Module 7: Taking Action: Skills for Antifascists
Knowing the facts and having the right intentions are important, but they're not enough. To effectively challenge fascism and promote a more just world, we need to be able to communicate our ideas effectively, both online and offline. This section provides guidance on how to frame your message, engage in constructive dialogue, and potentially even engage with the media.
A. Effective Communication (Key Principles):
Whether you're talking to a friend, writing a social media post, or speaking at a rally, these principles can help you communicate more effectively:
Clarity: Be clear and concise in your communication. Avoid jargon or technical terms that your audience may not understand. Get straight to the point.
Accuracy: Ensure that your information is accurate and well-sourced. Use credible sources and cite them when appropriate.
Respect: Communicate respectfully, even when disagreeing with others. Avoid personal attacks, insults, or name-calling. Remember the principles of "calling in" versus "calling out" (from Module 4).
Empathy: Try to understand the perspectives of others, even if you don't agree with them. Put yourself in their shoes and consider what might be motivating their beliefs.
Active Listening: Listen attentively to what others are saying, without interrupting or formulating your response while they're talking. Ask clarifying questions and reflect back what you hear to ensure you understand.
Framing: How you present information can significantly impact how it's received. (See the next section for more on framing.)
Know Your Audience: Tailor your message to the specific audience you're trying to reach. What are their values, concerns, and existing beliefs?
Storytelling: Personal stories can be a powerful way to connect with people on an emotional level and make your message more relatable.
Call to Action: If appropriate, include a clear call to action. What do you want people to do after hearing your message?
B. Framing Messages:
Framing is about how you present an issue – the language you use, the aspects you emphasize, and the context you provide. It's not about being manipulative; it's about communicating in a way that is more likely to resonate with your audience.
Identify Shared Values: Before you can persuade someone, you need to find common ground. What values do you share with your audience? Can you frame the issue in a way that appeals to those values?
Example: Instead of arguing about immigration in terms of "open borders" vs. "national security," you might frame it in terms of shared values like "fairness," "compassion," or "economic opportunity."
Use Positive Framing: Focus on the positive outcomes you're trying to achieve, rather than just the negative things you're trying to prevent.
Example: Instead of saying "We need to stop fascism," you might say "We need to build a world where everyone is treated with dignity and respect."
Avoid Jargon and Technical Terms: Use clear, accessible language that everyone can understand.
Use Metaphors and Analogies: Metaphors and analogies can help make complex issues more understandable and relatable.
Consider the "Messenger": People are more likely to be persuaded by messengers they trust and respect. If possible, find messengers who share the values and background of your target audience.
C. Writing Skills:
Whether you're writing a letter to the editor, a social media post, a blog post, or an email to your elected officials, these tips can help you communicate more effectively in writing:
Letters to the Editor:
Be Concise: Letters to the editor are usually short, so get straight to the point.
Focus on One Issue: Don't try to cover too much ground in a single letter.
Provide Evidence: Support your claims with facts and evidence.
Offer Solutions: If possible, suggest solutions to the problem you're addressing.
Be Respectful: Even if you're writing to express strong disagreement, maintain a respectful tone.
Include Your Contact Information: Most newspapers require you to include your name, address, and phone number (though they may not publish all of this information).
Social Media Posts:
Be Engaging: Use compelling language, visuals, and hashtags to capture attention.
Be Accurate: Don't spread misinformation. Fact-check before you share.
Be Respectful: Avoid personal attacks and engage in constructive dialogue.
Use Hashtags Strategically: Use relevant hashtags to reach a wider audience.
Include a Call to Action: What do you want people to do after reading your post?
Use strong verbs.
Use simple language.
Effective communication is a skill that takes practice. The more you engage in these different forms of communication, the better you'll become at crafting your message and connecting with your audience.