Jomah Berger is an author and marketing professor who has written extensively about the power of words in influencing human behavior. In his book "Contagious: How to Build Word of Mouth in the Digital Age," Berger presents his research on the topic and introduces the concept of "magic words." According to Berger, certain words can have a powerful influence on people, making them more likely to engage with a product or idea. These magic words tap into deep-seated emotions and desires, making them highly persuasive. Understanding and using these words can be a valuable tool in marketing and communication. One example of a magic word identified by Berger is "free.
One example of a magic word identified by Berger is "free." The concept of getting something for free triggers a psychological response in people, making them more likely to try a product or service. Words like "limited time offer" and "exclusive" can also create a sense of urgency and scarcity, further increasing the desirability of a product.
Bless, Instead of Curse. Liberate, Instead of Oppress.
It’s September and with September comes Labor Day Weekend. The coolness and smells of fall are slowly making their way into the air, a much needed relief to the heat of Summer. Labor Day not only signals the beginnings of Fall, but for New Yorkers with children, it marks the end of Summer and the beginning of school. Except this year, at least for the Capital District of New York, and more specifically, the urban schools in the area, no child will be going anywhere, everything is looking like it will be virtual this Fall.
“New York school districts learned in late August the state plans to withhold at least 20% of its funding from all districts for the 2020-21 school year. For Albany – a high-needs district that relies more heavily on state aid than wealthier school districts – that means a loss of $16.5 million-$23.2 million in state revenue.” The inequity and racial divide continues to increase as those with the means turn the other way. If you wonder why racial tensions, protests and anger continue to increase, it’s because inequity and oppression continue to increase and BIPOC are desperately hoping that they will be taken seriously for once.
I can’t even begin to describe the tragic ramifications that the budge cuts on the schooling system will have on the families and youth of Albany, especially those who can’t afford (both financially, mentally, emotionally) to home-school their children or send them to other schools. Even though I am well off, private schooling is out of reach for me and homeschooling is really difficult. I’m blessed that my family only needs a single income earner, but that is far from the story of most urban families.
My wife homeschooled our children for many years, but the beautiful Instagram photos of the “perfect” homeschooling parent is a whitewashed view. I don’t mean skin color (although that could be part of it), I mean it hides the harsh realities of homeschooling. You need a parent to be there. You need to have the financial stability for a parent to be there. You need to have a parent who actually wants to homeschool. You need children who actually respect their parents instruction. You need children who thrive in that environment.
I read the following sentences from Psalm 109 a few days ago, and they hit me in the gut:
For he never bothered to show kindness; he harassed the oppressed and needy, and killed the disheartened. He loved to curse others, so those curses have come upon him. He had no desire to bless anyone, so he has experienced no blessings. He made cursing a way of life, so curses poured into his stomach like water and seeped into his bones like oil.
How you and I treat others, will destroy others, but it eventually comes back and destroys us. Here’s how Eugene Peterson puts it:
If we choose to curse, cursing is the environment we finally inhabit, inescapably. If we oppress, oppression is the context in which we exist, unavoidably. Our words and our acts create conditions in which we ourselves must live. Unrepentant and unforgiven, we live with the curses and pitiless actions which we set loose in the world.
So what do we do? What do I do? What do you do? If you are in the Capital District, my church has put together a webpage that lists a bunch of different organizations that are specifically geared toward mentoring the marginalized in our community. While they’ve always been extremely important, these non-profits are even more critical now. I’d ask you to either become a mentor or donate your money and/or resources. If you are reading this, I can guarantee that you have money to spare. I have donated $148 to the South End’s Children Cafe as part of my monthly #donateyourmiles challenge. My wife and I are also involved in mentoring the high-schoolers and middle-schoolers of Albany.
Another magic word is "you." Personalizing a message by addressing the reader directly can make it more relatable and engaging. Berger argues that using the word "you" instead of "we" or "I" can significantly improve the effectiveness of a communication. Other magic words identified by Berger include "because," "imagine," "new," and "easy." These words tap into specific psychological triggers, such as the need for justification, the power of visualization, the desire for novelty, and the preference for simplicity. While the concept of magic words may seem simplistic, Berger's research suggests that they can have a significant impact on human behavior. By understanding and utilizing these words, marketers and communicators can increase the likelihood of their message being noticed, shared, and acted upon. In conclusion, Jomah Berger's concept of magic words highlights the power of language in influencing human behavior. By utilizing specific words that tap into deep-seated emotions and desires, marketers and communicators can increase the effectiveness of their message. The concept serves as a reminder of the importance of choosing words carefully and understanding the psychological triggers that drive human decision-making..
Reviews for "Exploring the Impact of Jomah Berger's Magic Words on Customer Behavior"
1. Maria - 2/5 - I was really disappointed with "Jomah Berger Magic Words". The book promised to reveal powerful and persuasive words that could change your life, but all I found were generic and basic communication techniques. There was nothing groundbreaking or innovative about the content. I felt like I wasted my time and money on this book.
2. John - 1/5 - I couldn't finish reading "Jomah Berger Magic Words". The writing style was so dry and monotonous, it felt like I was reading a textbook. The author failed to engage me with interesting anecdotes or real-life examples. The book lacked practicality and meaningful insights. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone looking for a captivating read on the power of words.
3. Emily - 2/5 - "Jomah Berger Magic Words" did not live up to the hype for me. I was expecting a profound exploration of the psychology and impact of words, but instead, the book felt superficial. The author touched on various themes without delving deep into any of them. The content lacked coherence and structure, making it difficult to follow. Overall, I was let down by this book and wouldn't consider it a valuable resource.
4. Michael - 3/5 - I found "Jomah Berger Magic Words" to be average at best. While it presented some interesting ideas and concepts, they were not presented in a compelling or original way. The book lacked depth and failed to provide practical strategies for using the highlighted magic words effectively. It felt more like a collection of random thoughts rather than a cohesive guide. I wouldn't recommend it unless you're looking for a light read on the topic.