seminars

Political Personalities
Six basic personality types are commonly found in politics – especially among activists, professionals, and political leaders. Find out what they are, how to recognize them in others, and which of them represent the closest match to your own personality. Watch now. Read our article in Campaigns & Elections on the six political personality types.

Introduction to Generational Theory
This seminar is an introduction to the groundbreaking theory pioneered by William Strauss and Neil Howe, demonstrating how history is driven by predictable cycles of generational change. This seminar is a prerequisite to all other topics in generational theory. We would be delighted to pair it with an intermediate or advanced topic. Watch now.

Political Messaging
To be effective, leaders must communicate using values-driven language that speaks to the core motivations of audiences. Learn how write effective talking points that persuade the public and leave your opponents struggling to keep up. Watch now. Read our article in Campaigns and Elections on how to build a political messaging device.

The Psychological Origins of Ideology
What makes people liberal, conservative, or moderate? It has a great deal to do with how we were raised, and begins to form the moment we are born. Conventional wisdom treats ideology as a set of beliefs and labels, but we think ideological beliefs and behaviors are far easier to understand, predict, and change once we recognize that they come from a set of psychological motivations. Watch now. Read more about this topic at our blog.

Influencing People
Attitudes and behaviors are only very, VERY loosely related. Is it really worth the effort and expense to change people’s minds, when what you really want is to change their behaviors? We’ll introduce you to the influence techniques that easily overpower reason, and help you understand when reason, persuasion, and good arguments can actually work. Watch now. Read our article in Campaigns and Elections on the psychology of influence.

Generations in Congress
When a new generation gains power in Congress, the effects are transformational. With the Silent Generation’s influence rapidly diminishing, what can we expect from Baby Boomer leaders at the height of their power? Watch now in the Briefing Room. Read more about this topic at our blog.

“David’s study of the impact of generational change on the US Senate is just one example of the great value he brings to students and practitioners of politics.”

– Morley Winograd & Michael Hais, authors of Millennial Makeover, Millennial Momentum, and Millennial Majority.

The Psychology of Social Action
What motivates people to volunteer for a charitable cause, join a social movement, or get involved in a political campaign? You’ll be surprised to learn what’s really driving activism.

Crisis Politics
Beginning with the financial meltdown in 2008, America entered a Fourth Turning – a protracted period of fear, uncertainty, and doubt which is expected to culminate in the mid-to-late 2020s. Find out what generational experts believe the next 10-15 years have in store and how to navigate the transformational changes ahead.

Facial Trait Judgments in Elections
Low-information voters often make decisions based on ephemeral and peripheral cues, including what candidates look like. If you think it’s all about beauty and attractiveness, you’ve been badly misinformed. Something far more powerful is shaping people’s first — and last — impressions. Based on the groundbreaking research of Alexander Todorov and colleagues, this seminar examines the role of candidate facial traits in shaping election outcomes – and predicting them with jaw-dropping consistency and accuracy. Read our article in Campaigns and Elections on the impact of facial traits.

How Voters Decide
Based on the groundbreaking research of Richard Lau and David Redlawsk, this seminar takes an up-close look at the decision-making strategies used by voters to pick candidates. Voters use different decision-making processes depending on the type of election and the number of viable candidates. As a candidate, your goal should be to make their decision to vote for you as cognitively easy as possible. Find out how.