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3.97 AVERAGE
3.97 AVERAGE
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
informative
reflective
medium-paced
informative
reflective
medium-paced
informative
medium-paced
funny
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
fast-paced
informative
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
As someone who’s always been curious about how to make stronger connections, without faking confidence or being super extroverted, Captivate was an absolute gem. Vanessa Van Edwards doesn’t just dish out fluffy advice; she backs everything up with science and real-world hacks that actually work.
The book is structured into three parts (The First Five Minutes, Hours, and Days), making it easy to follow and apply over time. My favorite sections were about the "Triple Threat Formula" for first impressions and the "Thread Theory" for conversations. Learning how to use body language, eye contact, and even the way I stand has made such a difference, especially as someone who thrives in smaller, cozy settings like cafés or dinner parties rather than loud, big spaces.
What stood out to me was the focus on emotional intelligence. Tools like decoding microexpressions and uncovering people’s values using the “Big Five” model or appreciation languages made me feel like I had a cheat code for better relationships, whether it’s with coworkers, friends, or people I just met.
Why not 5 stars? Some parts of the book felt a bit repetitive or idealized; real conversations can be messy, and not every technique lands in the same way for everyone. Plus, a few of the "hacks" felt easier said than done, especially in high-pressure situations. But overall, the book delivered way more than I expected to receive.
If you're a bit shy, intentional about your social energy, and want to be more likable and memorable (without selling your soul), Captivate is a powerful guide based on facts instead of opinions.
The book is structured into three parts (The First Five Minutes, Hours, and Days), making it easy to follow and apply over time. My favorite sections were about the "Triple Threat Formula" for first impressions and the "Thread Theory" for conversations. Learning how to use body language, eye contact, and even the way I stand has made such a difference, especially as someone who thrives in smaller, cozy settings like cafés or dinner parties rather than loud, big spaces.
What stood out to me was the focus on emotional intelligence. Tools like decoding microexpressions and uncovering people’s values using the “Big Five” model or appreciation languages made me feel like I had a cheat code for better relationships, whether it’s with coworkers, friends, or people I just met.
Why not 5 stars? Some parts of the book felt a bit repetitive or idealized; real conversations can be messy, and not every technique lands in the same way for everyone. Plus, a few of the "hacks" felt easier said than done, especially in high-pressure situations. But overall, the book delivered way more than I expected to receive.
If you're a bit shy, intentional about your social energy, and want to be more likable and memorable (without selling your soul), Captivate is a powerful guide based on facts instead of opinions.
slow-paced
challenging
informative
inspiring
reflective
informative
medium-paced