5 Books That’ll Teach You How To Influence People In Just A Weekend

Influence isn’t about slick talk or power moves but really about understanding what makes people tick. And psychology, as dry as it might sound, is really just the study of why we do what we do. If you’ve ever wanted to get better at persuading your boss, winning an argument gently, or simply being more aware of human behaviour, these five books are your weekend crash course. Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion by Robert Cialdini A classic for a reason, this one has been on the desks of everyone from startup founders to campaign strategists. Cialdini breaks down six timeless principles: reciprocity, commitment, social proof, authority, liking, and scarcity, using real-world experiments. The examples are so simple, you’ll start spotting these persuasion tricks everywhere, from your favourite app’s design to supermarket aisles. Pre-Suasion: A Revolutionary Way to Influence and Persuade by Robert Cialdini Consider this the “next level” to Influence. Here, Cialdini goes deeper. He writes that it’s not just what you say, but when and how you say it. He explains how setting the stage (even subtly) can make people more receptive before the conversation even begins. It’s a great book for anyone who negotiates, leads, or simply wants to be a little more aware of the psychology behind timing. Captivate: The Science of Succeeding with People by Vanessa Van Edwards Vanessa Van Edwards, a behavioural researcher, brings the science down to earth with warmth and humour. Captivate isn’t about manipulation but about decoding social cues and learning how to connect with authenticity. The book’s structure is fun as each chapter teaches a small experiment you can try in your daily life, from handshakes to small talk to charisma. The Like Switch: An Ex-FBI Agent’s Guide to Influencing, Attracting, and Winning People Over by Jack Schafer If you’ve ever wanted to understand what makes someone instantly trust you, this is the book. Written by a former FBI agent who spent his career reading people, Schafer mixes spy tactics with psychology in a surprisingly human way. His “friendship formula”, which includes likability, proximity, frequency, and duration, actually makes perfect sense once you start observing your own relationships. Games People Play: The Psychology of Human Relationships by Eric Berne Published in the 1960s but still deeply relevant, this one reads like a mirror held up to everyday interactions. Berne breaks down social “games” — the patterns and roles we subconsciously fall into, from office dynamics to romantic arguments. It’s a slower, more thoughtful read, but you’ll never look at a conversation the same way again.