Pre-Suasion

Channeling Attention for Change

By: Robert B. Cialdini

Narrated by: John Bedford Lloyd

The author of the legendary best seller Influence, social psychologist Robert Cialdini, shines a light on effective persuasion and reveals that the secret doesn't lie in the message itself but in the key moment before that message is delivered.

What separates effective communicators from truly successful persuaders? Using the same combination of rigorous scientific research and accessibility that made his Influence an iconic best seller, Robert Cialdini explains how to capitalize on the essential window of time before you deliver an important message. This "privileged moment for change" prepares people to be receptive to a message before they experience it. Optimal persuasion is achieved only through optimal pre-suasion. In other words, to change minds, a pre-suader must also change states of mind.

His first solo work in over 30 years, Cialdini's Pre-Suasion draws on his extensive experience as the most cited social psychologist of our time and explains the techniques a person should implement to become a master persuader. Altering a listener's attitudes, beliefs, or experiences isn't necessary, says Cialdini - all that's required is for a communicator to redirect the audience's focus of attention before a relevant action.

From studies on advertising imagery to treating opiate addiction, from the annual letters of Berkshire Hathaway to the annals of history, Cialdini draws on an array of studies and narratives to outline the specific techniques you can use on online marketing campaigns and even effective wartime propaganda. He illustrates how the artful diversion of attention leads to successful pre-suasion and gets your targeted audience primed and ready to say yes.

©2016 Robert Cialdini (P)2016 Simon & Schuster

Critic reviews

"Narrating this fascinating audio, John Bedford Lloyd provides a businesslike, confident tone that helps listeners stay engaged with the author's reasoning and the specific techniques offered. Lloyd's calm and deliberate diction is reassuring and doesn't compete with Cialdini's conversational writing." ( AudioFile)

He's done it again!

Perhaps there's no need to read the original, classic, "Influence" now that we have an updated and hopefully even more "influential" work from the master in this field. James Altucher conducted an excellent intervie with Cialdini which prompted me to buy the book. Whatever th opposite of "disappointed" is, this book is it. I listened on 1.25x speed which was perfect for me.

Educational, but a bit dry

I enjoyed the book as an academic work, as it relies on a lot of studies and scientific approaches. Unfortunately, this approach sacrifices some of the allure similar books may have, and if it's not one's style, they might find it hard to finish. Still, lots of examples from various situations (from business to history) helped to draw me in, and I learned a lot.

Worthwhile

This is my first business/management book I have read since I retired over a decade ago. Fiction is definitely more fun.

Prime the Pump

Loved it. Easy listening on 1.9x - a great intro into "priming the pump" of human behavior.

eye opening

I see now where ive made so many mistakes in sales. Learning what research has found to be true, I think, will improve my numbers considerably.

my eyes were opened

I really enjoyed this book and it opened my eyes to so many truths about myself and people around me.

I will definitely begin implementing changes to influence myself in the directions I want to go.

I have a deeper understanding of my own actions as well as those of people around me

Excellent a must read for marketers

This book is full of real world content. Anyone who is involved in marketing should read this book.

Great thinking book

Easy to follow; well told. I could see the patterns a pre-suasion in our everyday life and interactions.

Fundamental for communication

The book carries Mind opening content. Memorable examples. It will be Useful for work and life

Cialdini you've done it again

a great wrap up of persuasion again and a fantastic follow up to influence. thanks