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Frame Finding

Analyzing real messages framed in the wild

Frame Finding is a running series that breaks down how public figures, brands, and institutions shape perception through strategic language. Each post analyzes a real-world example—usually a quote in the news—and reveals the frame being used to steer emotion, attention, or belief.

We’re not here to fact-check or take sides. We’re here to observe the how behind the message:

  • What framing strategy was used?
  • Why did it work (or not)?
  • And what can communicators learn from it?

This is for anyone who wants to say things more clearly—and see through the noise more easily.

Frame Finding #021: From Defensiveness to Discipline

June 14, 2025 by Jimmy Marlin Epperson

Apple didn’t lead with strength—but they recovered. In this WSJ interview, they turned a delayed Siri rollout into a principled decision by shifting from defensive excuses to a long-term, quality-first AI vision.

Categories Frame Finding

Frame Finding #020: Red Herring in the Chaos

June 13, 2025 by Jimmy Marlin Epperson

DHS Secretary Kristi Noem redirects a question about law enforcement levels by highlighting past violence and blaming Governor Newsom—an example of red herring and emotional framing at work.

Categories Frame Finding

Frame Finding #019: The ‘Consensus Contrast’ Frame

June 15, 2025June 11, 2025 by Jimmy Marlin Epperson

Gov. Gavin Newsom uses contrast, consensus, and vivid emotional examples to frame mass deportations as a betrayal of American norms—turning a policy dispute into a threat to democratic values.

Categories Frame Finding

Frame Finding #018: “He’s Trying to De-Escalate”

June 11, 2025June 9, 2025 by Jimmy Marlin Epperson

In response to Gov. Newsom’s warning that the National Guard would escalate tensions in Los Angeles, Sen. James Lankford reframed the move as de-escalation—arguing that history shows chaos follows when leaders wait too long.

Categories Frame Finding

Frame Finding #017: The “At What Cost?” Frame

June 8, 2025 by Jimmy Marlin Epperson

Senator Tim Kaine accepts the premise that Trump’s tariff plan reduces the deficit—but reframes it by exposing the cost. He uses a metaphor and a regressive tax analogy to show the burden is shifted onto everyday Americans. The result? A powerful negative frame: deficit reduction comes at a price.

Categories Frame Finding

Frame Finding #016: The Drunk Teenager Analogy

June 15, 2025June 7, 2025 by Jimmy Marlin Epperson

Frame Finding #016: The Drunk Teenager Analogy

Categories Frame Finding Tags Metaphor and Analogy Examples

Frame Finding #015: The “Deficit Curve” Goalpost

June 6, 2025June 6, 2025 by Jimmy Marlin Epperson

Sen. Ron Johnson frames Trump’s megabill by starting with a clear goal—reducing the deficit—then uses contrast to show how the bill fails that goal. It’s a clean example of goal framing that relies on consistency and outcome rather than outrage.

Categories Frame Finding

Frame Finding #014: The “Broken Alignment” Frame

June 5, 2025 by Jimmy Marlin Epperson

Sen. Jeff Merkley reveals how a proposed tax bill helps billionaires while hurting families—then points out that these outcomes don’t align with past campaign promises. It’s a framing move built on contrast and consistency, encouraging the audience to quietly notice what’s changed.

Categories Frame Finding

Frame Finding #013: From Spending Bill to Jet Fuel

June 6, 2025June 4, 2025 by Jimmy Marlin Epperson

The Speaker reframes a controversial spending bill as a “reconciliation package,” injects the metaphor “jet fuel,” and overwhelms criticism with a flood of benefits—creating a powerful frame built on optimism, not math.

Categories Frame Finding

Frame Finding #012: The Ad Hominem Redirect

June 3, 2025 by Jimmy Marlin Epperson

When asked about a New York Times article on alleged drug use, Elon Musk didn’t address the report directly. Instead, he redirected attention to the publication’s past controversies—framing the question itself as unworthy of response.

Categories Frame Finding
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Frame Finding is a monthly email that breaks down how powerful people and brands use framing to shape what we think, feel, and do.

 


🧠 Frame Finding

Real-world breakdowns of how messages are shaped, how meaning gets distorted—and how to see through it clearly.

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  • Frame Now
  • 3-Day Clarity Challenge
  • Employee Training
    • Communication Training
    • Leadership Communication
    • Strategic Communication Consulting
  • Strategic Messaging
  • Blog
  • Contact

Recent Blog Posts

  • Frame Finding #021: From Defensiveness to Discipline
  • What is the Contrast Frame?
  • Frame Finding #020: Red Herring in the Chaos
  • Frame Finding #019: The ‘Consensus Contrast’ Frame
  • Frame Finding #018: “He’s Trying to De-Escalate”
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  • 3-Day Clarity Challenge
  • Employee Training
    • Communication Training
    • Leadership Communication
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  • Strategic Messaging
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