You're one conversation away from the relationship, the deal, or the room you've been waiting for. The powerful, proven blueprint for confident conversations and meaningful connections. In Conversation, behavior researcher and bestselling author Vanessa Van Edwards delivers a practical, science-backed playbook for transforming how you show up in any situation. Grounded in two decades of research, the book gives you a clear framework for mastering small talk, building instant rapport, and becoming the most genuinely memorable person in any room. Published by Portfolio/Penguin Random House, October 2026. What you'll learn • The 9 power questions that level up any relationship—at work, at home, and in love. • How to break the ice—no awkward openers, no cringe. • How to stop overthinking about what to say next, and finally stay present in the moment. • How to decode people's personality patterns so you're never guessing how to respond. • How to be authentically assertive—credible and engaging at once, without sacrificing what makes you, you. • How to keep any conversation alive—and the graceful exit for the ones that aren't worth keeping going. • The confidence scripts for the moments that matter most: asking for a raise, setting a boundary, speaking up in a meeting, introducing yourself with clarity.