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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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The Art of Influencing Anyone summary
Niall Cassidy
The classic must-read for anyone who wants to learn how to sound more convincing and persuasive
17 mins
Brief summary
The Art of Influencing Anyone by Niall Cassidy teaches us how to use psychological tricks to persuade and influence others in a positive way. It offers insights into what motivates people to take action, as well as practical tips for enhancing our interpersonal skills.
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The Art of Influencing Anyone
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Key idea 1 of 8
Persuasion is not about logical arguments but about communication and appearance.
Have you ever been in a position in which someone who didn’t work hard and was under-qualified got promoted instead of you at work?
This frustrating situation is more common than you might think. It is because the decisions we make – including the decisions our bosses make – are not always based on logic. In other words, why isn’t the most obvious means of persuasion also the most effective?
It’s because instead of paying attention to logical arguments, we put more faith in the things we want to hear.
Take two people presenting their ideas to their boss to start a business project. One of them shares a perfectly reasonable explanation as to why they should take it slowly, step-by-step. The other person is brimming with enthusiasm, saying that it’s better to dive straight in, but doesn’t present any real logical arguments to do so.
Who do you think the boss will select as project leader? Most likely the second one – the person who was more engaging and was enthusiastic about what the boss wanted to hear.
This common scenario demonstrates that the speaker’s personality is in many ways more important than the content or rationale.
This is also evident in article selection for academic journals. When researchers want to publish their findings, they send their papers to academic journals, hoping that one of them will select their work for publication. So what do the people at the journals look for in an article?
First they look at the author’s name. Second, the quality of the content. This was once proven by a professor who submitted an article which was utter nonsense. Shockingly, the article was published because he mentioned his PhD; people often reason that someone who holds a doctorate must know what they are talking about!
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What is The Art of Influencing Anyone about?
The Art of Influencing Anyone provides detailed information on how to influence people to do what you want. An invaluable read for salespeople, it is also useful for anyone who wants to learn how to sound more convincing and persuasive.
The Art of Influencing Anyone Review
The Art of Influencing Anyone by Niall Cassidy (2020) is a valuable resource for those seeking to develop their influential skills. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- With practical strategies and techniques, it equips readers with the tools needed to become effective influencers.
- By analyzing real-life examples and case studies, the book provides tangible insights into the art of persuasion.
- With its engaging and thought-provoking content, it keeps readers captivated and ensures that the topic of influence remains intriguing.
Best quote from The Art of Influencing Anyone
... We all like to convince others by using logic, but logic alone is hardly enough to change people.
—Niall Cassidy
Who should read The Art of Influencing Anyone?
- Anyone who works as a salesperson
- Anyone interested in how to influence others
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The Art of Influencing Anyone FAQs
What is the main message of The Art of Influencing Anyone?
The main message of The Art of Influencing Anyone is that anyone can learn the skills to influence others effectively.
How long does it take to read The Art of Influencing Anyone?
The reading time for The Art of Influencing Anyone varies depending on the reader's speed, but it typically takes several hours. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is The Art of Influencing Anyone a good book? Is it worth reading?
The Art of Influencing Anyone is a valuable read for anyone interested in improving their communication and persuasion skills. It provides practical insights and actionable strategies in a concise format.
Who is the author of The Art of Influencing Anyone?
The author of The Art of Influencing Anyone is Niall Cassidy.
What to read after The Art of Influencing Anyone?
If you're wondering what to read next after The Art of Influencing Anyone, here are some recommendations we suggest:
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- Cues by Vanessa Van Edwards
- Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara
- Social Engineering by Christopher Hadnagy
- Overworked and Overwhelmed by Scott Eblin
- Shift by Ethan Kross
- Influence by Robert B. Cialdini
- The Fine Art Of Small Talk by Debra Fine
- Masters of Uncertainty by Rich Diviney