Subtle shifts in language can have a huge impact on everything from convincing clients and holding attention to connecting with loved ones in our lives.
Understanding and leveraging certain language techniques, such as avoiding hedging and turning past tense into present, can convey more certainty and confidence in our communication.
Deep dives
The Power of Word of Mouth
One of the main takeaways from Jonah's book, 'Contagious: Why Things Catch On,' is the power of word of mouth and how to harness it. By turning customers into advocates and getting them to share our message, we can reach a broader audience and have a greater impact. Jonah identifies six factors that drive word of mouth and consumer behavior, which he explores in his book. Understanding and leveraging these factors can help us create contagious content that spreads and catches on.
The Impact of Language on Behavior
Jonah discusses the power of language in his book, 'Magic Words,' and how it can influence behavior. He emphasizes that subtle shifts in language can have a significant impact on various aspects of communication, such as persuasion, holding attention, and connecting with others. For example, certain types of questions, like follow-up questions, can demonstrate interest and lead to a deeper connection with others. Additionally, using certain language techniques, such as avoiding hedging and turning past tense into present, can convey more certainty and confidence in our communication.
Engaging Communication through Language
Jonah's research on language in communication reveals that certain language choices can make our message more engaging and hold people's attention. Using concrete and familiar language makes it easier for people to process information and stay engaged. Moreover, emotional language, particularly uncertainty-associated emotions, can create curiosity and compel people to continue paying attention. By considering how we use language, we can make our communication more captivating, regardless of the topic.
Understanding the Audience, Building Simplicity, and Driving Action
Jonah highlights three key ingredients for successful communication. Firstly, understanding the audience is crucial to tailor our message effectively. Secondly, simplicity in communication is essential, as it helps make complex ideas accessible to a broader audience. Lastly, it's important to drive the audience towards action by helping them see the benefits of the desired course of action and navigate the barriers to change. By incorporating these ingredients into our communication approach, we can enhance its impact and effectiveness.
Words have impact. But when it comes to enchanting audiences and captivating with communication, Jonah Berger, PhD ’07, says some words are more potent than others.
Berger is a Wharton School professor and an internationally bestselling author. His most recent book, Magic Words: What to Say to Get Your Way, identifies language we can use to communicate more effectively in all sorts of personal and professional contexts. “Subtle shifts in language can have a huge impact on everything from convincing clients and holding attention to connecting with loved ones in our lives,” Berger says.
Magic words allow us to change minds, engage audiences, and drive action. In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Berger and host Matt Abrahams discuss how we can leverage their power in our own communication.