Margaret’s Persuasion Coach Blog
Break from News for a True Persuasion Story
I manage my exposure to news, aiming to strike a balance between staying sufficiently informed while also staying sane. I’m ready for a break from blogging about the news, and I bet you readers are ready for a break, too. So let me tell you a true story about how I recently used the skills I teach.
A Wide-Angle View from Charlottesville
On Aug. 17, I woke thinking about another news-related aspect of what I call “defense against the dark arts of persuasion,” that is, news timing. Sensational news, “big” news, can distract us while other harmful things quietly slide into place, unobserved. I found myself asking, ”Why now?” Who benefits from the timing of the Charlottesville demonstration?
Diagnosing News Commentary
Having looked at news reporting last time, let’s turn now to news commentary and analysis. The fact that opinions are permissible in this category makes it easy to turn into ratings-driven sensationalism, or worse, ideology-driven propaganda. The best commentators and analysts, therefore, abide by ethical and professional standards. How can we recognize them?
Red Flags in News Reports
There’s fake news, and then there’s people confusing opinions with news…The most professional, ethical reporters not only seek to inform, rather than influence, they seek to inform without inciting fear, anger, panic or the like…Here are some red flags to watch for.
A Different Kind of War Memoir
Decades ago, I took notes from my dad on his experiences in the US Navy in World War II. I intended to turn them into a book. In rereading my notes, I realize that Dad used some of the same skills I now teach…When we were growing up, Dad’s war stories rarely involved blood and guts and high-risk heroics. Rather, they depicted bravery of a different kind, though he might not have thought of himself as brave.
Count to Fifteen
One of the most useful things I ever learned is that, when I ask a class of trainees a question, the time it takes them to think of their answers seems longer to me then it does to them. Even if my question is, “Any questions?” it can take up to fifteen seconds for them to think back over what I’ve said and whether it all makes sense.
Mind Power & Word Power, Part II
Common health care terminology can make it harder to stay healthy…Our language supports, not only ageism, but many other forms of prejudice…Think of a little boy you care about…Now imagine that little boy had to grow up in a society where…
Mind Power & Word Power, Part I
“Counterclockwise: Mindful Health and the Power of Possibility by Ellen J. Langer not only changed my ideas about health and aging, but inspired me to broader applications in the areas of influence and communication. It leaves no doubt that the mind and body are not separate entities. Rather, they interact in ways we might not yet understand, but can still turn to our advantage.
Define Your Terms, Eliminate Conflict
Awhile back, one of your fellow blog followers sent me an article entitled “How to Stay Sane If Trump Is Driving You Insane: Advice from a Therapist” by Robin Chancer. After a few sentences, I thought, Wow. This disputes some of my primary beliefs…But on rereading, I noticed different interpretations.
Doing the Math of Bridges Across Politics
As a communication trainer and consultant, I want to believe that anyone can learn to discuss politics in a civilized manner if we give them enough time, if we start with one tortoise step, then, proceed very slowly. But do we have that time to give? With the seriousness of current political issues, time becomes more significant. We should consider how long it’s likely to take to achieve civil, reflective interaction with a given individual and adjust our efforts accordingly.