10 MUST-READ BOOKS ON  INFLUENCE 

In this episode of the Changing Minds Podcast, I’m sharing 10 of the most powerful and insightful books on influence and persuasion that have shaped the way I approach helping others change their minds. From timeless classics like Robert Cialdini’s Influence to modern masterpieces like Jonah Berger’s Contagious, I break down key ideas and actionable strategies you can use ethically—whether in leadership, sales, or everyday conversations. 

Defining Influence vs. Persuasion

• Influence: Any action that impacts how someone thinks or behaves.
• Persuasion: A deliberate attempt to change attitudes or behaviors (a subset of influence).

The 10 Must Read Books  

1. Influence by Robert Cialdini
   • 7 principles: Reciprocity, Commitment & Consistency, Social Proof, Liking, Authority, Scarcity, Unity.
   • Applications: Sales, leadership, parenting, negotiation.
   • Always emphasize ethical influence.
2. Persuasion by Robert Cialdini
   • The secret lies in priming the mind before the persuasion attempt.
   • Control attention, use anchoring, and set emotional states before conversations.
3. Rhetoric by Aristotle
   • Introduced Ethos, Logos, Pathos.
   • Importance of credibility, logical arguments, and emotional appeals.
   • The framework includes Invention, Arrangement, Style, Memory, and Delivery.
4. Nudge by Richard Thaler & Cass Sunstein
   • Subtle environmental tweaks influence decisions without force.
   • Examples: Defaults, choice architecture, reducing friction, highlighting losses.
5. Drive by Daniel Pink
   • Motivation 3.0: Focuses on intrinsic motivators—Autonomy, Mastery, Purpose.
   • Money alone isn’t enough; meaning and ownership matter.
6. How Minds Change by David McRaney
   • Beliefs change safely and incrementally.
   • Use deep listening, and ask questions like “What made you believe that?”.
   • Leverage techniques like motivational interviewing and deep canvassing.
7. Persuasion Engineering by Richard Bandler & John LaValle
   • Influence happens at the level of language, emotion, and sensory processing.
   • Use anchoring, reframing, embedded commands, and sensory language.
8. The Catalyst by Jonah Berger
   • Focus less on adding pressure and more on removing barriers.
   • Reduce resistance by letting others take ownership of their change.
9. Words That Work by Frank Luntz
   • It’s not what you say; it’s what people hear.
   • Use simple, emotional, vivid language and repeat key phrases.
10. Contagious by Jonah Berger
    • Framework: Social Currency, Triggers, Emotion, Public Visibility, Practical Value, Stories.
    • Understand why things go viral & how to make messages stick.

Final Thoughts

• These books have profoundly shaped how I approach influence.
• Mastering influence ethically can help you succeed in business, leadership, personal growth, and relationships.
• Want to deepen your skills? Start with these!