Instant Influence: How to Get Anyone to Do Anything--Fast

"Instant Influence" (May 2011) clarifies and explains its mission well. Using a straightforward approach, the author explains how to use a simple motivational technique to obtain one’s desired results in people. Pantalon starts by defining what Instant Influence is and how it can be used in virtually any situation. Pantalon affirms that you can achieve your communication goal in seven minutes or less. Although this may be a bit of a stretch, the only real way to assess this process is to try it on your own. I have not yet put "Instant Influence" to the test, but I am confident that even if this process falls short or does not work to the level put forth by Pantalon, there are nuggets of wisdom and useful information that anyone can take away and use to improve their lives. The psychological basis for human behavior and its understanding are indeed part of using this process effectively; however, any reasonably motivated person could most likely figure out the hallmarks of Instant Influence on their own, without this book, and without an advanced educational degree. The author’s style is succinct and easy to decipher with clearly marked sections outlining the various steps to be taken. While Pantalon does have a tendency toward repetitiveness, its context is warranted as a way to reinforce these lessons. The book reads as sort of a training session without the excitement such sessions build in to retain attention. Chapter 10, entitled “Moving On,” reinforces that this approach is not a magic bullet and that change is completely up to the influencee, not the influencer. It deals with what to do if this process fails which basically means that the person did not want to change in the first place. Since this approach can be used by anyone in virtually any situation, the book would be appropriate for anyone who has ever tried to incite change in another person. "Instant Influence" is a quick and easy read. Even if you do not plan to use the approach as it is dictated, there is, again, plenty of good information to take away.