Influence: Science and Practice

"I'm not in marketing, but I found this book both fascinating and revealing. We were actually presented with a copy each on a "Communicating with Passion" course I went on, because it is so helpful in understanding human behaviour.

Not only does it allow the salesman/marketer to understand techniques on how to get people to do what you want, it also allows you, the "victim" to understand ways in which a salesman is trying to influence YOU, and this is what makes it such as good book. I can now spot attempts at invoking the principles of reciprocation, commitment, scarcity etc. at 100 paces.

Buy it - it will both entertain you and save you money and grief."
~ Written on 2008-06-27

"Seminal book, it has influenced most other books in fact.

If you are to read just one book on the subject, this one should be it.
It figures in the 'must read' bibliography of every other book on influence."
~ Written on 2008-06-13

"I've just finished this book. Wow it was mind blowing!

I'm not going to reiterate all the brilliant reviews made about this book, suffice to say it is a useful guide for going into negotiations and other situations were undue and unfair influence might occur. For example, how to deal with dirty influence tricks or even just pushy salesmen, estate agents or recruitment consultants - you can see the tatics that are being used and side step them or use their tricks against them for your own advantage.

An amazing book. Read it for your own sake. "
~ Written on 2007-05-02

"I'm a beginner, relatively speaking, in NLP and related disciplines. I saw this on a recommended reading list (social proof?) and thought I'd read it. Glad I did, as I see the concepts he talks about in action constantly now. I personally know when a book was worth reading, when it's train of thought stays with me and reflects some of the world around me. This does just that.

The 6 principles come across as well researched, thoroughly tested and with enough academic rigour to satisfy most people's needs.

I would highly recommend it to anyone who is remotely involved in working with people in any way that requires any form of influence. Just being aware of these principles is in my opinion, valuable."
~ Written on 2006-04-11

"I consider this to be an excellent book. It is easy to read through and has practical application. Further it gets you to consider things from a different perspective.

What I really liked about this book is that helps you to recognize how you and others react to certain situations and stimuli. With that recognition you can sometimes take yourself out of certain manipulative situations. If you can't remove yourself from the situation at the time, then at least you have some basis for later analysis and improvement.

I can recommend this book for anyone, but business people may be more inclined to find it useful in their daily lives.

I occasionally refer back to the book to refresh my memory or see if I can figure out why a particular thing happened as it did."
~ Written on 2006-03-19