The Psychology of Influence with Dr. Robert Cialdini: Timeless Persuasion Principles

Dr. Robert Cialdini on The IJK Podcast

In this episode of The IJK Podcast, host Imad-Jack Karam sits down with Dr. Robert Cialdini, the world-renowned psychologist and bestselling author of Influence and Pre-Suasion.

Dr. Cialdini’s pioneering research on the psychology of persuasion has shaped how businesses, leaders, and everyday people understand why we say yes. His seven principles of influence — reciprocity, commitment & consistency, social proof, liking, authority, scarcity, and unity — have become essential tools in marketing, communication, and behavioral science.

Together, we explore how these timeless principles hold up in a world transformed by technology, AI, and constant digital noise.

The conversation covers:

• How the Seven Principles of Influence remain relevant in 2025
• The art of Pre-Suasion — creating the right mindset before your message is delivered
• Applying influence ethically in business, leadership, and communication
• How AI and large language models (LLMs) are reshaping persuasion and decision-making
• What the future of influence might look like as human and machine interactions evolve

From understanding why people trust online ratings (or raters, as Cialdini cleverly reframes them) to navigating influence in an age of algorithms and automation, this episode offers a masterclass in human behavior for the digital era.

If you’ve ever wondered why people say yes — and how influence can be used ethically to inspire action rather than manipulate, this conversation is for you.
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