In this episode of Uncommon Excellence, we explore the hidden science behind first impressions, connection, and conversation—drawing from Vanessa Van Edwards’ powerful book Captivate. You'll learn why people make snap judgments in under 2 seconds, how your hands, posture, and eyes send powerful social cues, and the real key to being memorable (hint: it's not about you).
What I learned from Captivate by Vanessa Van Edwards
In this episode of Uncommon Excellence, we explore the hidden science behind first impressions, connection, and conversation—drawing from Vanessa Van Edwards’ powerful book Captivate. You'll learn why people make snap judgments in under 2 seconds, how your hands, posture, and eyes send powerful social cues, and the real key to being memorable (hint: it's not about you).
We’ll break down:
The “Triple Threat” of first impressions
The psychology of microexpressions and body language
Conversation openers that spark real connections
The exact gestures that increase trust and likability
What to watch for if you think someone’s lying
Whether you're walking into a job interview, meeting new friends, or just want to level up your presence, this 20-minute crash course gives you science-backed tools to connect more deeply and confidently—with anyone.
By the end of this episode, you’ll have a simple set of techniques you can apply immediately to leave a stronger impression and build more meaningful relationships.