Patrick van der Burght is an international keynote speaker, trainer and consultant specialising in the science of human decision-making and ethical persuasion. Since 2000, he has helped professionals, leaders and organisations communicate more effectively, build stronger relationships and achieve better outcomes - without compromising their integrity.

Recognised by the World's Leading Authority on Persuasion

Patrick is one of the world's few Cialdini Institute Licensed Trainers and a Founding Member of the Cialdini Institute, established by New York Times bestselling author Dr Robert Cialdini, the world's most quoted social psychologist, whose book ‘Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion’ is still considered by many leading CEOs to be one of the greatest business books ever written. His expertise is grounded in decades of scientific research into why people say "yes" and, just as importantly, why people say "no".

Teaching One of Today's Most Urgent Business Skills

In its Future of Jobs Report 2025, the World Economic Forum identified Leadership and Social Influence as the third most urgent skill organisations need to develop in their employees by 2030. Patrick's presentations translate the science into practical, immediately applicable strategies that help audiences influence ethically, communicate with greater certainty, build trust and motivate action.

More Than an Engaging Keynote

Driven by a passion for teaching this topic, Patrick has delivered keynotes, workshops and certification programs for organisations across a wide range of industries. His engaging style combines fascinating research, memorable case studies, and immediately applicable strategies that audiences can use the very same day. Because the principles are taught with ethics at their core and supported by decades of scientific research, participants enthusiastically embrace what they learn rather than resist it, leaving them inspired, confident and eager to put the strategies into practice. Whether speaking on sales, leadership, customer experience or effective communication in general, his sessions equip people with practical tools to influence ethically, build trust and motivate action.

A Mission to Turn Knowledge into Results

Patrick has published ‘How to Hear YES More Often’ and hosts the podcast ‘Ethical Persuasion Unlocked’, where he explores the science of persuasion with business leaders and subject matter experts. His mission is to help individuals and org