The Silent Hack YouTubers Use To Hook You

Education

The Silent Hack YouTubers Use To Hook You

Introduction

This YouTuber has gone from a shy and awkward creator to one of the most loved and fastest-growing on the platform. Aaron, more famously known as Mr. Who's the Boss, started out making tech videos and eventually exploded when he produced content covering the stranger side of technology. But for four years, he had a gigantic problem holding him back, and if he hadn't fixed it, his channel would never have hit its true potential. Meanwhile, on the other side of the Atlantic, another tech YouTuber, Marcus Brownlee, had exactly the same problem and had figured out exactly the same retention hack that led to exactly the same result.

Identifying the Problem

Before we explore their solutions, we need to analyze the problem they both had to solve to stand a chance on YouTube. This problem was articulated by a man named Albert in the 1960s. He established that human communication is 55% non-verbal, 38% vocal, and only 7% down to the words you say. Your body language, facial expression, and tone all significantly impact how your video’s information is interpreted and received by your viewer. This is more powerful than the words you speak, and it drives retention.

The Initial Struggle

Aaron and Marcus struggled because they communicated with only 7% of their power. Their early content felt awkward, something viewers sensed due to their reliance on verbal communication alone. Over time, however, they mastered the art of engaging viewers beyond just words.

The Key Changes

  1. The Basics:

    • Both creators stopped talking to the camera in a rigid manner. Instead, they began using slow but deliberate hand movements to strengthen their messages. Keeping their palms open made them appear more welcoming and relatable, while avoiding covering vital organs helped mask any nervousness. This significantly improved viewer retention.

    • The Experiment:

      • An experiment was conducted where participants watched a Wile E. Coyote cartoon, with one group having their arms tied. The results showed that the group who couldn’t use their hands struggled more to recall the cartoon details. This demonstrated that hand gestures help both in conveying information and in speaking more fluently.

    • Early Mistakes:

      • Despite fixing their communication issues, both Aaron and Marcus initially shot their videos too closely, barely including hand gestures in the frame.

  2. Non-Visual Communication:

    • Voice Modulation:
      • Even when not on screen, voice tonality helps maintain viewer interest. Emphasizing key words changes the entire meaning and keeps the audience hooked.
      • Example: Saying the line "Mr. Who is the Boss is probably one of the greatest YouTubers ever" with varying emphasis demonstrates this principle.

Unique Styles

  • Marcus Brownlee:

    • Marquez maintains a calculated, steady, and deliberate pace. He admits that the tech is the real star of his show, not himself. This humility and focus create a retention powerhouse.

  • Aaron:

    • To avoid being a copycat of Marcus, Aaron developed a unique approach. He often starts his videos with energy, incorporating dynamic hand gestures, and using creative editing. This choreography keeps viewers engaged almost unconsciously.

Conclusion

Both significant retention hacks have enabled Aaron and Marcus to become legendary YouTubers. Their journey illustrates that becoming a great YouTuber isn't about being a natural showman but about developing the necessary skills and thinking outside the box. Master your communication skills and combine them with viral storytelling techniques to truly captivate your audience.

Keywords

  • YouTube
  • Retention Hacks
  • Non-verbal Communication
  • Voice Modulation
  • Aaron (Mr. Who's the Boss)
  • Marcus Brownlee (MKBHD)
  • Viewer Engagement
  • Tech Videos
  • Body Language
  • Communication Skills

FAQs

Q: What was the main problem Aaron and Marcus had on YouTube?

A: They initially struggled with communication, primarily relying on verbal communication and not effectively using non-verbal cues, which significantly affected viewer retention.

Q: How did they fix their communication problems?

A: They started using slow but deliberate hand movements, open palms, and avoided covering vital organs to appear more relatable and reduce anxiousness.

Q: Do hand gestures really make a difference?

A: Yes, hand gestures help convey information more effectively and make speaking more fluently, thus improving viewer retention.

Q: How does voice modulation help in non-visual communication?

A: By emphasizing key words in a sentence, creators can convey different meanings and maintain viewer interest even when not on screen.

Q: How do Marcus and Aaron’s styles differ?

A: Marcus maintains a calm and calculated presentation style, focusing on the tech, while Aaron uses dynamic hand gestures, creative editing, and body language to keep viewers engaged.

Q: What is the overall lesson from their approach?

A: Mastery in YouTube content creation isn't about being a natural showman; it's about developing skills to communicate effectively and thinking creatively to keep viewers engaged.