This document discusses influence and persuasion, outlining six universal principles of persuasion put forth by Dr. Robert Cialdini including reciprocity, scarcity, authority, consistency, liking, and consensus. It notes that while logic and data help us understand issues, emotion plays over 70% of the role in our decision making. Effective messages contain unexpected, emotional, simple, concrete and credible stories that activate our "mirror neurons" and feel real to our brains. Stories can be used to inspire behavior, communicate values and expertise, and sell products or pitch ideas.