other authors, such as Paul Ekman (Emotions Revealed) and Gary Chapman (The 5 Love Languages). If you've already read these books, the material is redundant. There are also snippets of repeated information or research from "Predicably Irrational" by Dan Ariely and "Influence" by Robert Cialdini.

50 of 52 people found this review helpful

Start here

While other books hammer home deep specific knowledge on any given topic, Van Edwards offers a joy ride through the world of social personal growth on various topics which include vulnerability, reading people, leading, fears, body language, popularity, and so much more. Unlike many other books, she prepares for you a summary, specific challenge and reflection at the end of each chapter or "hack". If you need to up your social game to get ahead, this is the book for you. I've listened once, taken notes, and will listen again to begin applying its tenets.

38 of 40 people found this review helpful

Extroverts: This Book Is For You Too

Any additional comments?

As a self proclaimed extrovert, I was hesitant about buying this book because I thought it was geared only toward introverts. Wow, how wrong I was. Vanessa, was able to provide hacks, challenges, and insights into ways make me into the best version of myself. From where to stand in a room to how to appropriately thank people based on their love language. Her hacks/lessons occasionally conjured up the reaction of "oh S*** I do that." It is those moments that made me really love this book because she was willing to call us all out on our poor social form (looking down at a phone or hands in the pockets). Not only did she illuminate the negative connotation with that form, but she actually provided simple hacks to remedy these issues.

Even if you are an extrovert who thinks they understand people, you should buy this book. Because like me, I am sure there are some negative social cues (that I was totally unaware of too!) that you possess that Vanessa will help hack.

62 of 69 people found this review helpful

Loved It

Packed with great information and advice. For an introvert like me, who isn't that great socially, the knowledge and advice in this book are indispensable.

6 of 6 people found this review helpful

If understanding why people do what they do makes you tick, this book is for you.

Vanessa and her team help build a framework in which to understand how we're wired in order to optimize any and all interactions, both personal and professional. Rooted in empathy and honest communication, backed by science, and laying out a play book if you will to create the life and relationships you want.

Excellent listen on audible, it flows and is easy to follow. With the science backed examples it's a little reminiscent of Malcolm Gladwell. Excited for the books to follow!

13 of 14 people found this review helpful

Being A Dick Is Contagious

I didn't want to like her. Vanessa comes off as being cheerful, vibrant, and quite happy. This can be annoying to a glass almost-empty kind of guy. Yes, I'm introverted, extremely skeptical, a real riot at parties, tending to view life as quantity versus quality. I'm the "Good news for people who like bad news" type. I've gone through many self-help books, lots of psychological books, and programs by the big guns like Tony Robbins. I could hear Tony speaking to me throughout Vanessa's book, "You know this stuff, you've just never taken a healthy dose of mental massive action over a prolonged period." Yes, I have paralysis of analysis. So, I'm working on healthy decisions by taking small daily actions. We are driven by our emotions and associations, and I've analyzed myself every which way only to realize I'm a damn mess. But if I can take small steps, these can compound over time, thus creating healthy lasting habits. I understand that life is a flatline of difficulty for most, and I'm no exception, however I do hold the power of decision in pretty much any situation. I do believe that if you put the steps mentioned throughout this book into action, you'll most likely create good lasting habits; and this is coming from a guy who's a "realist" or better yet a pessimist at large.

83 of 99 people found this review helpful

Eh

I wanted to rate this book 1 star but that was because I was disappointed I paid the money for it. I waited a day because I think this young woman puts a lot of effort into what she really believes in and who am I to say she doesn't know what's she's doing, she obviously does and she's obviously highly intelligent.

I'm 45 and got bored with what I've been listening to, I'm a trucker and listen to a lot of books. I've never had a problem making friends or being social really. I got this book because shippers and receivers can be compared to dealing with bratty 4 year olds on a daily basis and I was hoping this book might give me some tricks to deal with these people better.

I think this book is for a younger generation of people who have problems being social. I truly believe computers, smart phones, and the instant access they give to social media are a big reason a lot of today's younger generations have trouble "fitting in", for lack of a better term.

So it gets two stars, if you don't agree hey I'm entitled to my opinion. It just didn't give me any more insight as to how to deal with difficult people than I already had. If you're a teen struggling with acceptance at school or a 20 something looking for help to advance your social skills you will probably get a lot out of this book.

92 of 112 people found this review helpful

Don't read this review

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

It depends. Yes, she is a great as a narrator and there is a great content on becoming more liked and influential. However, two issues really bothered me. First, most of the content is content I had heard in so many other places. Little was unique. Second, the book starts off with "I'm an introvert and you don't have to be an extrovert" and then it essentially goes forever after that about becoming an extrovert. I just felt it lacked consistency.

I DID like the idea that one of her most "clicked" links on her website is a link says "Do NOT click here." Hence, the title of my review of the book.

What about Vanessa Van Edwards’s performance did you like?

Her passion and enthusiasm

Was Captivate worth the listening time?

Not sure. Not if you feel you already have a good feel on the classic "How to win friends and influence people" and are looking for something very unique.

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

a few good points but not worth an audible credit.

outdated. struggled to get through all the fluff. a few good points but not worth an audible credit.

7 of 8 people found this review helpful

Worth a listen.Helpful living tips.Put it to work.

Worth a listen. Helpful living tips. Going to put my action plan together today. Thanks Vanessa!

3 of 3 people found this review helpful