“Magic Words” Author Jonah Berger, Ph.D. on His Latest Book on Persuading Through the Power of Words

This week’s episode features best-selling author, Wharton Business School professor, and world-reknown business advisor Jonah Berger, Ph.D.

We discuss Prof. Berger’s latest book, Magic Words: What to Say to Get Your Way and specific topics in the book such as:

– How the focus of Dr. Berger’s latest book, Magic Words, (to be releaseed Tuesday, March 7, 2023) relates to his most recent book, The Catalyst

– Why and how asking for advice actually can have a positive impact on how the asker is viewed by the advice-giver

– Effective strategies for asking better questions

– Why it’s not enough to just listen – we need to signal to the person speaking that we are actually paying attention in ways that don’t seem forced or formulaic

– The persuasive benefits of using concrete, specific language, and also when it’s better to be abstract

– Storytelling and guidance on how to develop and deliver a high-impact story

Resources mentioned in the episode – other books by Jonah Berger, Ph.D.

Magic Words: What to Say to Get Your Way

The Catalyst: How to Change Anyone’s Mind

Contagious: Why Things Catch On

Invisible Influence: The Hidden Forces That Shape Human Behavior