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. Key learning objectives can include: How to start a conversation with anyone and build immediate rapport using the conversation blueprint. Conversation starters that break down barriers and social scripts, encouraging openness and trust. The powerful psychological concept “The Swan Effect” and how it helps stimulate connectedness through openness and vulnerability. Improving social perceptiveness - the ability to read the room, predict behavior and understand underlying emotions for smooth communication. How to read people, uncover hidden emotions, and which body language cues can instantly increase trust and charisma. The external cues to use to project confidence and trust. ...less

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. Key learning objectives can include: Improving communication across teams and organizations by understanding the hidden signs and signals embedded in day to day interactions, whether internal or external. Why warmth and competence cues are the keys to balanced and successful communication. The pitfalls of using the wrong cues and why they slow down productivity and strain relationships. Developing skills of social perceptiveness to strike the right balance between trust and power, likeability and productivity, collaboration and capability. The (surprising) science of charisma and how to use it to make memorable first impressions, craft a confident presence, and improve communication with colleagues, clients, and customers. Mastering the art and science of engagement across all communication modes. The new science of conversation and how to talk to anyone without falling into the pattern of using tired social scripts, making for more captivating conversations. How to use research-backed verbal and nonverbal cues to maintain charisma on video calls, phone calls, email, and chat. ...less