Want to see more positive results in your life? If so, I highly recommend Vanessa Van Edwards’ Book Cues: Small Signals, Incredible Impact.
The book is structured around the concept that up to 90 percent of communication is nonverbal, a key lesson I remember from my communication degrees. Vanessa’s book addresses this gap and provides practical advice on how to effectively communicate nonverbally.
The basic organizing principle for Van Edwards’ book is this: charisma is a very valuable resource that anyone can cultivate. This is a hopeful message—people are not born with charisma; it’s a confidence that can be developed. The primary focus is on cues—both cues of warmth and cues of confidence. Facets of competence that we can convey nonverbally include intelligence, effectiveness, and capability. Regarding warmth, we can express kindness, openness, and trustworthiness.
Van Edwards constructs a scale in which the north and south sectors represent warmth, while the east and west lines signify confidence. The “charisma zone” is the sweet spot. It represents the perfect blend of warmth and competence. This is where we should aim to be, as it is the key to effective communication. If someone lacks important traits of warmth and competence, they are symbolically placed in the “danger zone.” In her book, Vanessa features a grid with four quadrants: top left for warmth, top right for the charisma zone, bottom left for the danger zone, and bottom right for competence.
Our goal is to reside in the charisma zone. Numerous nonverbal cues can help us develop charisma. Elements such as voice inflection, facial expressions, and the way we use our hands (especially the fingers) can all contribute to growing our charisma. If you’re looking for an incredibly practical book, buy a copy of Cues or check it out from your public library.
Mark
Dr. Mark Edge
The WorkEdge Company
Telephone: 903-245-7851
Email: workedgetexas@gmail.com
Website: www.workedgetexas.com
Author of Holy Chaos How To Walk with God in a Frenzied World