Cues
by Vanessa Van Edwards
A field guide to the nonverbal, vocal and verbal signals that read as warm and competent: posture, gestures, vocal power, word choice, and how to send them on video calls and in email. It is specific, research-cited and a little relentless. Useful for anyone who is capable and comes across as less.
Read it if…
you know your stuff and do not get the credit in the room.
Skip it if…
you dislike anything that feels like performance; the book is about signals.
Three things you will actually use
- Balance warmth and competence cues.
- Watch your vocal uptalk; it reads as uncertainty.
- Open with warmth, then demonstrate competence.
Do this first
In your next meeting, keep hands visible, slow your speech slightly, and end statements with a downward tone.
Our verdict
Specific and practical; a signal manual.
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The Six Pillars of Self-Esteem
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