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Kurt Mortensen Kurt Mortensen

Kurt W. Mortensen is an international authority on charisma, negotiation, and building your social influence. Kurt has spent over 20 years researching influence, leadership, sales, persuasive presentations, and he teaches on the university level.

Kurt is the author of Persuasion IQ, Laws of Charisma, and the best-selling book Maximum Influence. His books have been translated into 28 languages. He is also the host of the popular podcast Maximize Your Influence.

Over the years, Kurt has taught hundreds of seminars and workshops worldwide. (Over 20 Countries) He has discovered most people have a great desire to succeed but many times fall short of their goals. Mortensen teaches that professional success, personal Relationships, and leadership all depend on the ability to persuade, influence, and motivate others. The key is to get others to want to do, what you want them to do and like doing it.

Recent Content

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Episode 555 - Boil The Frog: How To Change That Stubborn Mind And Close-Minded Person &Raquo; Podcast Cover 01
Episode 555 – Boil The Frog: How To Change That Stubborn Mind And Close-Minded Person

In this episode Kurt explores effective methods for influencing and persuading stubborn individuals. He delves into the Boomerang effect, the importance of patience, and techniques like foot-in-the-do…

In this episode Kurt…

In this episode Kurt explores effective methods for influencing and persuading stubborn individuals. He delves into the Boomerang effect, the importance of patience, and techniques like foot-in-the-door to gradually change minds. Sleepless and selfish: Lack of Sleep makes us less generous The episode also touches on the significance of sleep on social behavior and the impact of presenting evidence and finding common ground in contentious discussions. Kurt also concludes with practical advice on engaging in open, empathetic dialogues to sway hardheaded individuals. Ready to skyrocket your infl…

Listen · 20:48
Episode 554 - The Images, Symbols, And Gestures That Trigger Distrust &Raquo; Podcast Cover 01
Episode 554 – The Images, Symbols, And Gestures That Trigger Distrust

In this episode, the focus is on subconscious triggers and how symbols, images, and gestures can influence feelings and behaviors. Kurt discusses how different gestures and symbols can have varied mea…

In this episode, the…

In this episode, the focus is on subconscious triggers and how symbols, images, and gestures can influence feelings and behaviors. Kurt discusses how different gestures and symbols can have varied meanings across cultures, like the thumbs up or the okay sign, and their potential impacts. The episode also explores a case study involving Delta Airlines’ strategy to offer compensation following an incident, analyzing whether it was good PR or a legal move. Additionally, a scholarly article on acts of kindness is examined, highlighting how we underestimate the positive effects of generosity. Ra…

Listen · 20:40
Episode 553 - Color Psychology And How It Triggers Emotions And Persuasion &Raquo; Podcast Cover 01
Episode 553 – Color Psychology And How It Triggers Emotions And Persuasion

In this episode Kurt Mortensen delves into the world of color psychology and its impact on emotions and persuasion. He explores how different colors can trigger subconscious feelings and influence beh…

In this episode Kurt…

In this episode Kurt Mortensen delves into the world of color psychology and its impact on emotions and persuasion. He explores how different colors can trigger subconscious feelings and influence behaviors, both positively and negatively. The discussion includes practical examples such as how color affects appetite, the perception of products, and even the success of sports teams. Color Psychology: How Color Affects Your Emotions And Why Kurt also touches on common cognitive biases like the Horn Effect and their impact on persuasion. Listeners are encouraged to be more mindful of color choice…

Listen · 20:53
Episode 552 - How Music And Sounds Trigger Feelings And Can Enhance Influence &Raquo; Podcast Cover 01
Episode 552 – How Music And Sounds Trigger Feelings And Can Enhance Influence

This episode discusses the power of music and sound in persuasion and influencing emotions. Kurt explores how different types of music can trigger specific emotional responses and affect behaviors, su…

This episode discuss…

This episode discusses the power of music and sound in persuasion and influencing emotions. Kurt explores how different types of music can trigger specific emotional responses and affect behaviors, such as enhancing shopping experiences, reducing Stress, and increasing productivity.  5 Ways to Make Sweet Music for Your Business The Monkey Business Illusion Through anecdotes and research findings, he explains that music can be a strategic tool in sales, customer service, and personal interactions to create the right mood and build rapport. Kurt also includes a "Persuasion Blunder" segment and…

Listen · 21:36
Episode 551 - How To Handle The Heckler, Jerk, Or Critic &Raquo; Podcast Cover 01
Episode 551 – How To Handle The Heckler, Jerk, Or Critic

In this episode, Mortensen discusses strategies to handle hecklers, critics, and disruptive individuals in various settings, from business meetings to public speaking engagements. He emphasizes the im…

In this episode, Mor…

In this episode, Mortensen discusses strategies to handle hecklers, critics, and disruptive individuals in various settings, from business meetings to public speaking engagements. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining composure, using humor, and understanding the motivations of hecklers to effectively manage disruptions. Being a selfish jerk doesn’t get you ahead, research finds Mortensen also shares research findings on the negative long-term impact of disagreeable behaviors in professional environments and provides practical advice for dealing with different types of hecklers, ultim…

Listen · 21:50
Episode 550 - Feel, Act, And Radiate More Charisma And Confidence &Raquo; Podcast Cover 01
Episode 550 – Feel, Act, And Radiate More Charisma And Confidence

This episode discusses strategies for building charisma and confidence, particularly in the context of persuasion and public speaking. Kurt provides tips on body language, vocal variety, and mental pr…

This episode discuss…

This episode discusses strategies for building charisma and confidence, particularly in the context of persuasion and public speaking. Kurt provides tips on body language, vocal variety, and mental preparation. He also emphasizes the importance of self-efficacy, using Albert Bandura’s research to outline methods for boosting confidence. Additional topics include cause marketing, the significance of appearance, and the difference between confidence and arrogance. Self‐Efficacy - Albert Bandura Unlock the secrets to mastering influence and persuasion with our exclusive Influence University p…

Listen · 20:57
Episode 549 - The Fake No - That Knee Jerk Reaction &Raquo; Podcast Cover 01
Episode 549 – The Fake No – That Knee Jerk Reaction

This episode delves into the concept of the "fake no" and knee-jerk reactions. Mortensen explores how subconscious triggers can lead to unwarranted objections and resistance from prospects. He uses va…

This episode delves …

This episode delves into the concept of the "fake no" and knee-jerk reactions. Mortensen explores how subconscious triggers can lead to unwarranted objections and resistance from prospects. He uses various anecdotes, including a wedding reception at a funeral home and a study on desk organization, to illustrate how perceptions and subconscious triggers play a role in influencing decisions. Mortensen also addresses how salespeople can sometimes create their own resistance through their expectations and fear of objections, particularly around pricing. He provides tips on maintaining a positive d…

Listen · 19:49
Episode 548 - Double Down On Dissonance &Raquo; Podcast Cover 01
Episode 548 – Double Down On Dissonance

This episode explores the Law of Dissonance, a key strategy in persuasion that helps individuals convince themselves. Kurt introduces the concept by explaining cognitive dissonance, a psychological co…

This episode explore…

This episode explores the Law of Dissonance, a key strategy in persuasion that helps individuals convince themselves. Kurt introduces the concept by explaining cognitive dissonance, a psychological conflict between beliefs and actions that causes discomfort and leads individuals to change their attitudes or behaviors. Immortality in the afterlife as cognitive default He shares personal anecdotes and studies demonstrating this phenomenon, such as people hesitating to sign a contract selling their soul. Mortensen also offers practical tips on how to employ dissonance in persuasion, how it assis…

Listen · 20:39
Episode 547 - How Humor Deflects Objections And Increases Influence &Raquo; Podcast Cover 01
Episode 547 – How Humor Deflects Objections and Increases Influence

In this episode Kurt discusses the impact of humor on persuasion, motivation, and influence. He explains how humor can build rapport, capture attention, and create positive emotional connections. Kurt…

In this episode Kurt…

In this episode Kurt discusses the impact of humor on persuasion, motivation, and influence. He explains how humor can build rapport, capture attention, and create positive emotional connections. Kurt also talks about the benefits of using humor in the workplace, including increased creativity, job satisfaction, and team performance. He shares tips on how to effectively incorporate humor into sales and presentations, and addresses the importance of being relevant and appropriate to avoid offending your audience. Finally, he highlights the professional advantages of having a sense of humor and …

Listen · 20:59
Episode 545 - The Buying Decision - How To Reduce Risk Maximize Reward &Raquo; Podcast Cover 01
Episode 545 – The Buying Decision – How To Reduce Risk Maximize Reward

This episode delves into strategies for enhancing influence, motivation, and success, featuring elements like goal setting and mindfulness. Kurt Mortensen shares personal anecdotes, such as a dentist'…

This episode delves …

This episode delves into strategies for enhancing influence, motivation, and success, featuring elements like goal setting and mindfulness. Kurt Mortensen shares personal anecdotes, such as a dentist's poor follow-up, to highlight the importance of persistence. He discusses human motivation, emphasizing the balance between minimizing risk and maximizing reward in decision-making. Listening to audience feedback and personal motivation techniques are explored, including intrinsic versus extrinsic incentives. The episode also features a listener question on effective sales tactics, reinforcing th…

Listen · 20:49
Episode 544 - Guaranteed Goals - The Science Of Maximum Success &Raquo; Podcast Cover 01
Episode 544 – Guaranteed Goals – The Science Of Maximum Success

This episode explores the science behind effective goal setting and achieving maximum success. Kurt discusses common pitfalls like failing to set goals correctly and pre-excusing failure. He highlight…

This episode explore…

This episode explores the science behind effective goal setting and achieving maximum success. Kurt discusses common pitfalls like failing to set goals correctly and pre-excusing failure. He highlights the importance of mindset, motivation, and self-persuasion in maintaining goal pursuit. The podcast also covers practical steps for setting and achieving goals, such as writing them down, creating an action plan, and having accountability. Kurt illustrates these points with examples and studies, offering actionable advice for listeners to increase their influence, motivation, and overall success…

Listen · 20:42
Episode 543 - How To Read Thoughts And Minds - How Does Cold Reading Work &Raquo; Podcast Cover 01
Episode 543 – How To Read Thoughts And Minds – How Does Cold Reading Work

This episode explores techniques to understand and influence people by decoding their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Kurt Mortensen delves into methods like hot and cold reading used by psychics, …

This episode explore…

This episode explores techniques to understand and influence people by decoding their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Kurt Mortensen delves into methods like hot and cold reading used by psychics, explaining how these techniques can be applied in everyday persuasion.  Going up against a rival makes us take more risks This episode also covers various studies on rivalry and risk-taking, body language cues, and the psychological principles behind effective communication and influence. Kurt also gives practical advice on boosting one's persuasive skills through better observation and understan…

Listen · 21:09
Episode 542 - Learned Optimism Vs Learned Helplessness Per Martin Seligman &Raquo; Podcast Cover 01
Episode 542 – Learned Optimism vs Learned Helplessness Per Martin Seligman

In this episode, Kurt delves into the power of mindset and its critical role in success. Starting with insights from his recent four-day event on Millionaire Psychology, Kurt explains the fundamental …

In this episode, Kur…

In this episode, Kurt delves into the power of mindset and its critical role in success. Starting with insights from his recent four-day event on Millionaire Psychology, Kurt explains the fundamental differences between learned optimism and learned helplessness, concepts introduced by Dr. Martin Seligman. Listeners will learn the significance of adopting a millionaire mindset, improving persuasion and negotiation skills, and the importance of continuous self-improvement. The Power of Small Wins The episode also covers strategies for overcoming learned helplessness, implementing small daily vic…

Listen · 21:26
Episode 541 - Nlp, Anchors - How Can They Help With Influence? &Raquo; Podcast Cover 01
Episode 541 – NLP, Anchors – How Can They Help With Influence?

In this episode, Kurt Mortensen explores the effectiveness of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) and its techniques for persuasion, motivation, and influence. Kurt discusses handling emotions like fea…

In this episode, Kur…

In this episode, Kurt Mortensen explores the effectiveness of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) and its techniques for persuasion, motivation, and influence. Kurt discusses handling emotions like fear, shares insights from recent studies on the brain's role in fear inhibition, and answers a listener's questions about NLP. He also introduces methods like mirroring, framing, future pacing, embedded commands, and anchoring, explaining how these tools can enhance personal and professional communication. Additionally, Kurt talks about public speaking Anxiety and compares NLP anchoring with exposur…

Listen · 20:53
Episode 540 - Communication Habits Of Successful Speakers - Michael Hoeppner Interview &Raquo; Podcast Cover 01
Episode 540 – Communication Habits Of Successful Speakers – Michael Hoeppner Interview

As a salesperson, you know how crucial communication is.  But have you ever stopped to think about common mistakes that could sabotage your presentations and cost you deals?  These aren’t just min…

As a salesperson, yo…

As a salesperson, you know how crucial communication is.  But have you ever stopped to think about common mistakes that could sabotage your presentations and cost you deals?  These aren’t just minor missteps - they’re the ones that can lose you a sale before you even realize it. Michael Bay Fails (Meltdown) CES - Walks Off Stage - heckled by Technology The bottom line: Be intentional with your communication, and don’t just rely on your product to do the talking. Your presentation is the first step in building trust - and that’s the foundation for every successful sale.  Join me for …

Listen · 23:00
Episode - 539 - Mimic, Mirror Or Merge: The Science Of Rapport &Raquo; Podcast Cover 01
Episode – 539 – Mimic, Mirror or Merge: The Science Of Rapport

Sales isn’t about an excellent presentation - it’s also about how you read your potential customers.  Body language is one of the most powerful tools in your persuasion toolkit, and understanding…

Sales isn’t about …

Sales isn’t about an excellent presentation - it’s also about how you read your potential customers.  Body language is one of the most powerful tools in your persuasion toolkit, and understanding it can be the difference between closing a deal and getting a NO.  People are constantly sending signals with their bodies, even when their mouths are silent.  So, how can you harness the art of reading body language to increase your sales and influence?  Let’s find out!  How Hope Beats Mindfulness When Times Are Tough Join me for this week’s podcast on Mimic, Mirror or Merge: The Science…

Listen · 20:33
Episode 538 - Destroy Rapport, Break The Mirror, And Increase Influence &Raquo; Podcast Cover 01
Episode 538 – Destroy Rapport, Break The Mirror, And Increase Influence

“Breaking the mirror” is a term used to describe how lawyers intentionally disrupt the psychological connection, or rapport, with a witness on the stand. That disconnect is also called antipathy.�…

“Breaking the mirr…

“Breaking the mirror” is a term used to describe how lawyers intentionally disrupt the psychological connection, or rapport, with a witness on the stand. That disconnect is also called antipathy.  During questioning, attorneys may initially mirror the witness’s tone, energy, rate, and body language to connect and build trust but then strategically break that alignment to create discomfort.  This shift is particularly effective in creating pressure and undermining a witness’s confidence. Harvard Psychologist Ellen Langer Shows How Mental Attitude Can Potentially Reverse the Effects o…

Listen · 20:53
Episode 537 - The First Gatekeeper - The Reticular Activating System (Ras) &Raquo; Podcast Cover 01
Episode 537 – The First Gatekeeper – The Reticular Activating System (RAS)

The importance of the RAS in persuasion extends to various fields, from marketing and advertising to public speaking and Education. By leveraging the power of the RAS, persuaders can enhance their abi…

The importance of th…

The importance of the RAS in persuasion extends to various fields, from marketing and advertising to public speaking and education. By leveraging the power of the RAS, persuaders can enhance their ability to keep their prospect’s attention and motivate them to action. Understanding and utilizing the RAS is critical to involvement and making a lasting impression in a world overflowing with information.  Latent Learning - How We Subconsciously Pick Up Information Join me for this week’s podcast on The First Gatekeeper - The Reticular Activating System (RAS).  I will take a deeper dive into…

Listen · 20:47

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