Robert Cialdini, the social psychologist and pioneer in the science of persuasion, gives a master class on the seven psychological levers that bewitch our rational minds and lead us to buy, behave, or believe without a second thought. Topics include the power of reciprocity, authority, commitment and consistency in influence, and the challenges of promoting a new book.
The podcast discusses the seven levers of influence, including reciprocation, liking, social proof, authority, scarcity, commitment and consistency, and unity.
The importance of using influence in an ethical manner and the distinction between influence and manipulation are emphasized by the guest, Robert Cialdini.
Deep dives
The Power of Influence and Copycat Behaviors
In this podcast episode, the speaker discusses the concept of influence and how our choices are often influenced by external factors. They explore how behaviors can be copycat behaviors, ranging from workplace or school shootings to product tampering. The speaker raises concerns about media coverage of these events and the potential danger of sensationalizing them for ratings. The guest, Robert Chaldini, an expert on influence, shares his insights on the topic, drawing from his extensive research and experience as a behavioral scientist.
The Journey of Robert Chaldini and the Book 'Influence'
This podcast episode delves into the story of Robert Chaldini and his book 'Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion.' Chaldini talks about his personal journey of realizing his susceptibility to influences and his subsequent research project to understand the tricks of salespeople and influencers. He shares how he applied these principles to his own life and then decided to write a book to help others become aware of and protect themselves from manipulative tactics. 'Influence' became a bestseller and has sold millions of copies worldwide.
The Seven Levers of Influence and Examples
Chaldini's book 'Influence' discusses the seven levers of influence: reciprocation, liking, social proof, authority, scarcity, commitment and consistency, and unity. Each lever is explored in detail, along with examples and studies to illustrate their effects. The role of social proof is discussed, including its role in contagious behaviors such as suicide and the adoption of conspiracy theories. Scarcity is examined, highlighting the way it drives desire and how companies can sometimes create artificial scarcity. The power of commitment and consistency is also emphasized, along with its influence on behavior. Lastly, the new addition to the book, unity, is introduced and its relevance in today's society is explored.
Ethics and Responsible Use of Influence
The podcast episode delves into the ethical considerations surrounding the use of influence. Chaldini addresses concerns about the potential misuse of his book's principles and emphasizes the importance of using influence in an ethical manner. He shares examples of using influence for positive purposes, such as offering valuable information instead of material gifts. The discussion also touches on the distinction between influence and manipulation, highlighting the importance of authenticity and genuine use of influence.
The social psychologist Robert Cialdini is a pioneer in the science of persuasion. His 1984 book Influence is a classic, and he has just published an expanded and revised edition. In this episode, he gives a master class in the seven psychological levers that bewitch our rational minds and lead us to buy, behave, or believe without a second thought. Hosted by Stephen Dubner.
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