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Influence

By: Kenneth G. Brown, The Great Courses
Narrated by: Kenneth G. Brown
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Publisher's Summary

Don't just let influence just happen to you. Instead, take charge of your life by grasping the science behind how influence works and by strengthening your own skills at using it to your advantage. In this dynamic 12-lecture series, you'll discover how to tap into the hidden powers of influence - and use these powers to enhance your life in ways you never thought possible.

Using clear and accessible language, Professor Brown teaches you how and why influence works. You'll explore the four key factors involved in influence attempts; delve into exciting psychological and sociological research and experiments; ponder the ethics surrounding influence by studying the lives of historical leaders (and despots); get solid tips for becoming more influential; and hone your skills with simple exercises for everyday living. By the final lecture, you'll be able to harness the power of influence at home, at work, at the store, in your social life, and anywhere else you may need it.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.

©2013 The Great Courses (P)2013 The Teaching Company, LLC

What listeners say about Influence

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  • Overall
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Excellent collection of topics

This is an excellent collection of topics ranging from the four components of influence (agents, targets, tactics and context) through to practical applications such as impression management, public speaking, negotiation and sales. Good coverage of theoretical concepts and major research studies, as well as popular books. Good alignment with core concepts taught in MBA courses, including terminology & case studies.

This is not a course in manipulation or exploitation, although it does touch on such techniques (mainly so you can spot their use and resist them). Rather, like management courses generally, it takes the long view in developing effective influence through building credibility and capability.

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6 people found this helpful

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    3 out of 5 stars

Interesting insights

Good set of lectures, enjoyed learning about the different facets of influence. I understood it all - they did a great job of turning complex psychology into something the average person would comprehend...i.e. me.

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4 people found this helpful

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    3 out of 5 stars

Too brief

Not enough detail, examples and strategies for each method explained. Better books are available on influence

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2 people found this helpful

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My perception.

This course has truly changed the way I read people now. My mind has definitely shifted its focus on the intricacies of human behaviour.
I would very much love to learn of this subject.

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1 person found this helpful

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Really amazing book.

This is a great book that I will be listening again. I will recommend it to anyone who has an interest in this area.

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1 person found this helpful

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Good overall

I enjoy the references in the book, with theoretical tactics and real examples of how to use them.

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Waste of time

I jumped into this book with the excitement to improve my influencing skills as the title suggests. I am at chapter 5 now. But I am regretting the decision to read this one. It’s all empty, full of references to research studies that no one would care. It’s filled with cliche stereotypes. Nothing about what one need to do . Be likable, really? How? People with slower minds are easier to influence. Really? Tactics ??? Be softer? Really? How? Waste I am afraid. I am not taking anything from the book unfortunately . Apparently they put a lot of time into writing it, and it fulfills the objective of writing a book. But not useful

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The power of influence

I enjoyed this course, the presenter spoke well and provided concepts which were easy to understand.

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good overview

this book is a good overview but there are not enough concrete examples of how to put the lessons in to practise.

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Awesome

Loved and learnt so much thoroughly enjoyed the entire lecture with easy listening experience and practical references

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