Creating a sense of urgency to bring about change

It's fascinating to explore how a sense of urgency can drive positive change, as depicted in the two videos I reviewed. In "The Power of Words," it was evident that presenting facts without emotion had minimal impact on effecting change. However, a simple tweak in wording led to a significant shift in perception and response. Similarly, the "Behavioral Science Guys" video highlighted the importance of understanding what the audience truly needs to facilitate change effectively, emphasizing that overwhelming them with excessive information can hinder progress.

Both videos underscored the common resistance to change that often stems from complacency and comfort with the status quo. Yet, initiating change requires effort, an open mind, and the willingness to step out of established norms. As demonstrated, even a single individual can catalyze change, prompting others to recognize and embrace its benefits.

The example from "The Power of Words" about the passerby noticing the inefficiency of the blind man's sign is poignant. It illustrates how a subtle shift in messaging, incorporating emotional appeal alongside factual content, can make a message more impactful. This is especially relevant in educational contexts, where students may hesitate to express their opinions for fear of judgment or controversy, opting instead for safer, factual statements.

The key takeaway from these videos is the significant impact of words and their delivery in influencing change. Finding the right words and timing is crucial to effectively convey messages and inspire action. Simply lecturing about the benefits of change may not be as effective as tailoring the message to resonate with the audience's needs and emotions, as demonstrated by the "Behavioral Science Guys" experiment.

In considering your own program and target audience, recognizing the distinctions between Digital Natives and Digital Immigrants is valuable. Since Digital Immigrants may approach technology differently, understanding their perspectives and preferences can guide you in crafting messages and strategies that resonate and lead to successful change implementation.

References:

How to Change People Who Don't Want to Change | The Behavioral Science Guys [video] January 5, 2015 https://youtu.be/9ACi-D5DI6A?si=a5xiT7EQr3njcZKl

Gil-Acirón, L. Á. (2022). Benefits of gamification in second language learning ; 

Beneficios de la gamificación en el aprendizaje de segundas lenguas. Epos : Revista

de Filología; Núm. 38 (2022): Epos. Revista de Filología; 103-126 ; 2255-3495 ; 

213-201X ; 10.5944/Epos.38.2022. 

https://doi-org.libproxy.lamar.edu/10.5944/epos.38.2022.33785

The Power of Words [video] February 23, 2010, https://youtu.be/Hzgzim5m7oU