Beyond the Talking Points

 

In sports, every team has a playbook. They run specific plays designed to control the game and put points on the board. What if we, as citizens trying to find common ground, could get a peek at the playbook for modern political communication?

Understanding the strategy behind the messaging can help us see the game more clearly. It allows us to look past the provocative language and the 24/7 news churn to focus on what really matters: the substance of the ideas being discussed. When we can spot the 'play,' we're less likely to get swept up by it.

This isn't about choosing a side; it's about understanding the game itself. By recognizing these universal communication tactics - no matter who is using them - we can become more discerning consumers of information. This empowers us to bypass the outrage designed to divide us and instead build the conversations that connect us.

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tl;dr

Here’s a deeper look at the playbook: (For those interested, here are a few common plays and some counter-plays that can be used to foster clearer dialogue.)

The Offensive Playbook: 3 Common Communication Plays

Play #1: The Gravity Well. This is the strategy of creating a spectacle so large and compelling that it pulls all media attention into its orbit. The goal is to dominate the news cycle through bold, provocative, or entertaining statements. This forces everyone else to react and respond, effectively setting the agenda and distracting from other issues.

Play #2: The Direct Broadcast. This play involves bypassing traditional media gatekeepers (like newspapers or TV news) and speaking directly to supporters through social media, rallies, or email lists. This allows a communicator to frame their message on their own terms, build a strong connection with their base, and label any outside criticism as biased or "fake."

Play #3: The Slogan Stamp. This is the art of creating simple, memorable, and emotionally powerful phrases or nicknames that "stamp" an idea or an opponent in the public's mind. The language is designed to be highly repetitive and sticky, making complex issues seem simple and defining the terms of the debate before it has even begun.

The Counter-Playbook: 3 Tools for Clearer Conversation

Counter-Play #1: The "Fact Sandwich." When you encounter a piece of misinformation, it’s tempting to repeat it in order to debunk it. This often just reinforces the false claim. Instead, use the "Fact Sandwich." Start by stating the truth clearly. Then, briefly mention the false statement and who made it. Finally, end by repeating the truth. This frames the conversation around the facts.

Counter-Play #2: Change the Venue. Instead of getting stuck reacting to a provocative statement (playing on their field), the counter is to proactively shift the conversation to more substantive ground. Ignore the bait and instead ask: "But how does this affect our community?" or "What's the plan for X?" This changes the venue of the conversation from spectacle back to substance.

Counter-Play #3: The Noise Filter. A key part of the playbook is to create constant noise to exhaust and confuse the public. The counter is to become your own news editor. Consciously decide what is signal (substantive policy, important events) and what is noise (minor provocations, daily outrage cycles). By refusing to engage with every distraction, we can focus our energy on the conversations that actually matter for bridging the divide.

What are your thoughts? Which of these "plays" have you seen in action recently (from any side)?