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Vanessa Van Edwards teaching on stage.

It’s not what you know. It’s how you come across.

Learn the science of how people read you, so you get heard in the meeting, trusted in the deal and remembered after the conversation ends.

Join People School Watch the 2-minute intro
People School students
10,000+
student satisfaction
98.5%

Students come from companies large and small in more than 100 countries.

  • Johnson & Johnson
  • Google
  • Microsoft
  • Cisco
  • Kaiser Permanente
  • Thrivent
  • KPMG
  • Walmart
  • AbbVie
  • FDIC
  • Intel
  • Morgan Stanley
  • Verizon
  • NBC
  • McDonald's
  • U.S. Navy
  • Sephora
  • McKinsey & Company
  • Honeywell
  • DuPont
  • Ticketmaster
  • Accenture
  • Gensler
  • SAP
  • TD Bank
  • Hertz
  • Capgemini
  • Georgia Tech
  • City National Bank
  • Goldcorp
  • Bungie
  • Trello
  • Rogers
  • National Grid
  • QNB
  • Andersen
  • Hard Rock Hotel
  • DISH Network
  • Salesforce
  • Charles Schwab
  • Carnegie Mellon University
  • Joint Information Operations Warfare Center
  • Australian Defence Force
  • Indian Health Service
  • U.S. Air Force

People skills aren't soft. They're some of the best-paid skills in your career.

  • 2×1 The career payoff for people skills, doubled in a generation. And the lift is largest at the top of the pay scale.
  • Up to 24%2 Higher pay for people who lead, not just execute. Even after controlling for cognitive ability — leadership skill still earns more.
  • = IQ3 Reading people lifts a team as much as raw intelligence does. Harvard tested it. The room-readers moved performance as much as the highest-IQ teammates.

Smart isn't enough. Talent gets you considered. People skills help you get chosen.

The system behind Vanessa's work with Fortune 500 companies.

Twelve video modules. Available group coaching. Private practice rooms for the conversations your career hinges on — so you walk in ready, not winging it.

  1. I

    The Charisma Formula

    The first seven seconds of any meeting.

  2. II

    Prime Your Performance

    The pitch you’ve had three weeks to prepare.

  3. III

    Become Engaging

    The video call where listeners decide in seconds.

  4. IV

    Capture Attention

    The networking event you almost skipped.

  5. V

    Build Trust

    The first 1:1 with a new boss.

  6. VI

    Harness Power

    The negotiation you were dreading.

  7. VII

    The Likability Blueprint

  8. VIII

    Decode People

    The meeting where the real decision happened in glances.

  9. IX

    The Conversation Blueprint

    The dinner where you made the table forget the time.

  10. X

    Assert Yourself

  11. XI

    Increase Your Influence

    The room where authority is up for grabs.

  12. XII

    Strengthen Connections

    The five-year client who keeps asking for you.

The twelve modules
  1. I The Charisma Formula The first seven seconds of any meeting.
  2. II Prime Your Performance The pitch you’ve had three weeks to prepare.
  3. III Become Engaging The video call where listeners decide in seconds.
  4. IV Capture Attention The networking event you almost skipped.
  5. V Build Trust The first 1:1 with a new boss.
  6. VI Harness Power The negotiation you were dreading.
  7. VII The Likability Blueprint
  8. VIII Decode People The meeting where the real decision happened in glances.
  9. IX The Conversation Blueprint The dinner where you made the table forget the time.
  10. X Assert Yourself
  11. XI Increase Your Influence The room where authority is up for grabs.
  12. XII Strengthen Connections The five-year client who keeps asking for you.

The room before the room.

Private rehearsal rooms for hundreds of high stakes social situations.

ProSocial's coach, Dale, in a 36-second film: coaching that adapts to your real life ("Your one-on-one is tomorrow. Open with the role you want."), a live rehearsal where a colleague says "We're short on time. Can we move to the next point?", and feedback on how you say it, not just what you say.

Diagnostic

  • People Skills Index (PSI)

Practice & rehearsal

  • Practice-Before-Stakes Roleplay
  • Conversation Starters
  • Logline Workshop

Charisma calibration

  • Charisma Coach
  • Microexpression Training
  • Expression Analysis

Resume tools

  • Resume Enhancement
  • Career Alignment
  • ATS Optimizer

Career conversations

  • Interview Prep
  • Salary Negotiation
  • Follow-up Writer

Everything that comes with it.

Accelerator and Executive

  1. The 12-module curriculum Vanessa's full video curriculum, plus Q&A videos.
  2. The workbook Frameworks and assignments to put each module into practice.
  3. Your People Skills Index profile An in-depth custom report on your communication strengths and gaps.
  1. Private rehearsal rooms for 30 days Rehearse the conversations that matter — get feedback on how you actually come across before the stakes are real.
  2. Certificate of Completion Awarded when you finish the program.
  3. 22.75 SHRM PDCs Toward SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP recertification. Executive earns 45.

51 bonuses inside the program Workshops, swipe files, glossaries, audio, transcripts, scripts and tools. In both tiers.

Executive · everything above, plus

Practice it out loud, with a coach.

A People School coach leads weekly group coaching through the real meetings, interviews and relationships you bring. Vanessa leads the live workshops and holds monthly office hours.

  • Live Workshops

    Vanessa answers your questions and pressure-tests your strategies live. New mini-courses based on what students need most.

  • Accountability Coaching

    Weekly group coaching with your coach. Resume reviews, profile makeovers, real interview prep.

  • Private Practice Rooms

    Rehearse the raise call, the interview, the hard 1:1 — and see how you actually come across before the stakes are real.

What Executive adds

  • An assigned coach and weekly group coaching A People School coach leads group sessions on each skill, applied to the real meetings, interviews and relationships you bring.
  • Coach and community feedback Practice with other high-achieving professionals.
  • Monthly office hours with Vanessa Live, every month.
  • Personal from Vanessa A 20-minute recorded breakdown of your pitch, or a LinkedIn, dating or social profile makeover.
  • 12 months of People School + Live workshops, accountability calls with your coach, community, course comments with Vanessa's replies, plus the rehearsal rooms and PSI.
  • Mock interview, negotiation or raise prep Rehearse the high-stakes conversation before it happens.
  • On-demand profile makeover tool For LinkedIn, dating and social profiles.
  • A private, executives-only community With concierge messaging support.
  • An Executive badge and 45 SHRM PDCs Up from 22.75 PDCs, toward SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP recertification.

Choose your tier.

7-day money-back guarantee on both tiers

For high achievers Recommended

Executive

Become the person others want in the room when the stakes are highest.

$199 /mo for 13 months

Everything in Accelerator, plus

  • An assigned coach and weekly group coaching
  • Monthly office hours with Vanessa, plus a personal pitch review
  • 12 months of People School +: live workshops and community
See everything included ↑

Best if

  • You have a real meeting, interview, conflict, negotiation or relationship you want to nail
  • You want feedback from other high-achieving professionals
  • You move faster with weekly group coaching
  • You want visible results this quarter

Next live workshop · November 17

Enroll in Executive · $199/mo

Or pay $2,495 in full with card, Affirm, Klarna or Afterpay.

7-day money-back guarantee

Book a call with our team →

For self-starters

Accelerator

Build the people skills that help you get noticed and trusted — on your own schedule.

$89 /mo for 12 months

  • The full 12-module video curriculum
  • Workbook, People Skills Index profile and 30 days of rehearsal rooms
  • Certificate of Completion and 22.75 SHRM PDCs
See everything included ↑

Best if

  • You want the full curriculum and every practice tool
  • You're motivated by your own goals
  • You'd rather move at your own pace than wait for a weekly call
Enroll in Accelerator · $89/mo

Or pay $997 in full with card, Affirm, Klarna or Afterpay.

7-day money-back guarantee

Book a call with our team →

What real students have to say

Individual stories, not typical results — outcomes depend on your role, market and effort.

People School students
10,000+
student rating
4.9/5
people have learned from Vanessa
5M+
SHRM PDCs with Executive
45

“I came into the course thinking about improving my business relationships and ended the course with so much more. Not only have I felt a deeper connection with my clients, but I've also developed a deeper connection with my family and friends. The course helped me see things I didn't see before, and now my relationships are so exciting.”

Shamiea

“I'm Anna from Hamburg, Germany. I'm a teacher and an artist. Since applying some of the principles I've learned here, people often thank me at the end of our conversations, which is both lovely and impressive.”

Anna · Hamburg, Germany
People School student testimonial from Aaron: "On a better note - I am so pleased with the success I've achieved and the improvements I've had happen to me - when do phone calls at work and even when talking to management - all as a result of YOUR teaching. Love the tip that you lend out - "Speak on the o…"People School student testimonial from Allegra: "Checking in after 2 months of graduating. This course has changed my life. I feel more confident, assertive, and open to new opportunities. -Someone emailed me with a job prospect. I messaged back, just to try out priming. To my shock, he ate it up and absolu…"People School student testimonial from Amy Stevens: "Terrific course. I am taking it now and my main regret was not enrolling YEARS ago. If you are on the fence, jump over...join People School."People School student testimonial from Bella Magyar: "Hi Community, I wanted to share that I achieved two milestones thanks to the Science of People School and I am super happy about it! I nailed my first ever keynote in data in front of 100 people and I was even almost enjoying it :) I got a new job with better…"
Read all 51 student posts
People School student testimonial from Amy Stevens: "Terrific course. I am taking it now and my main regret was not enrolling YEARS ago. If you are on the fence, jump over...join People School."People School student testimonial from Bella Magyar: "Hi Community, I wanted to share that I achieved two milestones thanks to the Science of People School and I am super happy about it! I nailed my first ever keynote in data in front of 100 people and I was even almost enjoying it :) I got a new job with better…"People School student testimonial from Claudia: "I achieved my 1-year goal within 6 months; amazing content that one can put into action immediately, with no fluff. This course is super valuable and unlike anything out there! I highly recommend this course. Best one I've ever taken and I get to take it agai…"People School student testimonial from Kevin Bell: "If you struggle with communication or relating with people and wonder if things will ever get better, my journey from struggle to strength will give you hope. I'm here in Massachusetts for my birthday, and it feels so powerful to be back. My Birthday was Satu…"People School student testimonial from Craig Gustafson: "Office hours really help to keep us connected to the group and our goals."People School student testimonial from David Souza: "I'm doing people school. The information is well worth the price."People School student testimonial from Debbie: "My goal for People School was to get a new job and at a higher level. Since People School, I have never had such engaging and fun interviews in my life. My recruiter reached out to a team that didn't hire me to find out why...and then she called me to tell me…"People School student testimonial from Helen: "Hi Vanessa, First off, Happy New Year and congratulations on receiving rave reviews on your new book! I wasn't able to attend the recent couple of office hours live due to scheduling conflicts, but I did diligently watch and learn from them afterwards. And th…"People School student testimonial from Lorin Wilson: "Another AHA. People School, as an organization, are Dreambuilders. And by that, I mean the people, Vanessa, staff and students. In re-watching #9, I had flashback after flashback of the care and nurturing and dreambuilding that occurred in and during the Part…"People School student testimonial from Clare: "Hey, I think it has been what I was struggling and maybe still, my whole life! I have to admit that this community People School has built is lifechanging. I am a course junkie, I have paid for and attended many courses, but none of them are as sincere and se…"People School student testimonial from Josh: "This was a great course, I just wanted to say in the past would obsess over doing things differently in conversations or interactions including emails. I never knew why I would write an email 3 or 4 times before sending it but this course put a label on it. I…"People School student testimonial from Josh: "This was a great course, I just wanted to say in the past would obsess over doing things differently in conversations or interactions including emails. I never knew why I would write an email 3 or 4 times before sending it but this course put a label on it. I…"People School student testimonial from Justian Russell: "My biggest "aha" moment of the entire course, was realizing that this overall topic been the most interesting thing for me to learn. This was the best learning experience in my life so far. My first big action step would finally be to develop a Plan to change…"People School student testimonial from Liz Weston: "For me the single biggest 'aha' was that people to people interactions are not random, nor are they impossible to understand; they are rooted in science. With practice I will be able to choose how I want interactions to go, rather than feeling at the mercy of…"People School student testimonial from Larni: "My biggest 'aha' was right at the beginning; the charisma scale! I lean hard competent at work and need to warm it up! The additional skills on priming, likability and teams will help me put this into practice. My first big action step is to prime my meeting…"People School student testimonial from Laurie: "Incredibly grateful I took the plunge on People School, and I am only on Skill #3. Hurrah!"People School student testimonial from Kelli: "Happy New Year's Vanessa! Always love receiving your emails. Since I have your permission, I'm definitely going to brag lol. I've gained so many skills from your course!! I hit my professional and personal goals I made at the beginning of the course and just…"People School student testimonial from Liz Weston: "For me the single biggest 'aha' was that people to people interactions are not random, nor are they impossible to understand; they are rooted in science. With practice I will be able to choose how I want interactions to go, rather than feeling at the mercy of…"People School student testimonial from Liz: "Because of People School, I will be able to choose how I want interactions to go, rather than feeling at the mercy of others. You've given me hope that I can change!"People School student testimonial from Lorin Wilson: "Another AHA. People School, as an organization, are Dreambuilders. And by that, I mean the people, Vanessa, staff and students. In re-watching #9, I had flashback after flashback of the care and nurturing and dreambuilding that occurred in and during the Part…"People School student testimonial from Lorin Wilson: "Another AHA. People School, as an organization, are Dreambuilders. And by that, I mean the people, Vanessa, staff and students. In re-watching #9, I had flashback after flashback of the care and nurturing and dreambuilding that occurred in and during the Part…"People School student testimonial from Jim Erwin: "Your class(es) about personal interactions saved my career. I look forward to being able to learn and use "Cues" My self-awareness when interacting with others improved 100% due to your lessons! Thank you, Vanessa!"People School student testimonial from Maria Basanta: "Thank you @Rea and @Vanessa Van Edwards ! My users meeting event was a success, everything turned out as expected, everyone enjoyed it and received beautiful compliments. That was the result of a lot of preparation through your very practical lessons. Thank y…"People School student testimonial from Mercedes Cruz: "I still go back into my courses to teach to my team! Highly suggested yall!"People School student testimonial from Mercedes: "I love the energy of People School. I fell in love with my journey taking People School I feel open to connecting with others. I still go back into my courses to teach to my team! Highly recommend!"People School student testimonial from Michael Hae: "I had two AHA moments in this lesson. First: how much explanatory gestures can reinforce the understanding of a message, and make them more memorable. And the corollary of this, the distrust that can be created if our hands are not visible or if our gestures…"People School student testimonial from Monique: "This course was worth every penny and every minute invested. After People School, I am seeing where I have been operating in the dark- where my blind spots are- and that's so valuable."People School student testimonial from Monique Allen: "Oh my, where to start. This course was worth every penny and every minute invested. I feel encouraged by what I've accomplished up to starting people school. I'm realizing I have good people instincts. And now, after people school, I am seeing where I have be…"People School student testimonial from Rajan Singh: "I found this session quite enjoyable and would like to express my sincerest appreciation to Vanessa for her efforts. Science of People is an outstanding platform that offers valuable insights for anyone looking to enhance their professional skills. On a globa…"People School student testimonial from Rishi Bhatt: "I wanted to share my experience with this course, which I've gone through multiple times now, and it continues to offer "aha" moments. Recently, after watching the latest module, I've adopted a new mindfulness practice: before starting any conversation, I ask…"People School student testimonial from Valentina Michetti: "This is to thank Vanessa Van Edwards and People School for how effectively they teach tips that help leaving a lasting impression. I got this from an ex colleague today. Looks like I even acquired an imaginary red apple 🍎👠, the rest of the description is me…"People School student testimonial from Stacy Claflin: "What People School helped me with the most is alleviating my social anxiety. (And that is why I purchased the course.) While I haven't had a lot of social interactions thanks to 2020, the ones I have have had are a far cry from the stress inducing, sometimes…"People School student testimonial from Paul Stejskal: "This is true. I have gotten promoted because I worked on my non-technical skills (leadership, communication, etc.)."People School student testimonial from Amy Stevens: "Terrific course. I am taking it now and my main regret was not enrolling YEARS ago. If you are on the fence, jump over...join People School."People School student testimonial from Tamara Anderson: "I took People School several years ago and it was awesome! Highly recommend. No matter where you are on your journey, you can always improve in soft skills!"People School student testimonial from Jill Englett: "I love People School and Vanessa. It is an awesome program!"People School student testimonial from Rajan Singh: "I found this session quite enjoyable and would like to express my sincerest appreciation to Vanessa for her efforts. Science of People is an outstanding platform that offers valuable insights for anyone looking to enhance their professional skills. On a globa…"People School student testimonial from Eman Al Muaini: "Being visionary, passionate and kindness! Moreover working on my competence side to help become more effective in presenting my ideas. I am student at people school and would definitely recommend it. This is a life savor for anyone who needs guidance for comm…"People School student testimonial from Priya Sharma: "Thanks Vanessa for the incredible lesson, so many AHA moments(instead of just two) from the lesson :)- 1. Add Subtract framework 2.Dream Killer vs dream builder 3. Be prepared to answer the PEST questions if we choose to enter that territory 4. Let people imp…"People School student testimonial from Simon Wheeler: "I can strongly recommend this course! Vanessa Van Edwards is an amazing speaker, teacher, coach and mentor. I have done this course twice now and have put my entire team through it with transformational results - promotions, improved effectiveness, influence…"People School student testimonial from Melissa Rodgers: "This course was profoundly helpful, and life-changing. I studied the lessons very slowly throughout the year and took time to incorporate the material. I can actually see a lot of changes in the way I interact, perceive and communicate with others, as well as…"People School student testimonial from Kristian Ponsford: "I just wanted to express my gratitude to Vanessa Van Edwards and the Science of People team. I recently presented a product launch on behalf of my company. We've been working on this product for a few years, and this was our first-ever live in-person launch.…"People School student testimonial from David Skues: "My Dear B. F. Fs (Body Language and Facial Expression Faculty Members). It is a pleasure to share with you 9 of my top experiences with People School and 1 profoundly self-care inspiring song. Your kindness, high energy and detailed practical information toda…"People School student testimonial from David Williams: "I want to express my deepest gratitude to Vanessa and the entire People School team for creating such a life-changing program. I am a true raving fan. Every element - the live Q&A sessions, the skill reviews with Apryl, the special workshops with Vanessa and…"People School student testimonial from Shamiea Roberts: "My biggest "aha" moment for the entire course was realizing I came into the course thinking about improving my business relationships and ended the course with so much more. Not only have I felt a deeper connect to my clients but I've also developed a deeper…"People School student testimonial from Stacy Claflin: "What People School helped me with the most is alleviating my social anxiety. (And that is why I purchased the course.) While I haven't had a lot of social interactions thanks to 2020, the ones I have have had are a far cry from the stress inducing, sometimes…"People School student testimonial from Toni: "People School taught me a whole new level of interacting with intention to get the best results possible in all the areas of my life. Using level 2 questions with my significant other was life-changing."People School student testimonial from Toni Merrill: "I loved this course SO MUCH! In fact, so much so that I am gifting it to some deserving family member. I really wish the whole world could take it as I am a strong believer that relationships define the quality of our lives and our relationship with ourselves…"People School student testimonial from Shamiea: "I came into the course thinking about improving my business relationships and ended the course with so much more. Not only have I felt a deeper connection with my clients, but I've also developed a deeper connection with my family and friends. The course help…"
Vanessa Van Edwards

Meet your guide, Vanessa Van Edwards.

Vanessa Van Edwards is a behavioral researcher, NY Times bestselling author, and Harvard University instructor who has spent two decades sharing evidence-based people skills with the world.

Vanessa works with the world's most ambitious organizations to sharpen the skill that drives everything else — communication. Her clients include Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Meta, and Comcast, and she has spoken at MIT, Stanford, and SXSW. Her work has been featured on TIME, CNN, BBC, CBS Mornings, Fast Company, Entrepreneur, USA Today, and The Today Show.

“The one skill that can't be replaced: how to connect as humans.”

Frequently asked questions.

Vanessa Van Edwards on a yellow rotary phone. Questions? Talk to us →
What is People School?

People School is the science-based people skills program developed with 10,000+ students. It's a complete career-communication and social-performance system: specific strategies, live examples, formulas, starter scripts, and a step-by-step plan.

Which tier should I start with?

Choose Accelerator if you're a self-starter who wants to drive your own progress: the full 12-module curriculum, ProSocial training tools for 30 days, a PSI profile, and bonuses. Choose Executive if you want weekly group coaching with a People School coach, plus help applying every skill to your real meetings, interviews, and conversations. Not sure? Take the 3-minute People Skills Blind Spot Quiz and we'll recommend a path.

I'm an introvert. Is this for me?

Yes. You don't have to be the loudest person in the room — just the most readable one.

How long does it take to complete People School?

Typically 10–20 hours to go through the entire 12-module curriculum. You can go at your own pace. Many students retake portions before important negotiations, networking events, or interviews.

How is this different from books, podcasts, or other soft-skills training?

Books and podcasts get you started. People School is built to help you master people skills with structured curriculum, practice tools, and available live support and accountability that turn information into behavior change.

Who teaches People School?

The curriculum was developed by Vanessa Van Edwards after two decades of research with 5M+ students worldwide. Vanessa anchors live workshops; trained People School coaches handle accountability and group application work at the Executive level.

Is the coaching one-on-one?

No. Executive coaching is group-based: a People School coach leads weekly group sessions through the real meetings, interviews and relationships members bring. Your pitch review or profile makeover from Vanessa is personal to you.

Can I pay monthly?

Yes. Accelerator is $89/mo for 12 months and Executive is $199/mo for 13 months. You can also pay once.

Can I upgrade later?

Yes. You can upgrade from Accelerator to Executive within the first 12 months of your Accelerator enrollment, with your Accelerator payment credited toward Executive.

Does it count for Continuing Education?

Yes — Accelerator includes 22.75 SHRM Professional Development Credits (PDCs), while Executive includes 45. Both apply toward SHRM-CP® or SHRM-SCP® recertification.

What if it's not the right fit?

Try People School for 7 days. If it's not the right fit, email us for a full refund. The same 7 days apply to Executive. Coach matching starts after purchase, and if Executive isn't right, we'll refund you or move you to the right tier.

I coach or train other people. Is this for me?

If you want to teach the method to your own clients, the People Coach Certification is built for that.

I'm not a self-learner. Will I actually do it?

If you want someone holding you to it, choose Executive: an assigned coach leads weekly group coaching on each skill. Accelerator suits people who'd rather move at their own pace.

I need to justify this to my spouse, boss, or company.

People School is professional development. The goal is not just confidence — it is clearer communication, stronger relationships, better meetings, conflict management, leadership presence, and more effective career moments.

Is this worth the investment?

If communication, confidence, conflict, networking, or leadership presence are affecting your career or relationships, the cost of staying stuck is real. People School gives you the system, practice, and support to change that.

The 7-day promise

The conversations you don't practice are the ones costing you most.

Try People School for 7 days. If it's not the right fit, email us for a full refund.

Start Executive — $199/mo Or Accelerator — $89/mo
Or talk to a human first

Want to teach this to your own clients? People Coach Certification

Want seats for your team? Talk to us

References

  1. Edin, P.-A., Fredriksson, P., Nybom, M., & Öckert, B. (2022). The rising return to noncognitive skill. American Economic Journal: Applied Economics.
  2. Kuhn, P., & Weinberger, C. (2005). Leadership skills and wages. IZA Discussion Paper 482.
  3. Weidmann, B., & Deming, D. (2021). Team players: How social skills improve team performance. NBER Working Paper 27071.