Instant Genius
The science of persuasion, with Prof Vanessa Bohns
Feb 6, 2023
Vanessa Bohns, a social psychologist and professor at Cornell University, uncovers the surprising depths of our persuasive abilities. She highlights how people often underestimate their influence and fear rejection unnecessarily. Bohns discusses behavioral contagion, illustrating how our actions can inspire societal change, like adopting solar energy. She also reveals the persuasive power of compliments and personal relevance in communication, making it clear that a thoughtful approach can ease the discomfort of compliance and foster meaningful connections.
36:33
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Quick takeaways
- Understanding how people often underestimate their influence can significantly improve their ability to persuade others in everyday interactions.
- Direct requests made in person are much more effective than emails, emphasizing the importance of communication methods in fostering compliance.
Deep dives
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