The best 67 Persuasion books

Persuasion is an essential skill in today's fast-paced world, whether it's for personal or professional success. The ability to effectively influence others can lead to better relationships, career growth, and overall well-being. That's where our handpicked list of books comes in.

Our selection offers insights and strategies to help you master the art of persuasion and make a lasting impact. From understanding human psychology to honing your communication skills, this list has got you covered. So, are you ready to unleash your persuasive power and embark on this captivating journey?
1
The Presentation Secrets of Steve Jobs

The Presentation Secrets of Steve Jobs

Carmine Gallo
4.7 (146 ratings)

What's The Presentation Secrets of Steve Jobs about?

The Presentation Secrets of Steve Jobs (2009) explains how any presenter can be as convincing and inspiring as the legendary Steve Jobs. From planning to rehearsal and delivery, Carmine Gallo details the anatomy of a great presentation.

Who should read The Presentation Secrets of Steve Jobs?

  • Anyone who holds presentations at work, school or in their free time
  • Communication professionals who want to engage their audiences more fully
  • Anyone who is interested in Steve Jobs’s presentation techniques

2
Made to Stick

Made to Stick

Chip Heath and Dan Heath
Why Some Ideas Survive and Others Die
4.6 (248 ratings)

What's Made to Stick about?

Made to Stick explains why some ideas become popular, while others wither and die.

The book lays out the most important characteristics of “stickiness”; that is, what makes ideas “stick” in the mind, and how to make them work for you.

Who should read Made to Stick?

  • Anyone with an idea to share
  • Anyone interested in why some ideas catch on and others don’t
  • Every film director, advertising executive, NGO worker and so on.

3
Influence

Influence

Robert B. Cialdini
The Psychology of Persuasion
4.6 (1,519 ratings)

What's Influence about?

Influence (1984) explains in detail the fundamental principles of persuasion. How do you get people to say yes? How do other people get you to say yes? How are you manipulated by sleek salesmen, clever marketing folks and sneaky confidence tricksters? These blinks will help you understand the psychology behind their techniques, enabling you to unleash your own persuasive powers, while also defending against their tactics of manipulation.

Who should read Influence?

  • Anyone working in marketing or sales
  • People who sometimes find it hard to say no to salespeople or marketers
  • Those interested in how their decision-making is constantly being manipulated

4
The Charisma Myth

The Charisma Myth

Olivia Fox Cabane
How Anyone Can Master the Art and Science of Personal Magnetism
4.2 (389 ratings)

What's The Charisma Myth about?

The Charisma Myth (2013) defies the popular notion that charisma is inherited, arguing instead that everyone can cultivate their own charisma, and in doing so can have a more positive attitude, find more success, and handle obstacles more successfully.

Using wide-ranging examples of charismatic people, from state leaders to CEOs to employees, the book also outlines the different styles of charisma and how to practice demonstrating each, and offers some useful tools and exercises with which to improve their psychological well-being.

Who should read The Charisma Myth?

  • Anyone who wants to know what constitutes charisma
  • Anyone who wants to learn how to become more charismatic

5
Crucial Conversations

Crucial Conversations

Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan, Al Switzler
Tools for Talking When Stakes Are High
4.2 (403 ratings)

What's Crucial Conversations about?

We’ve all been in situations where rational discussions get quickly out of hand, and Crucial Conversations investigates the root causes of this problem. You’ll learn techniques to handle such situations and shape them into becoming positive and solutions-oriented, while preventing your high-stakes conversations from turning into shouting matches.

Who should read Crucial Conversations?

  • Anyone whose job requires dealing with other people often
  • Anyone who wants to improve conversations in their personal relationships
  • Anyone who offers professional communications training

6
Spy the Lie

Spy the Lie

Philip Houston, Michael Floyd, Susan Carnicero and Don Tennant
Former CIA Officers Teach You How to Detect Deception
4.1 (103 ratings)

What's Spy the Lie about?

Spy the Lie reveals the typical strategies that liars use to try to deceive you, as well as the tools to help you detect them. This book draws on field-tested methods for lie detection developed by former CIA officers, which helps to spot the signs of a lie and ask the right questions to uncover the truth.

Who should read Spy the Lie?

  • Anyone who conducts interviews
  • Anyone who works in sales, marketing or law enforcement
  • Anyone interested in communication

7
The Story Factor

The Story Factor

Annette Simmons
Inspiration, Influence, and Persuasion through the Art of Storytelling
4.4 (138 ratings)

What's The Story Factor about?

The Story Factor explains what a powerful tool narratives can be, and unravels the art of telling your own stories. Stories are far more effective than mere facts or figures when you're making a presentation or trying to inspire people to take action.

Who should read The Story Factor?

  • Anyone who wants to learn how to influence others
  • Anyone who often gives talks, presentations or lectures
  • Anyone who wants to improve their public-speaking skills

8
POP!

POP!

Sam Horn
Create the Perfect Pitch, Title and Tagline for Anything
4.1 (51 ratings)

What's POP! about?

This book shows you how to craft messages and ideas that stick in the minds of your audience because they are Popular, Original and Pithy. Author Sam Horn offers a highly adaptable and systematic approach to creating pitches, titles and taglines that grasp people’s attention and win them over to your brand, product or idea.

Who should read POP!?

  • Anyone who wants to learn how to sell
  • Anyone who has to deliver professional pitches or create titles or taglines
  • Anyone who wants to share their ideas and make them stick

9
Fascinate

Fascinate

Sally Hogshead
Your Seven Triggers to Persuasion and Captivation
3.7 (133 ratings)

What's Fascinate about?

In Fascinate, author Sally Hogshead helps us realize our potential for fascination. By explaining in vivid language exactly how fascination works and how you can trigger it in others, Fascinate provides you, your company and your brand with the tools to fascinate. These “seven triggers of fascination” can help you to increase the odds of success, both in your personal life and in business.

Who should read Fascinate?

  • Anyone who owns or works at a company interested in improving its reputation
  • Anyone who’d like to improve their own ability to fascinate others
  • Students of psychology interested in the concept of human fascination

10
Just Listen

Just Listen

Mark Goulston
Discover the Secret to Getting Through to Absolutely Anyone
4.2 (222 ratings)

What's Just Listen about?

Just Listen (2009) combines time-tested persuasion and listening techniques with new methods to help you get your message across to anybody. By learning how to be a better listener, how the brain works and how people think, you’ll be able to motivate people to do what you want because you’ll better understand their needs.

Who should read Just Listen?

  • Anyone who wants to improve their communication skills
  • Anyone working in therapy or mediation
  • Anyone who wants to be more persuasive

11
Speaker, Leader, Champion

Speaker, Leader, Champion

Jeremy Donovan and Ryan Avery
Succeed at Work Through the Power of Public Speaking
4.0 (60 ratings)

What's Speaker, Leader, Champion about?

This book examines top public speakers' most successful speeches to see what makes them great. It offers detailed tips for improving public speaking skills for everyone, whether you're a beginner or have years of experience.

Who should read Speaker, Leader, Champion?

  • Anybody who wants to become better at public speaking
  • Anybody who wants to become a more valuable employee
  • Anybody who wants to gain confidence in general

12
The Small BIG

The Small BIG

Steve J. Martin, Noah J. Goldstein and Robert B. Cialdini
Small Changes that Spark Big Influence
4.3 (67 ratings)

What's The Small BIG about?

The Small BIG offers 52 examples on how minor changes in your behavior can make you more confident and successful when it comes to negotiating with and persuading others. Those who read this book will be able to draw value from the examples and make significant improvements to their persuasion style.

Who should read The Small BIG?

  • Anyone who manages individuals or teams
  • Anyone with children
  • Anyone who wants to improve his or her persuasiveness

13
The 48 Laws of Power

The 48 Laws of Power

Robert Greene
3.9 (595 ratings)

What's The 48 Laws of Power about?

The 48 Laws of Power (1998) takes an irreverent look at the fundamental characteristics of power, and how to understand it, defend against it and use it to your advantage These blinks offer compelling insights, backed by historical examples, into the dynamics of competition and control.

Who should read The 48 Laws of Power?

  • Entrepreneurs looking to gain the upper hand in their market
  • Anybody who wants to acquire power, or protect themselves and others from it
  • People interested in the history of power dynamics

14
Magic Words

Magic Words

Tim David
The Science and Secrets Behind 7 Words That Motivate, Engage, and Influence
4.2 (162 ratings)

What's Magic Words about?

Magic Words (2014) discusses seven words that will motivate people into action. You need people to work with you, no matter your goals, and these blinks offer advice on building meaningful connections and getting your friends and colleagues to work with you on what you want.

Who should read Magic Words?

  • Managers and entrepreneurs
  • Team members
  • Anyone who works with others

15
In Sheep’s Clothing

In Sheep’s Clothing

George Simon Jr.
Understanding and Dealing with Manipulative People
4.2 (85 ratings)

What's In Sheep’s Clothing about?

In Sheep’s Clothing (1996) reveals the aggressive, undercover agenda of manipulative individuals, whose covert tactics would otherwise remain hidden. These blinks offers you tools to become aware of, prepare for and deal with the tricks used by manipulative colleagues, family members and friends.

Who should read In Sheep’s Clothing?

  • People who are overly anxious and fearful of social rejection
  • People who believe they might be in a relationship with a manipulator
  • People who want to learn how to fight back against manipulators

16
Thank You for Arguing

Thank You for Arguing

Jay Heinrichs
What Aristotle, Lincoln, and Homer Simpson Can Teach Us About the Art of Persuasion
4.2 (182 ratings)

What's Thank You for Arguing about?

Thank You for Arguing (2013) is a guide to the art of rhetoric. These blinks explain what rhetoric really is, how persuasion works and how to win a debate by drawing on in-depth research, anecdotes and theories from the great orators of history.

Who should read Thank You for Arguing?

  • Anyone interested in making good arguments
  • Politicians or anyone who debates politics
  • Parents looking for techniques with which to persuade their children

17
Emotional Blackmail

Emotional Blackmail

Susan Forward with Donna Frazier
When the People in Your Life Use Fear, Obligation, and Guilt to Manipulate You
4.5 (137 ratings)

What's Emotional Blackmail about?

Emotional Blackmail (1997) helps us understand, identify, confront and remedy manipulation in our closest relationships. These blinks are filled with insightful explanations about the true nature of toxic relationships and provide you with the tools you need to break out of this vicious cycle.

Who should read Emotional Blackmail?

  • Anyone tired of fighting a losing battle with a loved one
  • People who suspect they let fear run their life
  • People who want to empower themselves in their relationships

18
Captivology

Captivology

Ben Parr
The Science of Capturing People’s Attention
4.4 (19 ratings)

What's Captivology about?

Captivology (2015) shows that, in our modern world of rapidly proliferating information, attention is a scarcer and therefore more valuable resource. Knowing what drives our attention, however, and being aware of how we direct it, can help us reclaim this resource. Based on scientific research, the author reveals techniques for drawing people’s attention to any project, idea or message.

Who should read Captivology?

  • Anyone working at a start-up
  • People seeking recognition for their work, research or art

19
TED Talks

TED Talks

Chris Anderson
The Official TED Guide to Public Speaking
4.5 (126 ratings)

What's TED Talks about?

TED Talks (2016) is the definitive guide to delivering a killer public speech. These blinks cover everything from stage fright to choosing the perfect outfit and will prepare to give a talk that’ll inspire any audience.

Who should read TED Talks?

  • Any entrepreneur who wants to share his project and ideas
  • Lecturers and students working to improve their public speaking
  • Anybody who feels that a fear of public speaking is holding them back

20
Words That Work

Words That Work

Frank Luntz
It’s Not What You Say, It’s What People Hear
4.0 (129 ratings)

What's Words That Work about?

Words That Work (2007) is a guide to getting your point across more efficiently and effectively. These blinks explain the power of language and how it can help you in any number of situations, from business to political discussions to getting out of a traffic ticket.

Who should read Words That Work?

  • Anyone who wants to communicate more effectively
  • Academics interested in the hidden power of language

21
Words Like Loaded Pistols

Words Like Loaded Pistols

Sam Leith
Rhetoric from Aristotle to Obama
4.2 (112 ratings)

What's Words Like Loaded Pistols about?

Words Like Loaded Pistols (2012) is a guide to identifying rhetoric and using it to your advantage. These blinks use historical, contemporary and everyday examples to show how rhetoric is a part of everything we do, which is why it’s such an essential topic to examine.

Who should read Words Like Loaded Pistols?

  • Anyone who wants to better understand the science behind political jargon
  • Students and professionals striving to become better public speakers and writers

22
The Art of Seduction

The Art of Seduction

Robert Greene
4.0 (766 ratings)

What's The Art of Seduction about?

The Art of Seduction (2001) examines the amoral game of seduction, explaining how seduction always starts in the mind and that the most successful seducers know this very well indeed. It explains strategies for inciting interest, disorientating the target of seduction, stirring desire and kindling emotions. These tactics will lead to the eventual seduction of the target.

Who should read The Art of Seduction?

  • People who want to learn the art of seduction
  • Historians interested in landmark seductions
  • Psychology enthusiasts

23
Lawyers, Liars and the Art of Storytelling

Lawyers, Liars and the Art of Storytelling

Jonathan Shapiro
Using Stories to Advocate, Influence, and Persuade
4.0 (103 ratings)

What's Lawyers, Liars and the Art of Storytelling about?

Lawyers, Liars and the Art of Storytelling (2016) reveals the unexpected relationship between screenwriting and the art of presenting a legal case. These are two disciplines that both rely on great storytelling skills and effective rhetoric. So with the aid of real-life examples and tips people in television and film, you’ll find out how you can use the art of storytelling to craft compelling cases that will keep the courtroom riveted.

This is a Blinkist staff pick

“I love all the quirks and oddities of human behavior showcased in these blinks, they make for great conversation!”

– Ben H, Head of Editorial at Blinkist

Who should read Lawyers, Liars and the Art of Storytelling?

  • Lawyers looking to up their storytelling game
  • Anyone wanting to uncover how successful lawyers win cases
  • Budding public speakers interested in the art of rhetoric

24
Never Split the Difference

Never Split the Difference

Chris Voss and Tahl Raz
Negotiating As If Your Life Depended On It
4.1 (716 ratings)

What's Never Split the Difference about?

Never Split the Difference (2016) is your guide to negotiation. Based on the extensive FBI work of Chris Voss, the authors offer up hands-on advice about how to negotiate your way to success, whether it’s in the office, the home, or a hostage stand-off.

Who should read Never Split the Difference?

  • Leaders and managers
  • Workers in the market for a job or a raise
  • Anyone with a spouse, partner or friend

25
Language Intelligence

Language Intelligence

Joseph J Romm
Lessons on Persuasion from Jesus, Shakespeare, Lincoln, and Lady Gaga
4.3 (105 ratings)

What's Language Intelligence about?

Language Intelligence (2012) focuses on an aspect of language that is often overlooked or dismissed: the art of rhetoric. From the King James Bible to Shakespeare, from modern-day political campaigns to the lyrics of pop songs, rhetoric is a widely used tool – one that we all should learn to use and understand. After all, in words there is power and strength.

This is a Blinkist staff pick

“These blinks take you through history and around the world in search of answers to the age-old question of how the languages we speak affect the way we think and act. Really fascinating stuff!”

– Erik, Editorial Production Manager at Blinkist

Who should read Language Intelligence?

  • Linguists and grammarians
  • Politicians and marketing experts
  • Poets and singers

26
If I Understood You, Would I Have This Look On My Face?

If I Understood You, Would I Have This Look On My Face?

Alan Alda
My Adventures in the Art and Science of Relating and Communicating
3.9 (53 ratings)

What's If I Understood You, Would I Have This Look On My Face? about?

If I Understood You, Would I Have This Look On My Face? (2017) explains how improvisation techniques, as practiced by actors and comedians, can be used as training methods for better communication. Alda uses illuminating examples of miscommunications from his own life to show how we all can be better at relating and talking to one another.

Who should read If I Understood You, Would I Have This Look On My Face? ?

  • Anyone whose job involves communicating complex ideas to various and varied audiences
  • Leaders who want to improve their interpersonal skills and learn about empathy
  • Non-actors who want to learn how the craft really works

27
Bad Blood

Bad Blood

John Carreyrou
Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup
4.2 (113 ratings)

What's Bad Blood about?

Bad Blood (2018) is the harrowing inside story of a how a tech start-up rooted in Silicon Valley’s fake-it-till-you-make-it culture risked the lives of millions with a blood-testing device that proved too good to be true. Written by Pulitzer-winning journalist John Carreyrou, who broke the story and pursued it to its end, this is the account of Theranos and its wunderkind CEO Elizabeth Holmes’ meteoric rise and epic fall from grace.

Who should read Bad Blood?

  • Anyone working in a start-up
  • Fans of true stories that you just can’t make up
  • Professionals in the medical industry

28
The Influential Mind

The Influential Mind

Tali Sharot
What the Brain Reveals About Our Power To Change Others
4.3 (218 ratings)

What's The Influential Mind about?

The Influential Mind (2017) is about the often surprising and sometimes inflexible ways in which the human brain operates. As the esteemed neuroscientist and author Tali Sharot points out, having a better understanding of how the brain works can provide us with better control over our day-to-day lives and a deeper appreciation of the human experience.

Who should read The Influential Mind?

  • Students of neuroscience and psychology
  • Managers and HR personnel
  • Those who want more control over their lives

29
How to be Heard

How to be Heard

Julian Treasure
Secrets for Powerful Speaking and Listening
3.7 (157 ratings)

What's How to be Heard about?

How to be Heard (2017) identifies proven ways to become a powerful speaker, the kind that commands people’s attention and keeps them hanging on your every word. Author Julian Treasure also examines the steps people can take to improve their listening skills, allowing them to better understand what’s being said and making the listener feel that they’re being heard. These tips can help improve both communication skills and our most important relationships.

Who should read How to be Heard?

  • Couples who want to repair their relationships through better listening
  • Readers eager to overcome their fear of public speaking
  • Managers and leaders who want to inspire people with their words

30
Verbal Judo

Verbal Judo

George J. Thompson and Jerry B. Jenkins
The Gentle Art of Persuasion
4.3 (111 ratings)

What's Verbal Judo about?

Verbal Judo (1993) is your guide to effective communication, from a police officer’s perspective. These blinks explain why some common communication techniques could be holding you back and why others may be better suited to achieving your communication goals.

Who should read Verbal Judo?

  • Police officers, security guards and anyone who deals with disruptive people
  • Professional communicators and mediators
  • Couples struggling to communicate their feelings

31
Neuro-linguistic Programming for Dummies

Neuro-linguistic Programming for Dummies

Romilla Ready and Kate Burton
4.0 (262 ratings)

What's Neuro-linguistic Programming for Dummies about?

Neuro-linguistic Programming for Dummies (2015) is an introduction to the basic principles behind NLP. If you’ve ever struggled to say what’s on your mind, NLP may be of use to you. Discover the human traits that can keep us from understanding each other and the helpful methods that can lead to clear and effective communication.

Who should read Neuro-linguistic Programming for Dummies?

  • Readers who strive to communicate clearly
  • Students of neuroscience and linguistics
  • Anyone open to new ideas and techniques for improvement

32
Captivate

Captivate

Vanessa Van Edwards
The Science of Succeeding with People
4.1 (198 ratings)

What's Captivate about?

Captivate (2017) is your guide to human behavior and social success. Whether you’re trying to connect with others at home, at work or out in the world, Van Edwards set about breaking down the mechanics of how to capture people’s attention and engage in meaningful interaction.

Who should read Captivate?

  • Young people who want to improve their social skills
  • Singles looking to become dating pros
  • Managers and entrepreneurs who want their employees to do their best

33
Never Lose A Customer Again

Never Lose A Customer Again

Joey Coleman
Turn Any Sale Into Lifelong Loyalty in 100 Days
4.5 (133 ratings)

What's Never Lose A Customer Again about?

Never Lose A Customer Again (2018) is full of sage advice for businesses seeking to provide superior customer experience. Whether your business is big or small, global or local, author Joey Coleman has got some words of wisdom for you. In addition to explaining why customer experience is so important, he details the many ways it gets overlooked. As Coleman makes clear, understanding the desires, fears and emotions of your customers will allow you to retain them and benefit from their support – and that will pay off in the form of major dividends.

Who should read Never Lose A Customer Again?

  • Managers looking for ways to boost sales
  • Customer service representatives
  • Readers interested in learning new business insights

34
Stories for Work

Stories for Work

Gabrielle Dolan
The Essential Guide to Business Storytelling
4.4 (155 ratings)

What's Stories for Work about?

In Stories for Work (2017), Gabrielle Dolan explains the effectiveness of a powerful story, and how business professionals can harness this tool to communicate ideas, motivate employees, persuade clients and achieve goals. Dolan walks you through practical advice on coming up with your own stories, and how to apply them to a range of business scenarios.

Who should read Stories for Work?

  • Anyone who wants to sharpen their communication skills
  • People curious about the power of storytelling
  • Professionals in “people-facing” roles

35
Storyworthy

Storyworthy

Matthew Dicks
Engage, Teach, Persuade, and Change Your Life through the Power of Storytelling
4.2 (258 ratings)

What's Storyworthy about?

Storyworthy (2018) explains how to craft a story for maximum impact. From intriguing beginnings to satisfying endings and everything in between, these blinks provide simple and effective tips and techniques for engaging your audience and bringing entertainment, authenticity and immediacy to your storytelling.

Who should read Storyworthy?

  • Anyone wanting to improve their storytelling skills.
  • People looking to get better at public speaking.
  • Shy wallflowers wanting to brush up on their communication skills.

36
Social Intelligence

Social Intelligence

Daniel Goleman
The New Science of Human Relationships
4.3 (315 ratings)

What's Social Intelligence about?

Social Intelligence (2006) takes a look at a form of intelligence which makes the world go round but can’t be measured by IQ tests: our cognitive ability to relate to others and accurately assess social situations. Understanding how social intelligence works isn’t just fascinating in its own right, as psychologists and neuroscientists are now realizing, it can also help us create happier and less stressful societies founded on stronger social bonds.

Who should read Social Intelligence?

  • Students of social sciences
  • Psychologists
  • Anyone who wants to improve their social skills

37
The Science of Storytelling

The Science of Storytelling

Will Storr
4.2 (440 ratings)

What's The Science of Storytelling about?

The Science of Storytelling (2019) shows you how to craft a compelling story using lessons from psychology and neuroscience. These blinks walk you through the steps of creating a narrative that grips your audience by subtly manipulating their brains. From demonstrating how to create a perfectly flawed character to explaining the power of stimulating details, Will Storr reveals the crucial elements that go into building a great story. 

Who should read The Science of Storytelling?

  • Aspiring writers
  • Creatives whose work involves storytelling, like journalists or advertisers
  • Anyone who wants to look at stories more critically

38
Messengers

Messengers

Stephen Martin and Joseph Marks
Who We Listen To, Who We Don’t, And Why
4.5 (153 ratings)

What's Messengers about?

Messengers (2019) is a fascinating exploration of why we listen to, follow, or believe in some people but not others. It explains why thoughtful experts are sometimes ignored in favor of confident blowhards. And it reveals why apparently irrelevant details, like the color of someone’s lipstick or the roundness of their face, can make a huge difference to how we respond to them. 

Who should read Messengers?

  • Communicators who want to step up their influence 
  • Professionals who want to be more persuasive 
  • Anyone who wants to find more ways to connect with the people in their lives

39
Presence

Presence

Amy Cuddy
Bringing your Boldest Self to your Biggest Challenges
4.4 (227 ratings)

What's Presence about?

Presence (2016) takes a valuable look at the relationship between our mind and body, and how it can influence our psychology and ability to communicate effectively. By examining body language and postures, author Amy Cuddy reveals some simple tips that can transform the lives of shy and self-conscious people into confident powerhouses. 

Who should read Presence?

  • Anyone wishing to up their communication skills
  • Anyone who wants to be more confident in life
  • Anyone who hasn’t yet experienced the benefits of power posing

40
The 3-Minute Rule

The 3-Minute Rule

Brant Pinvidic
Say Less to Get More from Any Pitch or Presentation
4.5 (402 ratings)

What's The 3-Minute Rule about?

"By the end of three minutes, your audience will already be leaning yes or no on your proposal. From that point on, you can continue yammering for another 57 minutes, but the die is already cast."

The 3-Minute Rule (2019) is an incisive guide to creating an ultra-concise, ultra-compelling pitch for any idea, product, service or company. Beginning with the provocative thesis that you have only three minutes to persuade a modern audience, it provides you with a blueprint for packing those three minutes with your best possible material. 

Who should read The 3-Minute Rule?

  • Business people who need to pitch things in a corporate setting    
  • Creative people who need to pitch things in the entertainment industry 
  • Anyone else who needs to pitch something to someone

41
How to Have Impossible Conversations

How to Have Impossible Conversations

Peter Boghossian and James A. Lindsay
A Very Practical Guide
4.5 (592 ratings)

What's How to Have Impossible Conversations about?

How to Have Impossible Conversations (2019) is a guide to having frank conversations that don’t end in tears. Philosopher Peter Boghossian and scientist James Lindsay argue that however prickly the topic, we all profit when we air our disagreements – provided we’re out to learn something, not just shout our opponents down. These blinks will explore techniques that facilitate respectful dialogue, from rules of building rapport to the art of convincing your sparring partner to reexamine her assumptions. 

Who should read How to Have Impossible Conversations ?

  • Critical thinkers who love a good argument
  • Skeptics intent on dismantling irrational dogmas
  • Quiet rationalists fed up with all the shouting

42
Think Again

Think Again

Adam Grant
The Power of Knowing What You Don't Know
4.6 (1,013 ratings)

What's Think Again about?

Think Again (2021) examines the science behind changing your mind – and persuading others to change theirs. It explores the biases and assumptions that we bring to our decision-making, and outlines how individuals and organizations can build a mindset of lifelong curiosity.

Who should read Think Again?

  • Psychology buffs looking for fresh insights
  • Sales professionals seeking a new angle
  • People managers hoping to improve team performance

43
You're Invited

You're Invited

Jon Levy
The Art and Science of Cultivating Influence
4.5 (283 ratings)

What's You're Invited about?

You’re Invited (2021) is your guide to creating connections and building communities around what personally matters most. It reveals the key things you need to know about behavioral psychology in order to design events that best fit your business and values – and shows how you can make a real difference in the world.

Who should read You're Invited?

  • Business leaders looking to create a more supportive company culture
  • Introverts craving connection without the social pressure
  • Social justice activists looking to increase engagement

44
Follow Up and Close the Sale

Follow Up and Close the Sale

Jeff Shore
Make Easy (and Effective) Follow-Up Your Winning Habit
4.6 (163 ratings)

What's Follow Up and Close the Sale about?

Follow Up and Close the Sale (2020) unpacks the psychology behind why buyers buy and the power of the follow-up to make more sales. It explores tried and true selling techniques for any sales situation, providing tools anyone can use to close the sale.

Who should read Follow Up and Close the Sale?

  • Sales professionals looking for fresh insights
  • Business owners seeking to boost sales
  • Anyone interested in the art of persuasion

45
The Hidden Psychology of Social Networks

The Hidden Psychology of Social Networks

Joe Federer
How Brands Create Authentic Engagement by Understanding What Motivates Us
4.2 (96 ratings)

What's The Hidden Psychology of Social Networks about?

The Hidden Psychology of Social Networks (2020) describes how brands can create effective and authentic content by understanding the basics of human psychology. Drawing on Freudian psychoanalysis, it gets to the bottom of our online habits and shows brands how to connect with people on a deeper level.

Who should read The Hidden Psychology of Social Networks?

  • Brand strategists at companies big or small
  • Content creators of any type
  • Those curious about how brands are trying to get their attention

46
People Skills

People Skills

Robert Bolton
How to Assert Yourself, Listen to Others, and Resolve Conflicts
4.4 (412 ratings)

What's People Skills about?

People Skills (1979) is a guidebook to learning effective communication skills. It illuminates the conversational roadblocks that impede good communication and damage relationships – and offers alternative methods for listening, asserting, and handling conflict.

Who should read People Skills?

  • Anyone interested in improving communication at home or at work
  • People who aspire to become better listeners
  • Those striving to be assertive rather than submissive or aggressive

47
The Lost Art of Connecting

The Lost Art of Connecting

Susan McPherson
The Gather, Ask, Do Method for Building Meaningful Business Relationships
4.3 (79 ratings)

What's The Lost Art of Connecting about?

The Lost Art of Connection (2021) is about building more authentic relationships at work and in life. It shows how professional networking doesn’t always have to be transactional, and offers the three-step Gather, Ask, Do method for building meaningful relationships and breaking down the technological barriers to deeper human connection.

Who should read The Lost Art of Connecting?

  • Professionals who want to expand their network
  • People who want to improve their interpersonal skills
  • Anyone who wants to deepen their relationships with others

48
The Art of Rhetoric

The Art of Rhetoric

Aristotle
4.6 (410 ratings)

What's The Art of Rhetoric about?

The Art of Rhetoric (4th century BCE) is a practical manual on the art of public speaking and persuasion. Written almost 2,500 years ago, The Art of Rhetoric remains one of the most incisive and comprehensive studies on rhetoric ever written.

Who should read The Art of Rhetoric?

  • Amateur orators who need to prepare for an upcoming speech
  • Businesspeople who frequently speak in meetings
  • Anyone who has an interest in the classics of western thought

49
Renegade Marketing

Renegade Marketing

Drew Neisser
12 Steps to Building Unbeatable B2B Brands
4.2 (154 ratings)

What's Renegade Marketing about?

Renegade Marketing (2021) is an incisive guide to becoming a cutting-edge B2B marketer in today’s frenetic corporate climate. It distinguishes four key characteristics of very successful marketing executives and shows you how you can apply them in your own company. Most importantly, it demonstrates how to create meaningful brands that are embodied at every level of your organization.

Who should read Renegade Marketing?

  • CMOs who want to learn how to bring their teams on board to implement new ideas
  • Marketing buffs interested in learning new insights from one of the most influential B2B marketing gurus
  • Anyone interested in how to create purpose-driven brands

50
Humor, Seriously

Humor, Seriously

Jennifer Aaker & Naomi Bagdonas
Why Humor Is a Superpower at Work and in Life (And How Anyone Can Harness It. Even You.)
4.1 (415 ratings)

What's Humor, Seriously about?

Humor, Seriously (2021) explores the value of a human-centered approach to business, and of the funny that can be found and created in any environment. It relies on science, psychology, and humorous anecdotes from experts in the field to show how using humor can create a culture of levity, build trust, and unlock creativity.

Who should read Humor, Seriously?

  • Leaders looking to build trust
  • Managers who want to enhance creativity
  • Anyone seeking more joy in work and life

51
The 48 Laws of Power (New Version)

The 48 Laws of Power (New Version)

Robert Greene
4.1 (1,119 ratings)

What's The 48 Laws of Power (New Version) about?

The 48 Laws of Power (1998) takes an irreverent look at the fundamental characteristics of power – how to understand it, defend against it, and use it to your advantage. This Blink offers compelling insights, backed by historical examples, into the dynamics of competition and control. 

Who should read The 48 Laws of Power (New Version)?

  • Entrepreneurs looking to gain the upper hand in their market
  • Anybody who wants to acquire power – or protect themselves and others from it
  • People interested in the history of power dynamics

52
Influence is Your Superpower

Influence is Your Superpower

Zoe Chance
The Science of Winning Hearts, Sparking Change, and Making Good Things Happen
4.6 (499 ratings)

What's Influence is Your Superpower about?

Influence is your Superpower (2022) is a deep dive on influence: how it works, why it's important, and how you can wield it for ethical, positive results. It explores how influence operates by drawing on insights from cognitive science, linguistics, market research, and more, empowering readers to unlock their own natural powers of influence.

Who should read Influence is Your Superpower?

  • Entrepreneurs who want to pitch ideas without sales-y sleaze
  • Employees who want to advocate better for themselves and others
  • Activists who want to create lasting change in their communities

53
Mastering Communication at Work

Mastering Communication at Work

Ethan F. Becker and Jon Wortmann
How to Lead, Manage, and Influence
4.5 (551 ratings)

What's Mastering Communication at Work about?

Mastering Communication at Work (revised edition, 2021) is a classic guide on leading in the workplace through strong communication skills. It teaches you how to communicate effectively by understanding your listener’s tendencies and motivations.

Who should read Mastering Communication at Work?

  • Managers looking for new communication tactics
  • Employees aiming to make the next step up
  • Executives who want to improve relations with staff

54
Win Every Argument

Win Every Argument

Mehdi Hasan
The Art of Debating, Persuading, and Public Speaking
4.3 (550 ratings)

What's Win Every Argument about?

Win Every Argument (2023) is a guide to the art of argument by one of the world’s most combative debaters: journalist, anchor, and writer Mehdi Hasan. Drawing on ancient theories of persuasion, neuroscientific theories of cognition, and the rhetorical tricks of contemporary politicians, Hasan reveals the secrets to winning arguments in today’s post-factual world.

Who should read Win Every Argument?

  • Natural-born arguers and debaters
  • Anyone interested in the art of persuasion
  • Public speakers and politicos

55
Never Split the Difference (New Version)

Never Split the Difference (New Version)

Chris Voss and Tahl Raz
Negotiating As If Your Life Depended On It
4.5 (989 ratings)

What's Never Split the Difference (New Version) about?

Never Split the Difference (2016) is your guide to getting what you want. Drawing on FBI strategies, it offers hands-on advice for how to negotiate your way to success – whether it’s in the office, the home, or a hostage standoff. 

Who should read Never Split the Difference (New Version)?

  • Leaders and managers
  • Workers in the market for a job or a raise
  • Anyone with a spouse, partner, or friend

56
Pitch Like Hollywood

Pitch Like Hollywood

Peter Desberg and Jeffrey Davis
What You Can Learn from the High-Stakes Film Industry
4.1 (178 ratings)

What's Pitch Like Hollywood about?

Pitch Like Hollywood (2022) uncovers the secret ingredients behind the successful techniques used to pitch films and TV shows in Hollywood. Luckily, it doesn’t matter what industry you work in – the principles behind the Hollywood pitch can be universally applied. By harnessing the power of storytelling and the psychology of persuasion, you can pitch literally anything to anyone.

Who should read Pitch Like Hollywood?

  • Founders looking to up their pitching game
  • Film buffs curious as to how things get funded in Hollywood
  • Anyone who suffers from stage fright

57
Flipnosis

Flipnosis

Kevin Dutton
The Art of Split-Second Persuasion
4.4 (89 ratings)

What's 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.

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?

58
Good Arguments

Good Arguments

Bo Seo
How Debate Teaches Us to Listen and Be Heard
4.6 (385 ratings)

What's Good Arguments about?

Good Arguments (2022) is one part memoir, one part guide to the art of speaking. It introduces us to the thrilling and eccentric subculture of competitive debate and distills its secrets into timeless principles for effective communication. If we can only learn to disagree better, it argues, we can improve our relationships and revitalize our democracies.

Who should read Good Arguments?

  • Couples who want to communicate more effectively
  • Introverts who want to climb out of their shell
  • Anyone who wants to speak more persuasively

59
How to Be a 3% Man

How to Be a 3% Man

Corey Wayne
Winning the Heart of the Woman of Your Dreams
3.9 (168 ratings)

What's How to Be a 3% Man about?

How to Be a 3% Man (2013) provides straightforward practice methods, tips and guidelines for meeting and dating women. It teaches you what to say to women, when to say it, and what her responses mean.

Who should read How to Be a 3% Man?

  • Men who have a hard time approaching women.
  • Anyone looking for dating advice.
  • People hoping to improve their relationship.

60
Exactly What to Say

Exactly What to Say

Phil M Jones
Your Personal Guide to the Mastery of Magic Words
4.7 (999 ratings)

What's Exactly What to Say about?

Exactly What to Say (2017) is designed to provide you with the key phrases and words to make your conversations count and bring you success. It contains magic words. Words that are heard and interpreted by the subconscious mind. Words which will help you get the results you want.

Who should read Exactly What to Say?

  • Anyone interested in how words can influence others at a subconscious level
  • Success-driven individuals who want to up their game
  • Entrepreneurs who want to get their prospects to say yes more often

61
Presentation Advantage

Presentation Advantage

Kory Kogon, Breck England and Julie Schmidt
How to Inform and Persuade Any Audience
4.6 (305 ratings)

What's Presentation Advantage about?

The Presentation Advantage (2015) gives you the strategies you need to connect with your audience and get the results you want. Presentation happens everywhere from the boardroom to a first date. How you present yourself has everything to do with how much success you’ll achieve.

Who should read Presentation Advantage?

  • Anyone hoping to advance their career
  • People nervous about public speaking
  • Marketers, managers, and entrepreneurs

62
Mixed Signals

Mixed Signals

Uri Gneezy
How Incentives Really Work
4.4 (243 ratings)

What's Mixed Signals about?

Mixed Signals (2023) sheds light on the power of incentives, drawing on behavioral economics research to explore how various factors like money, social status, and external nudges can influence our choices. It explores how incentives often have complex and counterintuitive effects, offering an understanding of these dynamics to improve decision-making and outcomes.

Who should read Mixed Signals?

  • People interested in improving their decision-making
  • Business leaders who want to manage people more effectively
  • Anyone looking to better persuade people to take action

63
Magic Words

Magic Words

Jonah Berger
What to Say to Get Your Way
4.6 (1,161 ratings)

What's Magic Words about?

Magic Words (2023) teaches you how to use the power of language to achieve your goals. Want to win an argument, nail a job interview, or get your child to clean up after themselves? This guide reveals the magical yet scientifically proven words that may make all the difference.

Who should read Magic Words?

  • People interested in psychology and language
  • Anyone wondering which words to use to market themselves or their product
  • Anyone who wants to become better at (public) speaking

64
$100M Offers

$100M Offers

Alex Hormozi
How To Make Offers So Good People Feel Stupid Saying No
4.3 (172 ratings)

What's $100M Offers about?

$100M Offers (2021) is a guide to creating Grand Slam Offers – big-ticket products or services that sell themselves. By breaking down the psychology of pricing and perceived value, Alex Hormozi teaches readers how to differentiate and optimize their offer until it’s irresistible. 

Who should read $100M Offers?

  • Those launching their first business 
  • Serial entrepreneurs 
  • People working in sales or marketing 

65
The JOLT Effect

The JOLT Effect

Matthew Dixon and Ted McKenna
How High Performers Overcome Customer Indecision
4.6 (33 ratings)

What's The JOLT Effect about?

The JOLT Effect (2022) promises to shatter your understanding of sales techniques. Grounded in decades of research, this enlightening guide reveals how tackling customer indecision, not status quo bias, holds the key to sales success.

Who should read The JOLT Effect?

  • Anyone working in sales
  • Small business owners or entrepreneurs
  • Consumers interested in sales techniques

66
Marketing 5.0

Marketing 5.0

Philip Kotler & Hermawan Kartajaya & Iwan Setiawan
Technology for Humanity
4.3 (27 ratings)

What's Marketing 5.0 about?

Marketing 5.0 (2021) introduces the concept of a new era in marketing focused on leveraging technology to improve human lives. It provides strategies and examples demonstrating how the synthesis of advanced data-driven capabilities with human creativity, ethics, and empathy will allow companies to deliver tailored customer experiences amidst a complex, rapidly evolving marketplace.

Who should read Marketing 5.0?

  • Marketing professionals
  • Brand managers
  • Business leaders

67
Gap Selling

Gap Selling

Keenan
Getting the Customer to Yes: How Problem-Centric Selling Increases Sales by Changing Everything You Know About Relationships, Overcoming Objections, Closing and Price
4.1 (13 ratings)

What's Gap Selling about?

Gap Selling (2019) challenges traditional sales techniques that have frustrated generations of salespeople. Dispensing with platitudes, it advocates techniques that create value and establish influence throughout the sales process. Liberating salespeople from the role of order-takers beholden to capricious buyers, it provides a bold new framework for sales success in the modern era. 

Who should read Gap Selling?

  • Sales professionals looking to improve their skills and effectiveness
  • Business owners wanting to increase sales and revenue
  • Anyone in a client-facing role aiming to build trust and relationships

Related Topics

Persuasion Books
 FAQs 

What's the best Persuasion book to read?

While choosing just one book about a topic is always tough, many people regard The Presentation Secrets of Steve Jobs as the ultimate read on Persuasion.

What are the Top 10 Persuasion books?

Blinkist curators have picked the following:
  • The Presentation Secrets of Steve Jobs by Carmine Gallo
  • Made to Stick by Chip Heath and Dan Heath
  • Influence by Robert B. Cialdini
  • The Charisma Myth by Olivia Fox Cabane
  • Crucial Conversations by Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan, Al Switzler
  • Spy the Lie by Philip Houston, Michael Floyd, Susan Carnicero and Don Tennant
  • The Story Factor by Annette Simmons
  • POP! by Sam Horn
  • Fascinate by Sally Hogshead
  • Just Listen by Mark Goulston

Who are the top Persuasion book authors?

When it comes to Persuasion, these are the authors who stand out as some of the most influential:
  • Carmine Gallo
  • Chip Heath and Dan Heath
  • Robert B. Cialdini
  • Olivia Fox Cabane
  • Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan, Al Switzler