The Persuasion Occasion Perkins Coie LLP

On this show, Dan Ariely, Duke University professor and noted author, discusses behavioral psychology and persuasion, the dangers of misbelief, and the growing phenomenon of identity polarization in the digital age. Dan shares how misbelief can lead to a distorted view of reality, where everything is seen through the lens of a particular belief or perspective. We also dive into the significance of clear and concise communication in legal settings and the importance of navigating difficult conversations with empathy and respect. 

Dan is the James B. Duke Professor of Psychology & Behavioral Economics at Duke University and founded the Center for Advanced Hindsight. Dan also co-created the film documentary (Dis)Honesty: The Truth About Lies and wrote three-time New York Times bestsellers: Predictably Irrational, The Upside of Irrationality, and The Honest Truth About Dishonesty. His latest book, Misbelief: What Makes Rational People Believe Irrational Things, discusses the distorted lens through which people begin to view the world, reason about the world, and then describe the world to others. 

“When we are stressed, we need  a story with a villain - and that story gives us a sense of control.” - Dan Ariely

This week on The Persuasion Ocassion:
How misinformation spreads and affects trust in societyWhy misbelief can lead to a distorted view of reality, where everything is seen through the lens of a particular belief or perspectiveDan explains how stress can lead to misbeliefs and a desire for controlWhy we have low resilience due to decreased time with friends and workplace social isolationWhat  the "funnel of misbelief" is and how it affects our psychologyHow social media can both facilitate and exacerbate the polarization of beliefsWhy it’s so important to address misinformation and polarization and the potential consequences for democracy and society if we don’tWhy the legal system needs to catch up with new forms of communication and deterrent mechanisms in the digital ageDan shares his story of growing half a beard after being injured 70% of his body and why it inspired him  to explore behavioral economicsThe illusion of explanatory depth, where people often overestimate their knowledgeWhy we should seek out diverse perspectives and engage in constructive dialogue with people from different backgrounds and beliefs
Connect with Dan Ariely:Dan Ariely
Connect with David and Jasmine:David T. Biderman at Perkins Coie Jasmine Wetherell at Perkins Coie 

This week on The Persuasion Occasion, we welcome noted First Amendment lawyer Floyd Abrams as he recounts his representation of the New York Times in the historic legal battle over the publication of the Pentagon Papers. This 1971 case led to a groundbreaking U.S. Supreme Court ruling affecting freedom of the press. Floyd’s captivating storytelling and description reveals how this fight about fundamental constitutional issues unfolded in a charged political environment.

Join us for an engaging session with Kasia Jagodzinska, author of the Financial Times Guide to High Impact Negotiation. We discuss the negotiation process, how Kasia’s multicultural training served her in international negations at the United Nations, and the influence of psychology on negotiations. 

Kasia considers various negotiation strategies, including the Harvard Win/Win teaching and the FBI’s strategies for crisis negotiations, and observations on new technology.As an associate professor in negotiations at the University of Neuchatel, and senior trainer at the Schranner Negotiation Institute, Kasia is recognized as a national expert to the European Parliament on cross-border mediations and served as a senior advisor to the United Nations in Geneva. She is the author of several books on self-empowerment in high-stakes negotiations, including Negotiation Booster.

Doug Wilson, and DWC President Michele Vives discuss the growth and downturns of mixed-use development. Michele shares her perspective on the dramatic loss in value of downtown real estate and the interconnectedness of commercial real estate and such community issues as homelessness, and our need to address these challenges. Doug, a 40-year veteran of real estate cycles, describes why he is optimistic about downtown urban development and investing in San Francisco properties when others are closing their doors.

Johnny Dzubak and AJ Harbinger, creators of The Art of Charm podcast, share how their podcast—and their subsequent training services—help people open up lines of communication and influence. They explain how positive feedback loops and other trained behaviours can make you more persuasive and discuss the skills that can help build trust and relationships. Johnny and AJ also describe how their work with Special Forces allowed them to communicate with other cultures to build valuable rapport.

We’re excited to talk with Carlos Alvarenga, author of The Rules of Persuasion, How the World’s Greatest Communicators Convince, Inspire, Lead—and, Sometimes, Deceive. Carlos reveals how he translated Aristotle's principles of persuasion to modern media (e.g., movies and rap music) to make his advice more accessible. He also explores his definition of persuasion, how Donald Trump's presidential campaign created a powerful loyalty from his audience, and the concept of chemistry in communication.