This episode discusses how to transform fear into excitement to enhance personal and professional influence. He explores the common fears related to public speaking and decision-making, providing techniques to reframe fear as excitement, such as focusing on the message, visualizing success, and using deep breathing.

What Is Performance Anxiety? 10 Ways To Overcome Your Fear Of Being Judged

The episode also features a Persuasion Blunder story illustrating the importance of managing customer perceptions, a scholarly article on performance anxiety, and listener email questions on handling presentation nerves. Additionally, Kurt offers a special opportunity for listeners to receive personalized feedback on their presentation skills.

Click here for personalized feedback

In this all-new episode Kurt discusses the psychological appeal and effectiveness of clickbait. He explains how curiosity, FOMO, and emotional triggers drive people to click on intriguing headlines. Kurt also shares tips on using these principles ethically in persuasion, sales, and presentations to engage and influence audiences.

The Benefits of Overconfidence Have Been Exaggerated

The episode covers similarity theory, the importance of building connections, and concludes with an analysis of overconfidence in achieving success, referencing an article from Psychology Today. Additionally, Kurt delves into the Zeigarnik Effect, which emphasizes how incomplete tasks capture and maintain attention, and encourages using quizzes and assessments to engage audiences.

DEAL OF THE WEEK

This episode delves into the psychology of first impressions, focusing on the halo and horn effects. The halo effect is when one positive trait of a person influences our perception of their other qualities, while the horn effect is when one negative trait does the same negatively.

Kurt discusses how these cognitive biases impact persuasion and influence, offers practical tips for maximizing positive first impressions, and shares real-life examples and academic studies. He also answers a listener email about these effects and provides actionable advice on improving personal and professional interactions.

OFFER OF THE WEEK

This episode explores the importance of being authentic and genuine to build trust. Kurt discusses the historical origins of the word "sincere" and its significance in modern persuasion. He highlights the necessity of adapting persuasion strategies to individual preferences and cultural differences, emphasizing the shift from the golden rule to the platinum rule.

Can Laughter Make Our Lives Better? Researchers Say Yes

The episode also covers the negative impact of poor customer service, the benefits of humor in persuasion, and the value of consistency and reliability. Additionally, Kurt answers a listener's question about why authenticity is increasingly important, attributing it to a general decline in trust and the rise of transparency in the digital age. He advises on how to cultivate authenticity through honesty.

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In this episode Kurt explores effective methods for influencing and persuading stubborn individuals. He delves into the Boomerang effect, the importance of patience, and techniques like foot-in-the-door to gradually change minds.

Sleepless and selfish: Lack of sleep makes us less generous

The episode also touches on the significance of sleep on social behavior and the impact of presenting evidence and finding common ground in contentious discussions. Kurt also concludes with practical advice on engaging in open, empathetic dialogues to sway hardheaded individuals.

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In this episode, the focus is on subconscious triggers and how symbols, images, and gestures can influence feelings and behaviors. Kurt discusses how different gestures and symbols can have varied meanings across cultures, like the thumbs up or the okay sign, and their potential impacts. The episode also explores a case study involving Delta Airlines’ strategy to offer compensation following an incident, analyzing whether it was good PR or a legal move.

Additionally, a scholarly article on acts of kindness is examined, highlighting how we underestimate the positive effects of generosity.

Random Acts of Kindness Make a Bigger Splash Than Expected

Kurt then provides insights into how marketers use symbols like smiling faces, hearts, and green check marks to create positive emotions and how certain negative images like cracks or dark spaces can deter trust and confidence. There is also advice on choosing the right images for personal branding and marketing to boost persuasion and influence effectively.

Offer of the week

In this episode Kurt Mortensen delves into the world of color psychology and its impact on emotions and persuasion. He explores how different colors can trigger subconscious feelings and influence behaviors, both positively and negatively. The discussion includes practical examples such as how color affects appetite, the perception of products, and even the success of sports teams.

Color Psychology: How Color Affects Your Emotions And Why

Kurt also touches on common cognitive biases like the Horn Effect and their impact on persuasion. Listeners are encouraged to be more mindful of color choices in various contexts, from clothing to branding, to enhance their persuasive abilities. The episode wraps up with an engaging "Fact or Fiction" segment about color psychology, sent in by a listener, and a promotion for Influence University.

DEAL OF THE WEEK

This episode discusses the power of music and sound in persuasion and influencing emotions. Kurt explores how different types of music can trigger specific emotional responses and affect behaviors, such as enhancing shopping experiences, reducing stress, and increasing productivity.

5 Ways to Make Sweet Music for Your Business

The Monkey Business Illusion

Through anecdotes and research findings, he explains that music can be a strategic tool in sales, customer service, and personal interactions to create the right mood and build rapport. Kurt also includes a "Persuasion Blunder" segment and tips on using music effectively in various settings.

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