Negative framing grabs attention fast—but why are we so drawn to it? This post unpacks the psychology behind our fixation on threats, risks, and bad news, and explores how communicators can use (or resist) that pull with intention.
How Positive and Negative Frames Shape Your Message Positive and negative frames are woven into nearly every type of communication we encounter. And they are the backbone of how messages influence perception and drive action. Let’s face it, communication is hard. Understanding how to leverage these frames is can make it easier to communicate and … Read more
Metaphors are bridges that connect complex ideas with the familiar, making abstract concepts accessible. Metaphors can enrich strategic messaging, but without enough thought, they can also have unintended interpretations. Metaphors and analogies are a type of frame in communications. This blog covers three topics: A warning about metaphors through an example. Simple directions on ow to create a … Read more
The importance of good communication was put in a nutshell by self-improvement pioneer Paul J Meyer when he said ” Communication – the human connection – is the key to personal and career success.” This is true in all walks of life but particularly in the workplace. Environments where people not only feel understood but also seek to understand … Read more
If you think of mindfulness as an esoteric philosophy with no relevance in the real world, you might want to rethink your approach. Mindfulness is about much more than striking yoga poses and nurturing inner children. Even many people who would not be caught dead in a spa or yoga retreat are using mindfulness and … Read more
In the early 1900s, French psychologist Alfred Binet developed an IQ test to measure children’s mental abilities. With his colleague, Theodore Simon, the two set up questions that assessed a child’s ability to remember facts and solve problems. In recent years, a new form of assessing intelligence has become increasingly popular. It helps to identify … Read more
I wish I knew how to make a clear message in college. When I was a student, I started the College Democrats. I invited every young moderate in Oklahoma to a lobbyist’s house for a political party. College kids from across the state showed up. Hundreds actually. A US Senator was there. Gubernatorial candidates. Big-time … Read more
People spend up to 80% of their days communicating, and over 50% of that time is dedicated to listening. However, the average listener only remembers around 25% of what was said. If you’re in a leadership role, one way to be effective is by being a good listener. Being a good listener is far from passive. Effective listening skills … Read more
7 Reasons Why Communication is Difficult The bottom line is that effective communication is difficult. It just is, even for naturally good communicators. If you look at the challenges modern humans face compared to our hominid ancestors, it’s just complicated. Plain and simple. Here’s why: The subjects modern humans talk about are extraordinarily complicated and … Read more