565. Unlocking the Hidden Power Of Body Language | Vanessa Van Edwards
7/24/20251 hr 30 min
In Answer the Call, Dr. Jordan B. Peterson returns to his roots, taking real calls from real people facing life’s hardest questions. Joined by his daughter, Mikhaila Fuller, the series transforms personal struggles into public insight—offering wisdom, empathy, and clarity in the face of chaos. Coming to DailyWire+ Monday, 8/4. A new podcast series, featured within Dr. Jordan B. Peterson’s episodes on YouTube and including an exclusive member segment on DailyWire+. Have a question you’d like to ask? Share your story here: dailywire.com/answerthecall In this episode, Dr. Jordan B. Peterson sits down with behavioral researcher and bestselling author Vanessa Van Edwards to unpack the secret language of nonverbal communication. From the handshake that builds trust to the subtle cues that sabotage careers, they explore how posture, eye contact, tone, and gesture shape perception—often before a single word is spoken. Drawing on Vanessa’s research and her own journey as a “recovering awkward person” turned master communicator, the conversation spans job interviews, power dynamics, mirroring, charisma, and how to read a room at its most fundamental level. Learn why neck ratios matter, vocal fry backfires, and presence begins long before you speak. This episode was filmed on July 16th, 2025 | Links | For Vanessa Van Edwards On X https://x.com/vvanedwards?lang=en The Science of People website https://www.scienceofpeople.com/ Read “Cues: Master the Secret Language of Charismatic Communication” https://a.co/d/2ZODCds
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Clips
Transcript preview
First 90 secondsVanessa Van Edwards· Guest0:00
Why don't you study for people like you study for chemistry? Why don't you study conversation and body language just like you study for subjects?
Jordan B. Peterson· Host0:07
Vanessa Van Edwards is a behavioral researcher, a best-selling author, an instructor at Harvard University, and a self-described recovering awkward person.
Vanessa Van Edwards· Guest0:16
I know I'm a recovering awkward person. I am the person that I try to help. Soft skills can be learned, even if they don't come naturally to you. The amount of a pause, how long should a pause be, how many pumps in a handshake?
Jordan B. Peterson· Host0:27
You're an expert in non-verbal communication, so size me up. (Instrumental music playing) Vanessa Van Edwards is a behavioral researcher, a best-selling author, an instructor at Harvard University, and a self-described recovering awkward person. She's the author of Cues: Master the Secret Language of Charismatic Communication, and her YouTube videos on body language and social skills have received more than 70 million views. We spoke to her today about decoding body language, overcoming awkwardness, and putting your best foot forward. So, Vanessa, tell me about my posture and seating in this to begin. You're an expert in non-verbal communication, so size me up.
Vanessa Van Edwards· Guest1:28
Well, first of all, I love