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)

Save us from Godzilla

Fascinating examination of the ways context affects a message. Getting your audience's mind running in the right groove before you make a pitch makes all the difference. This is advanced persuasion that very few understand yet and so it's very dangerous.
The author seems to be working for the dark side now in HRC. Let's hope he fails.

Fact based Influences & Why they Matter

The audio performance was decent, but monotone. The writing was good for a book based on studies. The material was interesting and informative in regard to marketing, strategy, & sociology.
I'd recommend this book to anyone who wants to understand more of the decision making process we use each day. This book is an excellent source of examples on how peripheral factors affect our world. The material is fair, balanced, and entertaining.

Follows the Book Well

I purchased the book and the audible version, and the audio follows the book word by word, so I'm able to listen when I want to and follow the book if I wish to see words on paper.

Definitely should receive both if you want to listen to some amazing things that Cialdini says in this book and in his Influence, and read the book to remember it that way.

must read follow up if you liked Influence

A must read follow up if you liked Influence by Cialdini This focuses on what happens before a decision is made that is likely to have a big impact on the outcome of that decision.

Several great pointwrs

The book provided many interesting stories but was very general. I was hoping for more in depth examples.

Interesting and compelling evidence to support theories

As with other works by Dr. Cialdini, the concepts are very compelling and supported by case studies and other examples in real life. Well organized and a must read for everyone from those who seek awareness against those who might attempt to manipulate us for less than ethical endeavors to those who seek to promote good causes.

Eye Opening Concepts Inside

A great book full of eureka moments and tons of scientific studies cited throughout. I'm going to listen to it again since the audio format does not leave time for the contemplation required to fully absorb the mind blowing assertions.

WOW

this is an amazing book for conscious good people, but BAD for ignorant, crazy, greedy, psychos.

Gr8

Good case studies, methods and delivery! As entrepreneur and designer, I find Cialdini's marriage of communication design and business strategy a welcome part in persuasive development in all my ventures and projects.

Great actionable follow-up to Influence

Where Influence was written primarily to protect the consumer (although it's marketers who actually read it), this book is written for marketers. It presents data and actionable advice through memorable stories. I'd advise anyone who's interested in marketing of any kind to read this book, Yes! and the classic Influence, all by Dr. Cialdini.