Robert Cialdini

Robert Cialdini is a renowned social psychologist whose work has focused largely on the power of persuasion. He is a highly acclaimed author and speaker whose research has been implemented in various industries from marketing and advertising, to business and education.

Cialdini received his PhD in Psychology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, followed by a post-doctoral fellowship at Columbia University. He began his career in academia, teaching at Arizona State University and working in the area of health-care marketing. In 1979 he gave up teaching to found the consulting firm Influence at Work, and has since become a much sought-after author and speaker.

Cialdini has written a variety of books exploring the nature and psychology of influence and persuasion. The most famous of these is his 1984 book, “Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion”, which has become widely revered as the “influence Bible.” In it Cialdini explains the six universal principles of persuasion: reciprocity, commitment and consistency, social proof, authority, liking, and scarcity. He outlines the various ways these principles can be used, in both successful and unethical marketing.

“Pre-Suasion: A Revolutionary Way to Influence and Persuade,” written in 2016 is another of Cialdini’s books. In it, he delves deeper into the application of influence in the realm of marketing and advertising. He explains how by strategically priming a person before they make a decision, persuasion can be made far more effective.

Cialdini has also written “The Small Big: Small Changes That Spark Big Influence”, which was published in 2014. In it, he explores how small changes in language, tactics, and presentation can significantly alter the impact of a persuasive message.

Cialdini is best known for his influential books, however he has also produced a range of shorter pieces outlining the fundamentals of influence. These include the book “Yes! 50 Scientifically Proven Ways to be Persuasive”, as well as an e-book and audiobook on the same subject.

Overall, Robert Cialdini has had an illustrious and highly successful career, becoming one of the most sought-after authors and speakers on the psychology of influence. His works have helped to shape the way in which persuasion is thought of and used both in business and in everyday life.