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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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Flipnosis summary
The Art of Split-Second Persuasion
17 mins
Brief summary
'Flipnosis' by Kevin Dutton explores the art of persuasion and influence. It explains how skilled communicators use subtle psychological techniques to flip people's thinking and behavior.
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Flipnosis
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Key idea 1 of 6
An instinct for persuasion
There’s something about the Job Centre that brings out the worst in people. Many employees leave after just a few months, worn down by regular threats and acts of violence from angry and frustrated job seekers. Fire extinguishers are known to have been thrown against the protective plexiglass. One customer even pulled a gun.
Marco, on the other hand, has worked at the Job Centre for over two years and hasn’t once been attacked. He even sits out in the open, dealing with people face to face, completely unprotected. There’s just something about him that persuades even the craziest person to relax in his presence.
What’s his secret?
To answer this, we can look to the animal kingdom. Animals are extremely good at persuading their own, and sometimes other species, at an instinctual level. Ever heard a cat’s urgent yet contented purr and been unable to resist giving it a scratch? How about Golden Orb spiders which spin a web the exact color that bees are drawn to?
These automatic, primal persuasive triggers are called key stimuli, and once known, they can be used to your advantage. Architects have used silhouettes of predator birds to “persuade” real birds not to fly into windows, for example.
In advertising, there are a lot of synthesized key stimuli – models with exaggerated hips, breasts, abs, or other sexual features persuade people to buy products without a second thought. Sex sells, after all.
So, how does Marco use a key stimulus to persuade the Job Centre customers to treat him with respect? Simple. He sits on his hands.
This simple gesture of submission – combined with a touch of empathy and confidence – serves to appease the threat and defuse any conflict. Is someone really going to throw a fire extinguisher at a guy who’s sitting on his hands?
This is persuasion in its purest and most natural form. Songbirds warble to attract mates. Spiders spin colorful webs to catch food. Marco sits on his hands to pacify angry job seekers.
Using key stimuli comes easily to animals. They don’t need to plan anything or think about what they’re doing. Humans start out great at this – babies, by necessity, come into the world with an innate ability to persuade others to take care of them. But this is lost as language and consciousness develop.
But that doesn’t mean you can’t learn a few tricks about persuasion.
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What is Flipnosis about?
Flipnosis (2010) looks at the role of persuasion in our lives, and the social and biological underpinnings that allow some people to quickly and successfully encourage and convince those around them. By examining the science and looking at real-world master persuaders – from magicians and advertisers to criminals and psychopaths – you too can tap into the art of persuasion.
Flipnosis Review
Flipnosis (2010) by Kevin Dutton is a fascinating exploration of the art of persuasion and the mind games people play. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- It provides insights into the techniques used by master persuaders, giving readers a fresh perspective on human behavior and communication.
- Through a blend of psychology, neuroscience, and real-life examples, the book offers practical strategies to improve one's persuasive skills.
- With its engaging storytelling and thought-provoking analysis, the book keeps readers captivated, ensuring that the topic of persuasion is anything but boring.
Who should read Flipnosis?
- Would-be social engineers, looking for a few tricks to improve their influence
- Free-thinkers who want to make sure that their choices are, in fact, their own
- Anyone who has been sold something they didn’t want, and were left wondering: What just happened?
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Flipnosis FAQs
What is the main message of Flipnosis?
Flipnosis reveals the power of persuasion and explores the art of influencing others effectively.
How long does it take to read Flipnosis?
The reading time for Flipnosis varies, but it typically takes a few hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in under 15 minutes.
Is Flipnosis a good book? Is it worth reading?
Flipnosis is a must-read book that sheds light on the psychology of persuasion and provides practical insights into influencing others.
Who is the author of Flipnosis?
The author of Flipnosis is Kevin Dutton.
What to read after Flipnosis?
If you're wondering what to read next after Flipnosis, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- The Art of Manifesting by Carolyn Boyes
- Reinventing Your Life by Jeffrey E. Young and Janet S. Klosko
- The Psychology of Selling by Brian Tracy
- The Science of Selling by David Hoffeld
- The Greatest Salesman in the World by Og Mandino
- Cultish by Amanda Montell
- Super Attractor by Gabrielle Bernstein
- How to Master the Art of Selling by Tom Hopkins
- Red Flags, Green Flags by Ali Fenwick
- The Mindful Body by Ellen J. Langer