Framing: how to deliver your message effectively

The way you frame / deliver your message effectively has a huge impact on how you achieve your goals

How we hear, see, perceive situations, issues and information, is very personal. We each see the world through our own eyes, shaped by our experiences and personality. How we perceive information also depends how it is presented or structured. This is called Framing.

Framing refers to the way information is presented to an audience and it involves highlighting certain aspects of an issue while downplaying others to shape perceptions and guide decision-making. By choosing specific words, context, and emphasis, you can influence how others interpret and respond to your message. Framing is not about altering facts; it’s about presenting them in a way that aligns with your objectives.

Framing is a powerful tool that, when used effectively, can enhance your ability to influence and achieve your goals. By thoughtfully presenting your message, you can shape perceptions, foster understanding, and create positive outcomes in various aspects of life. For women striving to make their mark personally and professionally, mastering the art of framing can be a game-changer, helping you to not only get what you want but to do so in a way that resonates and inspires.

Framing can significantly impact opinions, attitudes, and decision-making by highlighting particular angles, values, or emotions related to a topic. Framing shapes the narrative, guiding how people interpret information or situations. It’s a powerful tool that can be used intentionally or unintentionally to influence perceptions and opinions.

How Framing Can Influence and Achieve Your Goals

Enhanced Persuasion: Framing can make your arguments more compelling by aligning them with the values and beliefs of your audience. This alignment increases the likelihood of your message resonating and being accepted.

Improved Negotiations: In negotiations, framing can help you steer conversations towards mutually beneficial outcomes. By emphasizing shared goals and positive outcomes, you can foster collaboration and reduce resistance.

Positive Self-Presentation: How you frame your accomplishments and skills can affect how others perceive you. Highlighting your strengths in a confident and relatable manner can enhance your professional and personal reputation.

Empathy and Understanding: Framing can facilitate better communication by making your perspective more relatable. This is particularly useful in resolving conflicts and building stronger relationships.

Watch: The circumstances of our lives may matter less than how we see them, says Rory Sutherland. At TEDxAthens, he makes a compelling case for how reframing is the key to happiness.

  

How framing can alter perception:

Emphasis:

Framing can highlight certain aspects while downplaying others. For example, describing a glass as “half-full” versus “half-empty” emphasizes different perspectives on the same situation.

Context:

The context in which information is presented can shape perception. Placing a fact within a positive or negative context can change how it’s interpreted.

Language and Tone:

The language used to present information can evoke different emotional responses. Positive or negative words can influence how something is perceived, even if the underlying facts remain unchanged.

Visual Representation:

In visual media, how a scene or an image is framed affects what’s seen and how it’s interpreted. Camera angles, focus, and composition can all influence perception.

Bias and Preconceptions:

Framing can tap into existing biases or preconceptions, reinforcing or challenging them. It can validate beliefs or challenge them based on how the information is presented.

Decision Making:

In decision-making scenarios, how options are framed can affect choices. For instance, framing a decision in terms of potential losses versus gains can lead to different choices, even if the outcomes are the same.

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Practical Examples

Career Advancement:

Framing Achievements: Instead of saying, “I managed a team of five,” frame it as, “I successfully led a dynamic team of five to achieve a 20% increase in productivity over six months.” This emphasizes your leadership and the tangible results you’ve delivered.

Framing Requests for Raises: When asking for a raise, frame your request in terms of the value you bring. For example, “Given my contributions to increasing our quarterly sales by 30%, I believe a salary adjustment is warranted to reflect my enhanced role and responsibilities.”

Personal Branding:

Framing Expertise: On social media or in professional settings, frame your expertise by sharing insights and success stories. For instance, “As a marketing strategist, I’ve helped brands like XYZ achieve a 50% growth in engagement through targeted campaigns.”

Framing Networking: When networking, frame your introductions to highlight common goals. “I’m passionate about sustainable fashion, and I’ve noticed you’ve made significant strides in this area. I’d love to discuss how we might collaborate to drive further impact.”

Conflict Resolution:

Framing Discussions: In personal or professional conflicts, frame your statements to focus on shared outcomes. Instead of saying, “You never listen to my ideas,” frame it as, “I feel our team could benefit from considering all perspectives to drive innovation. Can we find a way to ensure everyone’s ideas are heard?”

Framing Apologies: When apologizing, frame your apology to emphasize understanding and resolution. “I apologize for the oversight. I understand how it impacted our project, and I’m committed to ensuring it doesn’t happen again by implementing these steps.”

Health and Wellness:

Framing Self-Care: Frame self-care activities not as indulgences but as necessities for overall well-being. “Taking time for a yoga class each week helps me maintain my mental clarity and productivity.”

Framing Healthy Habits: When discussing healthy habits, frame them in terms of positive outcomes. Instead of saying, “I’m cutting out junk food,” frame it as, “I’m choosing nourishing foods to boost my energy and overall health.”

Ultimately, framing is about constructing a narrative that aligns with your strengths, values, and aspirations. It’s a tool for self-reflection, communication, and guiding your career in a direction that’s meaningful to you.

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