Influence at Work Blog
Great Pre-Suasion Moments in History: De-Escalate Situations with Persuasion
By Dr. Robert Cialdini In July 2007, Kim Man-bok, the head of South Korea’s National Intelligence Service, flew to Afghanistan to confront a deteriorating situation. The Taliban there had taken 21 South Korean aid workers hostage, and negotiations for their release were going badly–two captives had been murdered and two more were scheduled for execution […]
Great Pre-Suasion Moments in History: The Greatest Ad Campaign of All Time
By Dr. Robert Cialdini The same honesty-establishing, pre-suasive tactic was employed in the late 1950s by the advertising firm Doyle Dane Bernbach to introduce the oddly shaped Volkswagen Bug to a US market dominated by big, powerful, boatlike vehicles. The “We’re ugly but…” campaign tactically admitted to cosmetic limitations before trumpeting the auto’s strengths such […]
I’ve been working toward September 6th for years. Here’s why.
It’s been over 30 years since the publication of my New York Times Bestseller, Influence. That book has been better received and has sold more copies than I could have sensibly imagined when it first appeared. Lots of people have asked me why I haven’t written another solo-authored persuasion book in the years since. The […]
Great Pre-Suasion Moments in History: Queen Elizabeth I’s Powerful Speech
By Dr. Robert Cialdini In 1588, British troops massed against a sea invasion from Spain at Tilbury were deeply concerned that their leader Queen Elizabeth I, as a woman, would not be up to the rigors of battle. In addressing the men, she dispelled their fears pre-suasively: first acknowledging the concern by admitting a weakness, […]
The Principles of Persuasion Aren’t Just for Business
By Eily VanderMeer, Director of Communications Updated July 2020 Webster’s defines a relationship as the way in which two or more people, groups, countries, etc., talk to, behave toward, and deal with each other. In the confines of a good relationship, there is a desire to help each other and to avoid disappointment. Whether you […]
The Science Behind Why Some People Don’t Follow the Crowd
by Steve Martin, CMCT Social Proof – at some point most of us will have succumbed to its powerful draw. Perhaps we’ve chosen the busy restaurant over the quieter one, been carried along by the momentum of the Mexican wave at a sports stadium or simply joined the burgeoning line at the airport without really […]
When Expert Advice Creates Analysis Paralysis
By Dr. Robert Cialdini Usually, a communicator’s purpose is to develop and send a message that alters the attitudes, decisions, or behaviors of recipients. The critical question, of course, is how best to arrange it so as to not produce the dreaded analysis paralysis. Although social psychologists have provided many important insights into this matter, […]
Cialdini, Influence, and The Tim Ferriss Podcast: What You’ve Been Missing
In the venture capital and startup world, The Tim Ferriss Show podcast is a popular source for innovative ideas from some of the biggest names in business and the arts. Many of those big names—people like angel investor Naval Ravikant, Nasty Gal founder Sophia Amoruso, and even Dilbert creator Scott Adams—have referred to Dr. Robert […]
3 Keys to Keep Your New Year’s Resolution
Many of us make New Year’s resolutions because…it’s a new beginning. As a matter of fact, research shows that we make more new commitments or start more new projects at the beginning of the year, the beginning of the month or even the beginning of the week. But, how can you ensure that you will keep your […]
The 6 Principles of Persuasion Can Get Your Kids Motivated!
This article is a classic. Too often people think the Principles of Persuasion are just for business. This article by Charlotte Phillips from THE TELEGRAPH in 2008 explains it all… read here. [efsbutton style=”” size=”” color_class=”” align=”left” type=”link” target=”_blank” title=”Subscribe to the Blog Today!” link=”http://visitor.r20.constantcontact.com/d.jsp?llr=xpi7oyn6&p=oi&m=1011211969015&sit=okocvki4&f=ef0e93e4-4600-4ddf-9d4e-9a4283e13f92″]
