Description
In this episode of the Legend Effect Podcast, host Howie Chan interviews Steve Martin, an expert on influence and persuasion and the CEO of Influence At Work, who learned and closely collaborated with the godfather of persuasion, Dr. Robert Cialdini.
They delve into how the answer isn’t always more data and what it actually takes to ethically persuade someone, the difference between winning the argument and winning the outcome, and the power of story for bringing someone to your side. The discussion emphasizes that having a compelling case is not enough to influence and persuade people.
Steve provides us with the three-part influence equation that’s behind effective influence and persuasion, and the biggest mistakes people make when trying to persuade others and how to avoid them. He also shares real-life examples of how to apply the ideas, tips, and techniques he presents.
Episode Breakdown:
03:11 The stories we tell ourselves and how they’re a tool of self-persuasion
05:30 How Steve ended up in the world of persuasion and influence
08:27 What most don’t know about Cialdini’s revolutionary book, Influence
12:12 Having a compelling case is actually not enough
17:35 You can be a highly successful persuader and still be ethical
19:52 How to be an influential individual or brand, not just now but in the long run
23:12 The influence equation: how it came to be and what it’s all about
28:38 Applying the influence equation with real-life examples
32:52 How context affects influence and persuasion
35:44 The essential role of story in successful influence
37:54 The 2 biggest mistakes that keep you from the outcome you want
43:10 Get out of the trap of thinking you’re always the best messenger
46:38 The messenger traits that make people listen
49:11 Cost-effective ways to present your case in the most compelling way
52:37 The one skill that’s always in high demand even in the age of AI
55:53 How our feelings influence our decisions
1:00:40 A different way to present an idea that guarantees the best results
1:05:49 Steve’s reflection on his successful journey
1:08:06 A letter to Steve Martin’s younger self
Reach out to Rosa at Ideablossoms; she’s The Legend Effect’s podcast manager and is offering our listeners a 25% discount.
From Our Guest:
Find all his books here.
Check out Steve Martin’s course for The Economist, Influence and persuasion in business.
Catch up with my interview with Will Storr: Storytelling: The TRUTH About What It Means to Be Human And The Secret to Influence with Legend Will Storr.
Sign up for Behavior Blueprint, my FREE 7-day email course.
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