Thom Langford
CTO EMEA at Rapid7 | Former CISO, Publicis Groupe & Velonetic | Founder, (TL)2 Security & Host Unknown | Award-Winning Security Blogger
Jonah Berger
Wharton Marketing Professor | Bestselling Author of Contagious, The Catalyst & Magic Words | Expert on Viral Marketing, Influence & Persuasion
Few scholars have decoded the mechanics of influence as rigorously as Jonah Berger. A Wharton professor and bestselling author of Contagious, The Catalyst, and Magic Words, Berger spent two decades researching why things catch on, how to reduce resistance to change, and how language shapes outcomes. His frameworks have guided Fortune 500 companies and startups in creating viral campaigns, accelerating adoption, and driving measurable growth.
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Jonah Berger biography
Jonah Berger is a Wharton School professor, bestselling author, and one of the world’s foremost experts on word of mouth, social influence, and what makes things catch on. His research has been published in top academic journals and featured in The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and Harvard Business Review, while his insights have shaped marketing strategies for organizations ranging from Google and Apple to the Gates Foundation and the U.S. Navy.
Marketing speaker Jonah Berger is best known for Contagious: Why Things Catch On, which spent over six months on the New York Times bestseller list and has been translated into more than 35 languages. The book decoded the science behind viral content and word-of-mouth success, giving leaders a practical framework for making products, ideas, and behaviors spread. His follow-up works—Invisible Influence, The Catalyst, and Magic Words—continued to explore the hidden forces that shape decisions, the art of reducing resistance to change, and the power of language in persuasion.
His latest book, Magic Words: What to Say to Get Your Way, explores how subtle shifts in language can dramatically impact outcomes—from sales conversations to leadership communication. Berger’s research reveals that the right words, deployed strategically, can increase the likelihood of success in negotiations, marketing campaigns, and everyday interactions.
Academic Authority and Real-World Impact
Berger has published dozens of articles in leading academic journals including Science, Journal of Consumer Research, and Management Science. His work bridges the gap between rigorous scholarship and practical application, translating complex behavioral science into tools executives can use immediately. He has consulted with Fortune 500 companies across industries, helping them understand consumer behavior, drive engagement, and accelerate adoption of new products and initiatives.
As a speaker, Jonah Berger combines cutting-edge research with compelling storytelling and real-world case studies. Audiences gain actionable frameworks for understanding why people share, how to reduce resistance to change, and how language shapes outcomes. His sessions are data-driven yet accessible, leaving senior leaders with concrete strategies they can implement immediately to drive growth, influence stakeholders, and amplify their message.
Jonah Berger Speaking Videos
Jonah Berger - Contagious: Why Things Catch On
Jonah Berger – Invisible Influence
Jonah Berger Keynote Topics
Drawing from his groundbreaking research, Berger reveals the six principles that make products, ideas, and behaviors spread. This keynote unpacks real-world case studies—from viral videos to word-of-mouth successes—and delivers a practical framework leaders can apply immediately to amplify their message, increase engagement, and drive organic growth. Audiences leave with concrete strategies to make their content, campaigns, and initiatives more shareable.
Change is hard—not because people are stubborn, but because we push when we should pull. Berger explores the psychology of resistance and introduces five barriers that prevent adoption: Reactance, Endowment, Distance, Uncertainty, and Corroborating Evidence. By addressing these obstacles strategically, leaders can accelerate buy-in, whether launching a new product, driving organizational transformation, or influencing stakeholder decisions. This session is essential for executives navigating complex change initiatives.
The words we choose shape outcomes more than most leaders realize. In this keynote, Berger reveals how subtle shifts in language—whether in sales pitches, negotiations, or internal communications—can dramatically increase the likelihood of success. Backed by research and real-world examples, he demonstrates how to deploy language strategically to influence decisions, build trust, and drive action. Audiences gain a toolkit of linguistic techniques they can implement immediately.
Social influence operates beneath the surface, guiding decisions in ways we rarely acknowledge. Berger explores how peers, norms, and context shape consumer behavior and organizational dynamics. This session helps leaders understand when to harness social proof and when to differentiate, offering insights into positioning, branding, and strategic communication that drive competitive advantage.
Speaker topics
FAQs on Booking Jonah Berger
Why Jonah Berger?
Booking Jonah Berger for your event delivers immediate, actionable insights from one of the world's leading experts on influence, persuasion, and viral marketing. As a Wharton professor and bestselling author of Contagious, The Catalyst, and Magic Words, Berger translates cutting-edge behavioral science into practical frameworks that drive measurable results. His keynotes are backed by rigorous research yet delivered with clarity and real-world case studies that resonate with executives, marketers, and sales leaders alike. Organizations choose Berger because his frameworks—whether on word of mouth, reducing resistance, or strategic language—can be applied immediately to increase engagement, accelerate adoption, and amplify organizational impact. Contact Aurum Speakers Bureau to book Jonah Berger for your next event.
What is Jonah Berger's most famous book?
Jonah Berger's most famous book is Contagious: Why Things Catch On (2013), which spent over six months on the New York Times bestseller list and has been translated into more than 35 languages. The book identifies six key principles—Social Currency, Triggers, Emotion, Public, Practical Value, and Stories (STEPPS)—that explain why certain products, ideas, and behaviors become popular. Contagious became a foundational text in marketing and has been adopted by companies worldwide seeking to create viral content and drive word-of-mouth growth. His subsequent books—Invisible Influence, The Catalyst, and Magic Words—have also become bestsellers, further establishing his authority on influence and persuasion.
What does Jonah Berger teach at Wharton?
Jonah Berger is the James G. Campbell Professor of Marketing at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, where he teaches courses on consumer behavior, word of mouth, and social influence. His research focuses on how social dynamics shape consumer decisions, why products and ideas catch on, and how to leverage behavioral science to drive business outcomes. Berger has published dozens of peer-reviewed articles in top academic journals and is widely regarded as a leading authority on viral marketing and the psychology of sharing. His academic work directly informs his consulting and speaking engagements, where he translates research insights into practical tools for executives.
What topics does marketing speaker Jonah Berger cover?
Jonah Berger's keynotes explore the science of influence, persuasion, and behavior change. Core topics include word-of-mouth marketing and virality, reducing resistance to drive adoption of new ideas or products, the strategic use of language to increase sales and influence outcomes, social influence and decision-making, and consumer psychology. His talks are designed for senior audiences seeking data-driven frameworks to amplify their message, accelerate change initiatives, and drive measurable business results. Berger tailors content to align with organizational priorities, whether launching a new product, leading transformation, or refining go-to-market strategies. Contact Aurum Speakers Bureau to discuss how Jonah Berger can address your event's specific goals.
How to book Jonah Berger as a keynote speaker?
Aurum Speakers Bureau can help you book Jonah Berger as a speaker for your next event, conference, or board meeting. Simply fill out our contact form to inquire about Jonah Berger's availability for a speaking engagement. One of our booking agents will respond to your request immediately and contact the speaker to let them know you want to hire them. We will assist you with obtaining speaking fees, booking information, and confirming availability for Jonah Berger or any other top keynote speaker or celebrity of your choice.
How much is Jonah Berger speaking fee?
Jonah Berger speaking fees are determined by several factors, including the event's date, whether it's a virtual or in-person event, the duration, format, preparation required for their speech, and more. The same applies to the cost to hire any other top expert speakers and celebrities. The Speaker Fee Range listed on our website is simply a guideline and is subject to change without notice. If you would like to hire Jonah Berger to deliver a keynote speech for your event, please fill out the contact form or email us at info@aurumbureau.com with as much detail as possible. One of our experienced agents will get in touch with you and let you know exactly how much it will cost to book Jonah Berger.
How can I contact Jonah Berger?
We only work with Jonah Berger on paid speaking engagements. Aurum Speakers Bureau can assist you in booking Jonah Berger and will handle all negotiations, contracts, and logistics associated with having Jonah Berger speak at your event. We will be your sole point of contact throughout the process. Get in touch with Aurum Speakers Bureau today, and we will reach out to any motivational speaker or celebrity you want to enquire about speaking at your event. If you wish to contact Jonah Berger for any other reason, we will be unable to assist you as we are not authorized to provide personal contact information.
Can I book Jonah Berger for a virtual keynote?
Yes, Jonah Berger is available for virtual keynotes and webinars. To book Jonah Berger for a virtual event, please complete the contact form or send us an email to inquire about the special fees for virtual engagements.
