Engage First
Capture Attention, Build Trust and Drive Real Results
Anders Boulanger
Description
If no one’s paying attention, it doesn’t matter what you’re saying.
In today’s fast-paced world, we tend to rush through interactions without building genuine connection. Whether it’s ignoring the receptionist or breezing through sales conversations, our engagement muscles have become weak. This ‘engagement gap’ is widening as technology reduces our need to interact with others, while our attention is constantly fragmented by digital distractions.
But the opportunity cost of not engaging can be steep, both personally and professionally.
This book is designed to help you bridge the engagement gap by teaching you how to command attention and deepen connection. Whether you’re trying to keep your prospect’s attention during a sale, presenting content in a boardroom or trying to motivate your teams, discover how to get more out of every interaction.
Anders Boulanger CSP is founder and CEO of Engagify, a company dedicated to rehumanizing business through engagement. After spending thousands of hours engaging with people at events around the world, he has codified engagement and now trains teams on how to deepen connection and command attention.
Endorsements
“Anders Boulanger is, without a doubt, one of the most engaging people I know – both personally and professionally. Few people understand, let alone have mastered, the skill to create immediate, impactful, and unforgettable connection through engagement like Anders has. The good news (for all of us!) is he articulately and generously shares how he does it and how you can benefit from greater engagement in all aspects of your life with Engage First – Capture Attention, Build Trust and Drive Real Results.” Rob Wozny, SCMP, Author, Storytelling for Business: The art & science of creating connection in the digital age
“Engage First: Capture Attention, Build Trust, and Drive Real Results by Anders Boulangers is a timely exploration of how authentic human connection is being lost in an age of constant connectivity. In a world where social media and digital noise often isolate more than unite, Boulangers offers a powerful call to reclaim meaningful engagement. Through sharp insights and actionable strategies, he challenges readers to break free from their bubbles, communicate with purpose, and lead with presence in both business and life.” Scott Lillis, President & CEO of The Lillis Technology Group
Engage First is a must-read for anyone looking to stand out and make every interaction matter. Anders Boulanger combines performance art with the science of human connection to create a practical guide for capturing attention and building trust in our busy world. Through engaging stories and useful strategies, this book explains why engagement is important and shows you how to achieve it, whether you’re leading a team, selling a product, or simply wanting to improve your relationships. What makes this book special is its hands-on approach. Each chapter is packed with real-life examples, memorable stories, and practical exercises that make the ideas easy to apply. Boulanger’s genuine and warm writing makes complex ideas simple and encourages readers to step out of their comfort zones. If you want to be more impactful and memorable in every conversation, Engage First will give you the tools and confidence to do just that. Jim Tedesco, General Manager and SVP Customer Success, Veeam Software
Engage First is a practical, inspiring guide to mastering the art of human connection. Anders Boulanger blends storytelling, psychology, and real-world experience to show you how to stand out, build trust, and make every interaction count. Whether you’re in sales, leadership, or public speaking, this book gives you the tools to truly engage. A must-read in today’s distracted world!
Deri Latimer – Speaker, Author, Resilience Rebel
Contents
Introduction
Part 1: Why Engage First?
Chapter 1 – The State of Engagement
Chapter 2 – The Competition for Attention
Chapter 3 – A Different AI
Chapter 4 – Dare to Engage
Part 2 – Engaging Elements
Chapter 5 – Being an Authority
Chapter 6 – Relevance: The great equalizer
Chapter 7 – Simplify to Engagify
Chapter 8 – Go with the Flow
Chapter 9 – When you’re smiling
Chapter 10 – Storytelling – The Master-Skill
Part 3: Elevating Your Engagement
Chapter 11 – Engaging Personas
Chapter 12 – Architecting Ahas
Chapter 13 – Contrast and Differentiation
Chapter 14 – Creating Deep Connection
Chapter 15 – This Time It’s Personal
Chapter 16 – Humor is Serious Business
Chapter 17 – Engaging with Your Voice
Chapter 18 – Let’s Get Physical
Chapter 19 – Virtual Engagement
Part 4: Conclusion
Chapter 20 – The Breakfast of Champions
Chapter 21- Start with the End in Mind
Chapter 22- Final Thoughts
Editions
FORMAT / ISBN / PUBLICATION DATE / RRP
Paperback / 9781788608404 / October 7, 2025 / £14.99
Hardback / 9781788608398 / October 7, 2025 / £24.99
Ebook / 9781788608411 / October 6, 2025 / £7.99
Paperback and eBook Bundle / £16.99
Authors
Anders Boulanger
Anders Boulanger CSP is founder and CEO of Engagify, a company dedicated to rehumanizing business through engagement. After spending thousands of hours engaging with people at events around the world, he has codified engagement and now trains teams on how to deepen connection and command attention.
