Vanessa Van Edwards – People School

People School by Vanessa Van Edwards examines human behavior and social interaction in personal and professional settings. Its research-informed curriculum combines video lectures with practical exercises, workbooks, resource guides and interviews with experts in psychology and communication.

The course moves from the motivations and emotions behind interactions to specific approaches for communication, rapport, body language and networking.

People School skills and learning outcomes

• Discover core human motivations to enhance empathy and connection.
• Master verbal and nonverbal communication for effective expression.
• Apply psychological frameworks to improve social interactions.
• Build stronger relationships through actionable techniques.
• Gain confidence in navigating social situations.
• Receive personalized coaching for sustained growth.

About Vanessa Van Edwards

Vanessa Van Edwards is a behavioral investigator and best-selling author whose work focuses on human behavior, communication and body language. Her teaching examines the less obvious dynamics that shape social interactions.

People School draws on her practical approach to those subjects and includes interviews with experts in psychology and communication.

How the People School curriculum works

The course takes a structured approach to social skills, using research-informed concepts and practical techniques. Its six modules connect the study of behavior and emotions with exercises in communication, relationship building and networking.

Module 1: Human behavior and emotions

The opening module examines psychological frameworks and emotional triggers that influence how people interact. It introduces the motivations behind behavior and considers how emotional responses affect conversations and relationships.

The lessons apply these ideas to personal and professional settings, with attention to recognizing what may be driving another person’s response.

Module 2: Verbal and nonverbal communication

Module 2 looks at how words and nonverbal signals work together in an interaction. It covers articulating ideas clearly and persuasively, reading cues during a conversation and choosing nonverbal techniques to support what you want to express.

The module also considers the role of communication in building relationships, from making an idea understandable to responding to another person’s conversational signals.

Module 3: Building rapport

This module introduces strategies for establishing rapport and encouraging trust and understanding. Practical exercises and real-world scenarios give learners ways to consider how connections are formed in different interactions.

The material addresses rapport in both personal and professional relationships, with an emphasis on making exchanges more meaningful and productive.

Module 4: Reading and using body language

Van Edwards examines how subtle physical cues can shape the way an interaction is perceived. The lessons cover interpreting other people’s body language and using your own signals deliberately.

The module considers body language as a way to convey confidence, trustworthiness and authenticity alongside spoken communication.

Module 5: The psychology of attraction

Module 5 explores psychological factors involved in attraction and interpersonal connection. It looks at what draws people together and how that understanding relates to creating and maintaining genuine relationships.

The discussion applies to both personal and professional relationships, connecting the psychology of attraction with the broader work of navigating social interactions.

Module 6: Networking and lasting relationships

The final module focuses on expanding a professional network and cultivating lasting relationships. It presents approaches to engaging authentically and using interpersonal skills to create opportunities.

The lessons also address maintaining professional connections and making use of networking opportunities in the context of career growth and advancement.

Who People School is designed for

People School is intended for professionals who want to develop influence, leadership and networking skills. It also addresses individuals looking to navigate social situations more confidently and students preparing for career transitions.

The material is presented for learners with varied backgrounds and experience levels who want to work on communication and interpersonal effectiveness.

Communication, relationships and emotional intelligence

Across the course, communication lessons emphasize clarity and confidence, while the relationship material examines the role of understanding and connection in personal and professional settings.

The discussion of emotions and behavior contributes to the course’s treatment of emotional intelligence and empathy. Its networking material extends these interpersonal ideas to building and maintaining professional relationships.

Course materials and exercises

People School combines video lectures and expert interviews with practical exercises, detailed workbooks and resource guides. These materials accompany the lessons on social psychology and give learners opportunities to work through the techniques presented.

Downloadable materials include videos, documents and PDFs.

Frequently asked questions

What does Vanessa Van Edwards teach in People School?

The six modules cover human behavior and emotions, verbal and nonverbal communication, rapport, body language, attraction and professional networking.

Who is People School designed for?

It is designed for professionals developing leadership and networking skills, individuals seeking confidence in social situations, and students preparing for career transitions.

What materials are included in People School?

The course includes video lectures, practical exercises, workbooks, resource guides and expert interviews. Materials are available as videos, documents and PDFs.

Does People School require prior experience?

The course is presented for learners from different backgrounds and experience levels, with no specific prerequisites stated.