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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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Cues summary
Master the Secret Language of Charismatic Communication
15 mins
Brief summary
Cues by Vanessa Van Edwards explores the art of reading others' nonverbal communication to improve social interactions, build stronger connections, and achieve success in personal and professional relationships.
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Cues
Summary of 6 key ideas
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Charisma
In 2013, Jamie Siminoff went onto the show Shark Tank to see if he could win over investors for his product. His company had, in fact, already done over a million dollars in sales. It was well on its way forward and just needed investment to turn it into a multi-million dollar business. Chances are, you’ve at least heard of his company— Ring, best known for doorbell cameras.
In 2018, Jamie Siminoff sold Ring to Amazon for over $1 billion. But five years earlier, each of the investors on Shark Tank turned him down. While there are many reasons you might get a rejection when you clearly deserve an acceptance, the culprit most likely lies in your unconscious behaviors.
So, let’s break down Jamie’s cues to start. During a demonstration of his product, he knocked on the door and one of the Shark Tank hosts asked who was there. Jamie said his name, but he said it with a rise in voice at the end, making it sound almost like a question. This was a signal of uncertainty and lack of confidence. Furthermore, Jamie failed to recognize and respond to cues given to him by the panel. For example, when he mentioned his million dollars in sales, Marc Cuban’s mouth turned down in an upside-down smile, or mouth shrug. It’s an unconscious signal that the listener either doesn’t connect with what you're saying, doesn’t care about it, or doesn’t believe it.
Jamie was missing a crucial component for success: charisma.
Charismatic communication comes down to two things: warmth and competence. The most successful people have the right blend of both, which leads them to be likable and respected, the two of which add up to trust. If you find yourself in this position, you’re probably doing well and have a good grasp of how to achieve your goals confidently.
The rest of us fall into one of several categories. We may have warmth and no competence, making us well-liked around the office but meaning we get passed over for promotions or left out of important meetings. We may be all competence and no warmth, resulting in high achievement but few invitations to networking events or social gatherings, possibly to the detriment of our own advancement. Or we may be floundering altogether, lacking in either warmth or competence.
Cues are the physical or verbal signals that tell others whether we can be trusted. Learning cues consists of two parts. The first is being aware of your own cues; the second is being aware of cues from others. This awareness in your professional conversations can help you get more wins whether you’re seeking a promotion, pitching an idea, or just networking.
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What is Cues about?
Cues (2022) is about the signals we send unconsciously and how they affect the way others perceive us. The book is geared toward improving your professional life by managing the cues you send and responding appropriately to the ones you receive.
Cues Review
Cues (2021) by Vanessa Van Edwards is an intriguing exploration of the science behind social interactions and how we can use nonverbal cues to connect with others. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- It provides fascinating insights into the power of body language, facial expressions, and vocal tone, helping readers develop stronger social skills and build meaningful connections.
- Through real-life examples and scientific research, it unveils the hidden cues that influence our interactions and offers practical strategies to improve our communication abilities.
- The book's engaging storytelling keeps readers captivated throughout, ensuring that learning about the intricacies of human behavior is anything but dull.
Who should read Cues?
- Professionals looking to achieve their goals
- Those interested in the science of communication
- People who want to improve their professional relationships
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Cues FAQs
What is the main message of Cues?
The main message of Cues is to understand and interpret nonverbal communication to improve our social interactions.
How long does it take to read Cues?
The reading time for Cues varies depending on the reader's speed. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Cues a good book? Is it worth reading?
Cues is a valuable read for anyone interested in decoding body language and understanding the subtle cues that reveal our true thoughts and feelings.
Who is the author of Cues?
The author of Cues is Vanessa Van Edwards.
What to read after Cues?
If you're wondering what to read next after Cues, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Magic Words by Tim David
- Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara
- Power vs. Force by David R. Hawkins
- The Art of Influencing Anyone by Niall Cassidy
- Blue Ocean Shift by W. Chan Kim and Renée Mauborgne
- Captivate by Vanessa Van Edwards
- Good Morning, Monster by Catherine Gildiner
- Outlive by Peter Attia
- Exactly What to Say by Phil M Jones
- Sensitive by Jenn Granneman & Andre Sólo