Jonah Berger on the Power of Words

Welcome to FOMO Sapiens, the podcast about entrepreneurial thinkers who don’t just follow the crowd, but instead take their own path to success in business and in life.

In this episode, Patrick is joined by Jonah Berger, a marketing professor at the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and bestselling author of “Contagious” and “Invisible Influence”. Berger discusses his latest book, “Magic Words: The Science and Secrets Behind Seven Words That Motivate, Engage, and Influence,” which delves into the psychology behind how certain words can inspire action and influence behavior.

Patrick and Jonah dive into how language changes how we act and drill down into some of the seven “magic words” he explores in his book: “you,” “because,” “free,” “instantly,” “new,” “improved,” and “limited.” He explains the science behind why these words are so powerful and how they can be used effectively in various contexts, from marketing campaigns to personal relationships. Throughout the conversation, Berger and McGinnis discuss the impact of language on decision-making and how understanding the power of words can help individuals and organizations achieve their goals. Berger also shares practical tips for using these magic words in a way that feels authentic and genuine, rather than manipulative.

If you’re looking for valuable insights into the psychology of language and the ways in which certain words can motivate and influence our behavior, then this episode is for you!

Meet our guest:

Jonah Berger is a Wharton School professor and internationally bestselling author of Magic Words, Contagious, Invisible Influence, and The Catalyst. Dr. Berger is a world-renowned expert on natural language processing, change, word of mouth, influence, consumer behavior, and why things catch on. He has published over 80 articles in top‐tier academic journals, teaches one of the world’s most popular online courses, and popular outlets like The New York Times and Harvard Business Review often cover his work. Berger has keynoted hundreds of major conferences and events like SXSW and Cannes Lions, advises various early-stage companies, and consults for organizations like Apple, Google, Nike, Amazon, GE, Moderna, and The Gates Foundation. Here are some examples of media coverage: NPR’s Marketplace, Wall Street Journal, CNBC, USA Today, Fast Company Profile, Harvard Business Review, and The New York Times.

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