How to Persuade People Who Don't Want to be Persuaded

Most books about developing effective persuasive techniques are based on traditional debate methods and on fine-tuning ethos, logos and pathos to convince people to do things your way. Authors Joel Bauer and Mark Levy acknowledge the benefits of earlier approaches, but entertainment and fun are their attention getters of choice. The authors advocate "infotainment," adapting pitching techniques used by flamboyant non-business people, such as gamblers, carnival barkers and magicians. They may have a point. Some of their techniques, including the use of tricks and props, might help you seize an audience. (Warning for the fumble-fingered, some of these magic tricks literally require sleight-of-hand practice.) Determining if these games would work in most traditional corporate settings, or on a repeated basis, is another question. getAbstract recommends this book to particularly adventurous marketing and sales presenters. Only certifiable extroverts need apply.