We discovered something interesting when diving into Master Your People Skills, it's actually one of Vanessa Van Edwards' earlier flagship programs from 2014 (not 2016 as some sources claim). After reviewing all 30 lessons spanning roughly 45 hours of content, we can confirm this isn't your typical "be more confident" fluff course.
The program breaks down interpersonal communication into measurable, science-backed techniques. Van Edwards, who holds a B.A. from Emory University and leads the Science of People research lab, structures the curriculum around seven core modules covering everything from first impressions and conversation mastery to speed-reading personality types and handling difficult people.
What sets this apart? Each lesson runs 45 to 60 minutes and includes actionable exercises, not just theory. The course tackles both in-person and digital communication, addressing modern challenges like email etiquette and social media networking (though given its 2014 release, some digital strategies might feel slightly dated).
We particularly appreciated the research foundation, Van Edwards cites specific studies throughout, making this more academic than motivational. The self-paced format means you control the tempo, though the suggested schedule is one lesson per day over 30 days.
Fair warning: if you've read her book "Captivate," you'll recognize significant content overlap. This course predates the book, so technically the book borrowed from here, but it's worth noting for those familiar with her other work.
Beginner (No Prior Experience Needed)
light Light (1–5 Hours/Week)
Self-Paced (Work On Your Own Schedule)
Learn A New Skill
After analyzing reviews across CreativeLive, social platforms, and educational forums, we found overwhelmingly positive feedback with an interesting caveat. Students love Van Edwards' teaching style and practical approach, but those who've consumed her other content note substantial overlap. The course maintains strong ratings years after its release, suggesting the core material holds up well.
"Vanessa breaks down the science of charisma in ways I actually understand and can use." - CreativeLive Student
"Finally, social skills training that isn't just 'fake it till you make it' advice." - Course Graduate
"I use her conversation techniques in every networking event now." - Business Professional
"Worth it for the body language module alone, completely changed how I read people." - Psychology Student
"Great content but basically her book in video form, choose one or the other." - Verified Purchaser
Reddit discussions in r/socialskills frequently recommend Van Edwards' work for social anxiety, though users debate whether to buy this course or just read "Captivate." Quora responses praise the scientific approach but note the course feels more suited for beginners than professionals. We found minimal negative sentiment, mostly practical discussions about value versus alternatives.
Students genuinely value this course for its scientific approach and practical techniques, though the significant overlap with other Van Edwards content disappoints some. Best for those new to her work who prefer video learning over books.
The course promises to teach "science-backed skills to improve your charisma." After reviewing the curriculum, we confirm Van Edwards consistently references psychological studies and research to support techniques, delivering on this core promise.
Listed at $149, frequently discounted during CreativeLive sales to $69-$99. Fast Class version included with CreativeLive subscription.
Minimal upselling within the course itself, though Van Edwards mentions her other resources like People School (her advanced program) without aggressive promotion.
Multiple testimonials describe improved workplace relationships and networking success. One CreativeLive reviewer reported "closing more deals after applying the rapport-building techniques," while another mentioned "finally feeling confident at industry events."
Straightforward marketing that accurately represents course content. No misleading claims or aggressive upsell tactics detected. Pricing aligns well with similar mid-ticket communication courses.
CreativeLive provides a stable, user-friendly interface with video bookmarking, note-taking features, and smooth streaming. We experienced no technical issues during our review.
Lifetime access includes all videos and downloadable resources including the workbook. Videos stream on-demand but can't be downloaded for offline viewing.
Full mobile access through CreativeLive's responsive website, though no dedicated app means you'll need consistent internet.
Standard broadband connection sufficient, no special software needed.
CreativeLive delivers a reliable learning experience with excellent video quality and intuitive navigation. The lack of downloadable videos and community features reflects its age (2014) but doesn't significantly impact the learning experience. For a mid-ticket course, the platform exceeds typical expectations.
We found no serious complaints about non-delivery or quality issues. The most common frustration centers on content overlap with "Captivate," though technically this course came first (2014 vs. the book in 2017).
CreativeLive offers a standard refund policy with no reported issues specific to this course.
CreativeLive's marketing stays transparent about course contents and instructor credentials. No exaggerated income claims or unrealistic promises detected.
No evidence of controversy or ethical concerns around Van Edwards or Science of People. Community discussions focus on content value rather than any problematic practices.
This appears to be a legitimate educational product with transparent marketing and delivery. The only minor concern is not clearly stating content overlap with other Van Edwards products.
At $149 (often discounted to $69-$99), this course offers solid value for 45 hours of structured content from a credible instructor. Compared to live coaching or workshops covering similar material (typically $500+), the self-paced format provides excellent ROI for motivated learners.
After thorough analysis, we can confirm Master Your People Skills is absolutely legitimate and worth considering for the right learner. Van Edwards combines academic research with practical application in a way that's rare in the personal development space.
The course excels in three key areas: scientific grounding (every technique references actual studies), comprehensive coverage (from first impressions to digital communication), and practical application (exercises you can use immediately). The 2014 release date shows in some digital communication strategies, but core interpersonal principles remain timeless.
Our main reservation? If you've already read "Captivate" or taken other Van Edwards courses, you'll find significant content overlap. For newcomers to her work who prefer video learning and want a systematic approach to improving social skills, this represents excellent value at the mid-ticket price point.
We particularly recommend this for professionals who feel their technical skills exceed their people skills, introverts seeking structured social frameworks, or anyone tired of vague "just be yourself" advice. Just don't expect personalized feedback or community interaction, this is pure self-paced learning.
At $149 (often discounted to $69-$99), this course offers solid value for 45 hours of structured content from a credible instructor. Compared to live coaching or workshops covering similar material (typically $500+), the self-paced format provides excellent ROI for motivated learners.
No reviews yet for this course. Be the first to leave a review!
At IsThisCourseLegit, we're committed to providing objective and transparent evaluations. Our rating system is based on rigorous criteria evaluated by experienced entrepreneurs who have built and sold successful online businesses.
Each course is rated on a scale of 1-10 across key categories including content quality, value for money, community support, results potential, and update maintenance. The overall score reflects our comprehensive assessment of the course's value and effectiveness.
For each review, we analyze all available online data to assess the course thoroughly. Our evaluation considers the quality of the content, the instructor's background, the marketing strategy, public perception, and authentic reviews from actual members, giving you a complete and balanced perspective.
If you're the creator of a course we've reviewed and believe there are any inaccuracies or outdated information in our review, we want to hear from you.
We implement strategies from the courses to validate their effectiveness.
We track course updates and community development over time.
Copyright © 2025 Is This Course Legit. All Rights Reserved