https://www.influence51.com/newsletter/ A short, research-grounded newsletter on what moves people — sent on the first Monday of every month by Dr. JonRobert Tartaglione. en-us https://www.influence51.com/newsletter/may-2026-conversational-receptiveness/ https://www.influence51.com/newsletter/may-2026-conversational-receptiveness/ Fri, 01 May 2026 12:00:00 +0000 The hardest part of disagreement isn't getting your facts straight — it's making the other person feel that talking with you is worth the effort. https://www.influence51.com/newsletter/april-2026-meaningful-friction/ https://www.influence51.com/newsletter/april-2026-meaningful-friction/ Wed, 01 Apr 2026 12:00:00 +0000 In a world where all conventional wisdom suggests that designers aim to 'remove friction,' could adding a bit of friction actually increase engagement and commitment? https://www.influence51.com/newsletter/march-2026-tipping-point/ https://www.influence51.com/newsletter/march-2026-tipping-point/ Sun, 01 Mar 2026 12:00:00 +0000 To catalyze change, stop trying to convince the majority - science says it's not necessary. Instead, build a visible, committed minority, then let the social math do the rest. https://www.influence51.com/newsletter/february-2026-sisyphus-trap/ https://www.influence51.com/newsletter/february-2026-sisyphus-trap/ Sun, 01 Feb 2026 12:00:00 +0000 The fastest way to kill employee motivation isn't difficult work or low pay, but the sinking suspicion that their effort serves no purpose. https://www.influence51.com/newsletter/january-2026-power-of-defaults/ https://www.influence51.com/newsletter/january-2026-power-of-defaults/ Thu, 01 Jan 2026 12:00:00 +0000 The most powerful force shaping our choices is often completely invisible to us (despite hiding in plain sight). https://www.influence51.com/newsletter/december-2025-explanatory-depth/ https://www.influence51.com/newsletter/december-2025-explanatory-depth/ Mon, 01 Dec 2025 12:00:00 +0000 If you want to soften someone’s stance and open them up to considering alternative views, it helps to shift from asking “why” to asking “how.” https://www.influence51.com/newsletter/november-2025-decoy-effect/ https://www.influence51.com/newsletter/november-2025-decoy-effect/ Sat, 01 Nov 2025 12:00:00 +0000 Our choices are not always based on static preferences but can sometimes be manipulated based on how options are presented. https://www.influence51.com/newsletter/october-2025-deep-canvassing/ https://www.influence51.com/newsletter/october-2025-deep-canvassing/ Wed, 01 Oct 2025 12:00:00 +0000 Why sharing your own stories (and encouraging another to share theirs) might be the most effective way to change someone’s mind. https://www.influence51.com/newsletter/september-2025-cognitive-dissonance/ https://www.influence51.com/newsletter/september-2025-cognitive-dissonance/ Mon, 01 Sep 2025 12:00:00 +0000 When our attitudes and our behaviors are not aligned, our brains are determined to change one of them to restore balance. https://www.influence51.com/newsletter/august-2025-belonging-cyberball/ https://www.influence51.com/newsletter/august-2025-belonging-cyberball/ Fri, 01 Aug 2025 12:00:00 +0000 Connection and belonging are more than just “nice feelings” - they’re deep evolutionary urges with ties to survival. https://www.influence51.com/newsletter/july-2025-motivated-reasoning/ https://www.influence51.com/newsletter/july-2025-motivated-reasoning/ Tue, 01 Jul 2025 12:00:00 +0000 Our brains care more about being a “good” group member than about being accurate.