Persuasion: The Art of Getting What You Want

by Dave Lakhani

Book Overview

Praise for persuasion the art of getting what you want "Dave has exposed the secrets of the most powerful persuaders in the world. This book is a step-by-step guide to changing minds and deeply... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0471730440
• ISBN13: 9780471730446
• Release Date: September 2005
• Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
• Length: 227 Pages
• Weight: 0.95 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 6.4" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

Don't miss, must read for anyone in business or otherwise who must persuade others

It's easy to look at this book, see it sitting in the business section of the store, and assume that's what it's for. Well, after reading Persuasion, I have added it to my list of absolute must-read business books, but let's face it, we all must persuade others and this book shows you the nuts & bolts of how to do that as well as the practical theory behind it all. Dave Lakhani does an outstanding job of covering all the bases here, from the basics (including the fundamentals that are frequently overlooked) to advanced persuasion tactics. He differentiates between manipulation and persuasion, explains how they are different, and also covers manipulation both so that you do not become a victim of it yourself, and to make sure you are not unknowingly doing it to others. Deeper into the book you will find step-by-step instructions on how to become a recongnized expert and authority in your field. I especially loved how practical this is, and effective for anyone who will follow the steps to achieve 'guru' status in your field of endeavor. I tell my clients that 'guru' status is the fastest possible way to become a huge success in business and here you will learn how to do that. We all persuade. Whether you are in business, in politics, a teacher, a parent, or just a friend, persuasion is a necessary life skill and here you will find the complete guide to it.

Read and Be Persuaded

If we want to be more effective in almost any area of our lives - whether as a leader, team mate, coach, marketer, or parent, being more persuasive can help us be more successful. For this reason I have become a student of persuasion and influence in the past few years. This book is one of my new favorites in this topic area. It talks about persuasion not from a theoretical perspective but from a real-life, "here's what you can do" perspective. There are three chapters in particular that lead me to recommend this book so strongly. 1. The first two chapters contrast manipulation from persuasion are very insightful and helpful to you as you consider the motives and intentions that you might have in a persuading situation. In my experience many people feel that if they work on becoming more persuasive in any sort of systematic way, that they will become manipulative. These two chapters will help you think that distinction through for yourself. 2. The chapter on the persuasion formula. By the time you get to this chapter none of the components of his formula will surprise you, but a formula is always helpful way to summarize things in our head (no, I'm not going to tell you what it is). If you are drawn at all to the topic of persuasion, I highly recommend reading this book. It is well written, easy to read, and my copy already has marks and comments throughout - a good sign that it will be well used part of my library for a long time to come.

I hate to write this review

It's very bothersome to write a review that is going to largely be positive ...when that book directly competes with your own...for sales! Former cult member, Lakhani starts with the dark side of persuasion then quickly moves into distinguishing the difference between manipulation and persuasion. Best is his step by step guide to manipulation. Very well done! Many in the field of persuasion miss the crucial art of story. Lakhani does a nice job of giving his insights into one of the most difficult tasks a communicator has...to have a story persuade. The next thing I like in Art of Persuasion is Dave's outline of how to become an expert (guru) in 30 days. Expert status ==> credibility ==> more successful influence. <br /> <br />Another nice step by step outline is for changing beliefs. Easy to adopt and use. <br /> <br />Each chapter in the book is well thought out and presented concisely and with clarity. <br /> <br />This is an excellent primer on the art of persuasion and I recommend you pick it up today. <br /> <br />Kevin Hogan <br />Author of The Psychology of Persuasion <br />and <br />The Science of Influence

How to get anyone to do anything explained

I heard about this book through a friend. Even though I've read most of what has been written on the subject, I trusted my friend and bought the book. (one of the persuasion techniques taught in this book). Lakhani's approach to the subject is different that others I've read. His background as a cult escapee turned ultra successful businessman makes for a compelling story. I think it aids him in explaining the difference between using persuasion to influence vs. manipulate others. I found myself scribbling notes throughout the book. Picking up some new tips and reviewing the important basics of the field. I recommend this book to anyone interested in how one person gets another to do anything. Warren Whitlock, thescienceofinfluence.com

What An Eye Opening Book

This is my first review, I never write them, but this book impacted me in a way that compelled me to say something. I actually got to hear Dave speak last night at the local Barnes and Noble and I have to say, I left with my head spinning when I realized exactly how persuasion happened and how easily people are persuaded. I realize that virtually everything is persuasion . . . and that there really is a difference between persuasion and manipulation which Dave makes really clear in the book. As a point of demonstration in the book, he actually shows you precisely how to manipulate another person. At first I wished he'd have left that out of the book but I quickly realized that it would actually protect me from falling victim if I was more quickly able to identify manipulation attempts. I went to the author's signing at the store because I'd already read the book, but it is so powerful that I just ordered three more, one for each of my sisters. Seeing Dave in person let me see just how persuasive someone can be in person and reading the book made me rethink how I'll write to my clients in the future. This book is powerful, I'll definately be able to sell more in my business by understanding the persuasion equation and the six tenants of persusion. I strongly recommend this book to anyone who wants to understand persuasion or understand how to persuade better. This is the best book I've read in a very long time.