logo
episode-header-image
Oct 2024
31m 47s

164. Rethinks: Using "Pre-suasion" to In...

Matt Abrahams, Think Fast Talk Smart
About this episode

The inner workings of social influence and persuasion.

Want to change someone’s mind? First, explains Robert Cialdini, you have to change their framing.

For Cialdini, the Regent's Professor Emeritus of Psychology and Marketing at Arizona State University, persuasion begins before we even deliver our pitch or presentation. Through what he calls “Pre-suasion,” communicators can prime audiences to receive messages in a specific way, simply by drawing their attention in specific directions. 

“It involves focusing people on—putting them in mind of—those motivators before they encounter [them] in the communicator’s message,” Cialdini says, “bringing people’s focus of attention onto something that is nested in the message…before that message is delivered, so they have been readied for the concept.”

In this episode, Matt Abrahams and Cialdini talk about the motivating power of FOMO, getting better advice from others, and how your next wine purchase could be influenced by what music is playing in the shop.

Episode Reference Links:


Connect:


Chapters:

  • (00:00) - Introduction
  • (03:25) - Persuasion and Pre-suasion
  • (06:46) - Priming and Framing in Pre-suasion
  • (09:27) - Understanding Scarcity
  • (12:17) - The Unity Principle
  • (15:33) - Social Proof and Influence
  • (20:53) - The Role of Language in Persuasion
  • (23:52) - The Final Three Questions
  • (29:44) - Conclusion
 

  ********
Thank you to our sponsors.
 These partnerships support the ongoing production of the podcast, allowing us to bring it to you at no cost.

Strawberry.me. Get 50% off your first coaching session today at Strawberry.me/smart

Up next
Today
245. Mindful Messages: Leveraging the Power of Presence
<p><em>When you enter a conflict trying to win, Deepak Chopra says you’ve already lost.</em></p><p><br>“We can resolve any conflict,” says <a href="https://www.fastersmarter.io/guests/dr-deepak-chopra/">Dr. Deepak Chopra</a>. All it takes is what he calls “conscious communication ... Show More
21m 3s
Nov 20
244. Community Creates Change: Build Relationships That Actually Matter
<p><em>Why community is the most powerful tool for transformation.</em></p><p><br></p><p>Community isn't just a feel-good buzzword. According to <a href="https://www.fastersmarter.io/guests/gina-bianchini/">Gina Bianchini</a>, it's a catalyst for personal and collective transform ... Show More
26m 33s
Nov 17
243. Rethinks: How Lessons from Neuroscience Can Help You Communicate Confidently
<p><em>Reduce speaking anxiety and achieve your communication goals.</em></p><p>“There’s no difference between the physiological response to something that you’re excited about and something that you’re nervous about or dreading,” says <a href="https://www.fastersmarter.io/guests ... Show More
28m 56s
Recommended Episodes
Nov 2022
Robert Cialdini: World's #1 Influence and Persuasion Expert Shares All | Human Behavior| E196
Robert Cialdini is known globally as the foundational expert in the science of influence. His Six Principles of Persuasion have become a cornerstone for any organization serious about effectively increasing its influence. His research is focused on uncovering why people say “yes” ... Show More
54m 5s
Aug 2024
The 7 Bedrock Principles of Influence for Any Marketer with Dr. Robert Cialidini
Dr. Robert Cialdini, the renowned author of Influence and Pre-Suasion, shares his groundbreaking principles of ethical persuasion. Delving into the psychology behind why people say "yes," Cialdini explains how small changes in your approach can lead to significant improvements in ... Show More
47m 58s
Sep 29
#324 Using Behavioral Science to Hack Your Customers Minds with Richard Shotton, Founder at Astroten
Behavioral science is revolutionizing how businesses connect with customers and influence decisions. By understanding the psychological principles that drive human behavior, companies can create more effective marketing strategies and product experiences. But how can you apply th ... Show More
58m 36s
Jun 2025
How to Persuade Without Pressure — The Magic Question That Changes Everything
You don’t need pressure to persuade — you need the right question. In this episode, Yale professor and bestselling author Zoe Chance joins Kwame Christian to share the most practical, science-backed influence strategies used by top leaders, negotiators, and communicators. You'll ... Show More
35m 45s
Oct 12
How To Influence Anyone (With Integrity)
Tired of telling people what to do, only for your words to fall on deaf ears? Do you feel like you're just "barking orders" without seeing any real, lasting behavioral change in your team or family? In this episode, I’ll share my 3-step framework for "silent influence," a method ... Show More
8m 40s
Aug 19
Aristotle’s Art of Self-Persuasion — How to Use Ancient Rhetoric to Change Your Life
<p>The ancient art of rhetoric has shaped political policies, influenced social movements, structured legal arguments, and molded cultural narratives throughout history. It's been used for three thousand years to persuade other people to change their lives.</p><p>But what if you ... Show More
51m 42s
Aug 23
12 Powerful Listening Hacks to Instantly Build Deeper Connections
👇 SUBSCRIBE TO MY YOUTUBE CHANNEL - so this show can reach more people 👇 https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIprGZAdzn3ZqgLmDuibYcw?sub_confirmation=1 Click the Link Below to Subscribe to my email list to MAXOUT your life (all value, no fluff) https://konect.to/edmylett The Power ... Show More
1h 35m
Jan 2025
S3 EP5 | Unlock the Power of Your Influence | The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins | The Messy Podcast
Welcome to Season 3, Episode 5 of The Messy Podcast! In this episode, we explore the power of influence and how The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins can help you inspire positive change in others. Learn how to model desired behaviors, celebrate progress, and shift away from pressur ... Show More
13m 55s
Jun 2025
A surprisingly effective way to persuade (almost) anyone
It’s a psychological principle that helped end South African apartheid. It reversed the Pope’s declining popularity. It reduced university students’ binge drinking by 30%. And can predict romantic breakups with 60% accuracy. Today, bestselling author Will Storr reveals the surpri ... Show More
25m 44s