Over a quarter million copies sold! How does this information make you feel about the book? If, even for a moment, you thought that a proven and popular book might be the one you were interested in, you may have been persuaded by a potent principle of influence-in this case, the principle of social proof. Have you ever found yourself saying "yes" to a telemarketer or to a child selling candy and then wonder why you have just agreed to subscribe to a magazine that you really arent interested in or to buy a candy bar that you really dont want? In this revised, updated, and expanded book, not only will you find out what techniques were used to get you to say yes, but you will also learn some worthwhile ways to defend yourself from future requests.

Table of Contents

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.

About the Author

Dr. Robert Cialdini is Regents' Professor of Psychology at Arizona State University, and also consults widely on the subject of influence.

Reviews

Here's what people are saying about the material in 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 of "Getting to Yes." "For marketers, it is among the most important books written in the last 10 years." -JOURNAL OF MARKETING RESEARCH "The best sales tip I ever got was encouragement to read INFLUENCE by Dr. Robert Cialdini. It was so profound and insightful, I read it three times in a row." -GREG RENKER, President, Guthy-Renker "It would be marvelous reading for students taking Social Psychology." -DAVID MYERS, Hope College "The book is tremendously entertaining and very popular with students. It makes excellent reading for a Consumer Behavior or Advertising class." -ALAN J. RESNIK, Portland State University "INFLUENCE should be required reading for all business majors." -JOURNAL OF RETAILING