Best Books on Persuasion

Discover the science of compliance in this captivating book that uncovers the factors that influence people to say "yes" to a request. Scholarly research is combined with real-life techniques and strategies gathered from sales, fundraising, advertising, and other positions that commonly use compliance tactics. The author has organized the tactics into six categories based on psychological principles: reciprocation, consistency, social proof, liking, authority, and scarcity. Widely used in both classes and the business world, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in the power of persuasion.

Discover the secrets to effective communication, building relationships, and achieving success in Dale Carnegie's timeless bestseller, How to Win Friends and Influence People. This updated edition, carefully restored and edited by Dale's daughter, Donna, offers readers priceless material from the original 1936 text. With practical advice and engaging storytelling, Carnegie teaches readers how to make people like them, increase their influence, and navigate any social situation. Learn from one of history's most influential motivational guides and transform your personal and professional life.

Pre-Suasion by Robert Cialdini reveals the key moment that successful persuaders use to change minds: the moment before delivering a message. Cialdini draws on extensive scientific research to explain how to prepare people to be receptive to a message before they experience it. This book outlines specific techniques for redirecting the audience's attention and priming them to say “yes”. Named a Best Business Book of 2016 by the Financial Times, Pre-Suasion is an essential tool for anyone serious about science-based business strategies.

This informative guide tackles the topic of negotiation as a vital part of daily life. It teaches how to effectively and powerfully negotiate, preventing stubborn haggling, and ensuring mutual problem-solving. The jargon-free principles presented by Fisher and Ury will help guide you to success in any negotiation.

Discover the science behind persuasion with this insightful book. Co-written by the world's most quoted influence expert, it presents fifty surprisingly effective strategies to help you become a more persuasive communicator at work and in your personal life. From using one word to increase persuasiveness by over 50% to inconveniencing rivals, this book offers little-known but proven wisdom to help you avoid common pitfalls and have a greater impact in moving others in your direction.

Explore the inner workings of the mind in this groundbreaking book that explains the two systems that drive the way we think. System 1 is fast, emotional, and intuitive while System 2 is slower, more analytical, and logical. Discover the benefits and drawbacks of both systems and learn how to tap into the benefits of slow thinking. With practical insights into decision-making in both our personal and professional lives, this book is a must-read for anyone looking to guard against mental pitfalls and gain a deeper understanding of the way we think.

Discover the secrets behind ideas that stick with Made to Stick. In this instant classic, Chip & Dan Heath reveal the anatomy of successful ideas and outline ways to make your own ideas stickier, from creating curiosity gaps to using the Velcro Theory of Memory. Along the way, you'll be entertained with stories of success (and failure) that will transform the way you communicate. Whether you're an entrepreneur, teacher, politician, or journalist, this book is essential reading in the "fake news" era.

Discover the power of selling in our everyday lives with this #1 New York Times Business Bestseller. Daniel H. Pink's To Sell Is Human explores the fact that one in nine Americans works in sales, but the other eight work in sales too. This book offers fresh insights on the art and science of moving others, with practical tips on how to be more persuasive at work, school, and home. You'll learn the new ABCs of selling, understand why extraverts don't make the best salespeople, and discover the six successors to the elevator pitch, all based on the latest social science. This perceptive and practical book will transform the way you see the world and what you do.

Discover the secrets of subconscious influence in Methods of Persuasion. Through principles from cognitive psychology, the author developed a powerful 7-step process that teaches readers how to influence people's thoughts, emotions, and behavior in any situation. Drawing from academic research, you'll learn how to mold perception, trigger social pressure, and sustain compliance with the acronym METHODS. Whether you're in sales or want to influence others in your personal life, this book offers actionable tips and tricks to master the art of persuasion.

Uncover the science behind social transmission and why certain products and ideas become popular. Marketing professor Jonah Berger shares his insights from a decade of research, revealing the six basic principles that drive contagiousness in everything from consumer products to workplace rumors. With specific techniques for designing messages and content that people will share, Contagious is a must-read for anyone looking to make their product or idea catch on.