Over 1.5 million copies sold!

What factors cause someone to say yes? And which techniques most effectively use these factors to bring about such compliance? In his bestselling book, Robert Cialdini, former salesperson, fundraiser, and advertiser, and current professor of social psychology, examines the science and practice of persuasion and compliance. Praised for its enjoyable writing, practical suggestions, and scientifically documented content, prior editions have been widely read by business professionals, fundraisers, and those interested in psychology. The new edition includes:

•  twice as many first hand accounts of how the book’s principles apply to business and personal lives;

•  updated coverage of popular culture and new technology; and

•  more on how compliance principles work in many cultures.

Here’s what people are saying about INFLUENCE: Science and Practice:

“This marvelous book explains in clear, practical language the ways in which we become persuaded. It offers excellent insights for those who sell, but even more importantly for all of us who negotiate and buy.”

–ROGER FISHER, Director, Harvard Negotiation Project, Co-author, Getting to Yes

 “Bob Cialdini is the most brilliant student of influence and negotiation I’ve encountered. If everything were on the line in a negotiation, I can’t think of anyone I’d rather have advising me.”

–TOM PETERS, The Tom Peters Group

“This book is the de facto standard to learn the psychology of persuasion. If you don’t read it, I hope you enjoy pounding your head against the wall and throwing away marketing dollars.”

–GUY KAWASAKI, CEO, Garage.com

“His book should be in every sales and marketing person’s briefcase and reread frequently.”

–R. CRIAG WILSON, Sr. Vice President, Sales Manager, Northern Trust

Robert B. Cialdini is a well known and influential speaker who gives frequent speeches on The Power of Ethical Influence to such organizations as IBM, the Mayo Clinic, and NATO. He is currently Regents’ Professor of Psychology at Arizona State University, where he has also been named Graduate Distinguished Research Professor. He is past president of the Society of Personality and Social Psychology. He attributes his longstanding interest in the intricacies of social influence to the fact that he was raised in an entirely Italian family, in a predominantly Polish neighborhood, in a historically German city (Milwaukee), in an otherwise rural state.

In his bestselling book, Robert Cialdini, former salesperson, fundraiser, and advertiser, examines the science and practice of compliance. Praised for its enjoyable writing, practical suggestions, and scientifically documented material, previous editions have been widely read by business professionals, fundraisers, and those interested in psychology. The new Fifth Edition includes twice as many first hand accounts of how principles presented in the book apply to personal lives; updated coverage of popular culture and new technology; and more on how compliance principles work in other cultures.

All chapters conclude with “Summary” and “Study Questions.”

Preface.

Introduction.

1.Weapons of Influence.

Click, Whirr.

Betting the Shortcut Odd.

The Profiteers.

Jujitsu.

Reader's Report.

2.Reciprocation: The Old Give and Take … and Take.

How the Rule Works.

Reciprocal Concessions.

Rejection-Then-Retreat.

Defense.

Reader's Report.

3.Commitment and Consistency: Hobgoblins of the Mind.

Whirring Along.

Commitment Is the Key.

Defense.

Reader's Report.

4.Social Proof: Truths Are Us.

The Principle of Social Proof.

Cause of Death: Uncertain(ty).

Monkey Me, Monkey Do.

Defense.

Reader's Report.

5.Liking: The Friendly Thief.

Making Friends to Influence People.

Why Do I Like You? Let Me List the Reasons.

Conditioning and Association.

Defense.

Reader's Report.

6.Authority: Directed Deference.

The Power of Authority Pressure.

The Allures and Dangers of Blind Obedience.

Connotation Not Content.

Defense.

Reader's Report.

7.Scarcity: The Rule of the Few.

Less Is Best and Loss Is Worst.

Psychological Reactance.

Optimal Conditions.

Defense.

Reader's Report.

8.Instant Influence: Primitive Consent for an Automatic Age.

Primitive Automaticity.

Modern Automaticity.

Shortcuts Shall Be Sacred.

References.

Credits.

Index.