Cialdini at the RSA

Earlier this year, Dr. Cialdini traveled to the London and addressed members of the RSA - Royal Society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce. It was founded in 1754 and was granted a Royal Charter in 1847. Notable members have included Benjamin Franklin, Karl Marx, Adam Smith, William Hogarth, Charles Dickens and Guglielmo Marconi.

Notwithstanding its establishment credentials, the RSA has always been a radical body which has sought to challenge the status quo and change the world around it. Its founders spoke of the need to "embolden enterprise, enlarge science, refine art, improve our manufactures and extend our commerce", but also of the need to alleviate poverty and secure full employment.

In this RSA lecture, Professor Cialdini delivers a presentation on his recent research into the successful use of social norms to promote pro-environmental action.

It's a little on the long side for one listen, but there are some insightful comments, especially towards the end, when Cialdini conducts an unrehearsed Q & A with the audience. For those of you out there who speak on a regular basis, those Q & A sessions are often the true test of whether you're connecting with your audience. Cialdini nails it.

Download mp3 audio version (26MB audio file, bewa.

Click here to download a transcript of the lecture.