The Principles of Persuasion

Author: Ian Mikutel, March Rogers, Darren Austin
Published: Mon 08 Oct 2018
Episode Link: https://www.bettershow.io/

We dive into the ways you can convince, inspire and influence others. Being able to persuade people is a key life skill whether you're interview for a job, inspiring your co-workers to start a new project or fund raising for your favorite charity. We explore different styles of persuasion, how to use them ethically and to recognize when they're being used on you.

Show Notes

1:34— We discuss the usefulness of being able to successfully persuade others — in work and in personal life.

4:30— How the powers of persuasion can be used for good or for evil.

7:46— Our individual experiences in persuading others.

10:50— Fund-raising vs “friend-raising”

12:35— We discuss the documentary “The Push” by Derren Brown and the infamous Milgram experiments and how social pressure and authority have a heavy psychological influence on all of us.

15:35— Ian talks about a recent episode of the Accidental Tech podcast.

17:40— Why it’s important to understand how persuasion tactics can be used for nefarious purposes so that we can recognize them when someone is applying them on us.

19:35— Finding common ground with others as a tactic for persuasion and productive outcomes.

23:20— March introduces Tim Baker’s influence framework and describes the four quadrants that describe the different approaches for influencing others.

24:50— We discuss examples of great persuaders in recent history and cite examples of their persuasive performances, including JFK’s “go to the moon” speech, the #metoo movement, Al Gore’s TED Talk on climate change, and President Obama’s performance in the debates leading up to the 2008 US Presidential elections.

31:15— We offer some tips on ways to find common ground with those you are hoping to persuade.

34:20— The effectiveness of enrolling others in a problem-solving effort or decision-making process.

38:52— We discuss persuasion strategies including, reciprocity, commitment, social proof, and scarcity.

45:20— Darren decides to test out Tim Baker’s framework when planning his next funding pitch at work.

46:08— March decides to read more biographies about historical figures who were faced with having to influence large groups of people.

47:17— Ian is going to read How to Be a Friend: An Ancient Guide to True Friendship by Marcus Tullius Cicero, to increase relationship building skills.

48:21— Ian puts March and Darren to the test by presenting them with an impromptu persuasion challenge.

52:00— #sharethecookies and our “Better Next Step”