Ways to Influence People provides students with new perspectives. They learn there are a variety of ways to get others to do what is wanted, and the choices made reflect one's moral standards and determine chances for success. Specifically:

  Intellectual persuasion builds upon a human's reasoning ability. It is closely associated with fallacy avoidance and scientific methods of inquiry. It is a moral and often successful strategy that has almost no backfire potential.

Propaganda that relies on consciously using fallacies, authority images, high emotion, in-group identification and psychological trickery. Its effectiveness is reduced when people are aware of the ploys being used.

Demonstration (Direct Action) is a limited kind of physical involvement used by such leaders as Mohandas K. Gandhi and Martin Luther King, Jr.

Animal-like Training involves positive and negative reinforcement (classical and operant conditioning) as well as physical alterations brought about through operations, drugs, and DNA alterations.). These are examined in the light of recent scientific findings relating to behavior control.

All of these methods are morally acceptable in certain situations and may work. If used inappropriately, however, they will be ineffective and may even backfire. A concluding activity involves planning a course of action to deal with a school or community problem. Young people consider their options in light of moral considerations, cultural traditions, specific circumstances and likely long-term effects.

"Raising Children" is a topic in each section. Specific (often conflicting) techniques for influencing various age groups are examined. Adolescents are encouraged to "think ahead," consider alternatives most likely to result in their children reaching maturity capable of handling adult responsibilities. (Psychologist James Dobson's views on limited, controlled spanking are discussed as are those of other authorities.)

Ways to Influence People consists of a student text (78 pages) with a 1998 copyright. There is a 21 page Teacher's Manual and 63 pages of student activities and readings that provide a basis for discussions. The modual is self-contained, but it incorporates elements from all other Teachers' Press units. It makes an excellent concluding unit when used in conjunction with one or more of them.

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