Customer Reviews

Persuasion and Influence in American Life

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This book was very poorly organized. Some chapters are overly long (like Chapter 8) and others should be completely eliminated because they have very little to do with the topic (Chapter 2). The authors are clear enough in their language and use good examples but the scope of the information is too broad. In trying to tie together the micro (psychological) and macro (political) elements of persuasion they bore and confuse readers. Ironically the end result isn't very persuasive. Not a single person in the "Persuasion" class I read this for class liked this book- including the professor.

Well. I looked at the two reviews that were posted as of June, 2008, and decided I had to take a stand. One -can- crab about the "spill-over" and gaping holes here and there, but as a revelation of technique to those who are largely unaware of how those with the knowhow and financial wherewithall manipulate public opinion, this is a -very- worthwhile read.

I expect anyone who "digs in" here will come away with a much better grasp of how electoral politics, as well as marketing and advertising, work to influence voting and buying habits. While this is an undergraduate school text, the authors are pretty "toothy" in their examination of societal norms, manipulation of symbols, credibility, audience-targeting, and the use -- as well as intentional -misuse- -- of logic.

It also seems fair -- and accurate -- to assert that in the wrong hands, this is as fine and dandy a basic manual for designing propaganda and media manipulation as it is a means for illuminating such to the uninformed.

This may be a "required" book for an upper college level class, however it is a great book for all. Very insightful. Has information on how to deliver your point without offending or challenging someone. It also reveals "political" speech tactics and the media.

Although there was good information in this book, the author seemed more interested in playing with words than in communicating clearly his point -- unless that very wordiness WAS his point? This is not a book I would recommend to an average reader.