The Engagement Effect - by Steve Spangler (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

In The Engagement Effect, Emmy Award-winning educator Steve Spangler shows how the right mix of curiosity, trust, and unforgettable experiences can spark a chain reaction of engagement that transforms how we lead, teach, and connect.

What's the secret to unforgettable learning, loyal teams, and people who lean in and want more?

It starts with shared experiences that spark connection and trust.

In The Engagement Effect, Emmy-winning educator and television host Steve Spangler pulls back the curtain on decades of work creating moments that matter. Whether you're leading a classroom or a company, this book offers a blueprint for designing experiences that invite participation, build real trust, and inspire meaningful action.

The Engagement Effect is what happens when people feel emotionally and intellectually connected to the moment you've created--and they carry that feeling forward.

You'll learn how to:

• Design memorable experiences that create real connection
• Capture attention in the first fifteen seconds
• Build trust in a room full of strangers
• Lead with curiosity, humor, and authenticity
• Transform everyday interactions into moments that matter

Backed by science and powered by story, The Engagement Effect will change the way you lead, teach, and communicate--so people don't just listen . . . they engage.

Review Quotes

"At NAFEPA, we focus on translating national education goals into meaningful impact at the state and local levels. Steve Spangler has helped our leaders do just that--bringing his strategies to life with energy, purpose, and clarity. The Engagement Effect offers that same spark in written form. It's a powerful resource for anyone looking to turn ideas into real connection and lasting change."

--Bobby J. Burns, Executive Director, National Association of Federal Education Programs (NAFEPA)

"Few people understand the power of engagement like Steve Spangler. I had the opportunity to read The Engagement Effect early on, and even then, it was clear--this book has the potential to transform how we lead, teach, and connect. It's a timely, essential guide for anyone who wants to make their message matter."

--Skip Prichard, President and CEO, OCLC; Author of The Book of Mistakes

"For decades, I've had a front-row seat to Steve Spangler's ability to turn everyday television into something unforgettable. He doesn't just demonstrate science--he creates shared moments filled with wonder, laughter, and meaning. The Engagement Effect is full of heart, humor, and the kind of insight that turns information into inspiration."

--Kim Christiansen, Anchor, 9NEWS Denver

"For more than twenty-five years, Steve Spangler has brought science to life on 9NEWS through over 1,800 unforgettable segments--each one designed to spark wonder, ignite curiosity, and inspire joy. In The Engagement Effect, he reveals the proven strategies behind those moments of magic. They've captivated television audiences for decades--and they'll work for you too."

--Mark Cornetta, Senior Vice President, TEGNA; President & General Manager, 9NEWS (KUSA/KTVD)

"Over the course of twenty-seven appearances on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, I saw Steve Spangler turn science segments into unforgettable shared experiences--moments that sparked joy, curiosity, and connection for millions. The Engagement Effect captures that same energy and breaks down the how and why behind it all. This book is Steve at his best."

--Chris Cucci, Producer, The Ellen DeGeneres Show

"The strongest brands don't just sell products--they create experiences that connect, inspire, and build trust. That's what we saw when Excelligence acquired Steve Spangler Science. Steve's work has always gone beyond science, products, and speaking; it's about sparking curiosity and cultivating engagement. The Engagement Effect distills that mission into a powerful playbook for leaders and educators who want to elevate every interaction into something meaningful, memorable, and transformative."

--Anupam Martins, Chief Executive Officer, Excelligence Learning Corporation

"There's something truly electric about watching fifteen thousand students, teachers, and parents fill Coors Field for our annual STEM Day with Steve Spangler. That kind of excitement and connection doesn't happen by accident--it's the result of intentional strategies that make every individual feel seen, involved, and inspired. In The Engagement Effect, Steve reveals the same powerful techniques he's used to make STEM Day one of our most impactful events. This book is an excellent tool on how to captivate an audience and turn engagement into action."

--Greg Feasel, President and Chief Operating Officer, Colorado Rockies Baseball

"We've trusted Steve Spangler to help us create unforgettable moments for hundreds of thousands of educators at Get Your Teach On--and he always delivers. This book brings his passion, creativity, and practical strategies to the page. If you want to inspire people and leave a lasting impact, this is your playbook."

--Hope & Wade King, Cofounders, Get Your Teach On

"What Steve Spangler offers in The Engagement Effect is more than a strategy--it's a mindset. He shows us that true leadership is about creating experiences that make people feel seen, inspired, and ready to grow. This book is a master class in transformational connection."

--Dr. Nido R. Qubein, President, High Point University

About the Author

Steve Spangler has dedicated his career to proving that the best engagement is powered by experience. He's a best-selling author, two-time Emmy Award winner, and the host of the nationally syndicated television series DIY Sci. Spangler gained worldwide attention as the creator of YouTube's first viral science video, teaching millions how to launch a geyser by dropping Mentos into Diet Coke--a moment that helped shape the future of online science communication. Today, his science videos have amassed over 4.5 billion views and continue to inspire curiosity around the globe.

As the STEM Educator-in-Residence at High Point University and a member of the prestigious Speaker Hall of Fame, Spangler works with leaders, educators, and organizations to design transformational experiences that spark curiosity, build trust, and drive engagement that lasts. His approach moves beyond information delivery to create moments that resonate, inspire action, and foster lasting connection.

With more than 2,100 television appearances and a global reputation for making science accessible and unforgettable, Steve Spangler's work empowers leaders at every level to turn everyday interactions into extraordinary opportunities for engagement, innovation, and impact.