What if the secret to modern influence was 2,000 years old? In this episode of Social Intelligence Brief, AJ and Johnny uncover Cicero’s three-step formula for magnetic persuasion—a framework so powerful it once stopped riots and still drives billion-dollar pitches today.
Drawing on ancient rhetoric, neuroscience, and modern leadership psychology, they reveal how to frame problems, layer reasoning, and close with intensity—the timeless skills behind every great communicator. From Roman courts to boardrooms, you’ll learn how to turn logic into emotion, guide attention like a conductor, and leave any audience moved to act.
Whether you’re leading a meeting, pitching investors, or navigating conflict, this episode shows you how Cicero’s forgotten formula can help you speak with conviction—and influence with integrity.
What to Listen For
[00:00:00] How Cicero turned chaos into persuasion—his 3-step model
[00:01:12] Why structure—not charisma—is the key to attention
[00:02:10] Step 1: Frame the problem to define reality
[00:03:22] The modern VP example—how framing shifts energy and focus
[00:04:00] Step 2: Layer your reasons (fact → value → emotion)
[00:05:12] The neuroscience of stories and why emotion seals logic
[00:06:10] Step 3: Close with intensity, not volume
[00:07:05] The psychology of endings—why the close is all people remember
[00:08:10] The 3-question test for persuasive clarity
[00:08:40] Final recap: Frame it. Layer it. Close it.

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Check in with AJ and Johnny!
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<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-dzubak-b5182687/">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Johnny on LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a>
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/ajharbinger/">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AJ on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a>
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