5 stars (Good guide to the tactics of persuasion.) - Right away, buyers should know that Cialdini has produced a less-expensive version of this book. "Influence: Science and Practice" is designed as a textbook for classroom instruction. So, it has things like chapter summaries and questions that can be assigned as homework. However, the other book "Influence: the psychology of persuasion," is designed for a more general audience. The content is basically the same, but it omits the classroom-oriented layout. It's also cheaper. If you are a student who is buying textbooks online, this is probably what you (or rather, your professors) want. If not, get the other one. Both books focus on persuasive tactics. This is not a theoretical work trying to lay out a strategy of communication, like "Getting to Yes." This is a toolkit, designed to give the reader a selection of tools for specific circumstances. That is not to say that Cialdini lacks an understanding of more strategic thinking, just that it isn't the focus here. The underlying theory is that people tend to be hardwired to respond to certain stimuli in predictable ways. The book tells you what those stimuli are, that is, how to push people's buttons. And it does a very good job, which is why Cialdini has demand for two versions of the same book. I'm not going to list all of the tactics because the table of contents does that and, because they're detailed, they're difficult to understand without reading the book. But, they all have some basis in science and their effectiveness is empirically demonstrable, so you can trust that they work. The best part of this book, for me, was becoming more conscious of how others, including politicians, advertisers, and bosses, try to manipulate me. Cialdini deserves respect just for opening people's eyes, but he goes a step further by explaining ways to deal with the constant manipulation that is inherent in human communication. The only problems I see are that t... Allyn - Bacon :: General :: Business & Economics :: Self-Help :: Psychology & Psychiatry & General :: Psychology :: Persuasion (Psychology) :: Mental Health :: Marketing - General :: :: Influence- Science and Practice (4th Edition)
5 stars (Most Useful Book You Will Ever Read) - I loved this book, it teaches you that getting what you want isn't always bad and how you can make other peole happy to help you out. The book has a good mix of interesting anecdotes mixed in with scientific fact. I think it's great for anyone who is tired of getting pushed around. 5 stars (It is so simple) - Once you understand the various systems and programs that make us up, the whole ordeal of being human becomes so much easier. This book can take you a long way towards that goal. 5 stars (A well researched study on human behavior) - I have long been a student of human behavior. It fascinates me. Naturally, I found this book to be fascinating as well. The book is well researched and does more than present one person's opinion. It summarizes actual reserach results from many, many studies that demonstrate the behaviors under discussion. Reciprocity? Consistency? These are some of the concepts discussed and are immediately applicable both as a tool of influence as well as an understanding of our own behaviors and how to protect ourselves from "forced" behaviors that we are programmed to do even when we don't want to. Yes, we are programmed to perform certain behaviors, and when we don't, we suffer socially. Naturally, this provides a means for some people to take advantage of us. This book gives us an understanding of the behavior and therefore a reasonable defense. So, you don't believe we have automatic programmed responses? Then explain how the Chinese so effectively pursuaded American P.O.W.'s to defend communism during the Korean War. Then explain how Moonies got so many people to contribute to their religion when people just didn't want to. And explain why the effectiveness of that technique waned over time. Can't? Cialdini can. And convincingly. ... Collins :: Self-Help & General :: Psychology :: Persuasion (Psychology) :: Personal Growth - Success :: Motivational & Inspirational :: Influence (Psychology) :: Decision-Ma :: Influence- The Psychology of Persuasion
