Written by: Vickie Sullivan | March 07, 2019
How to Break Through Coded Language
Have you ever made a comment on social media that you thought was reasonable and all of a sudden you’re faced a fierce wall of opposition? At that moment, did you feel misunderstood?
Here’s what happened: Folks are responding to how others have used the comment you just made. What you meant was sincere; what they heard was a dog whistle, a coded message meant to provoke.
How can you head this misunderstanding off at the pass? Here are two things that make your intentions clear:
• Acknowledge the other side. When you say, “I agree with you on…” This sends the message that you are not dismissing what’s been done/felt. Downplaying and distracting are the most popular purposes of dog whistles. So I counteract that in the beginning.
• Condemn first; explain later. In today’s climate, silence is assumed approval. If you add additional information about a negative situation, be sure to acknowledge what you don’t support. My favorite phrase: I just want to make clear that…
Listen: The One Thing That Will Make Your Message Clear and Uncoded
In the war of information, language has been weaponized. What sounds reasonable on the surface is often code for something completely different. It’s a way to downplay what others think is wrong without siding with the wrongdoers. It’s a way to express solidarity with an unpopular group without getting judged.
To protect our thought leadership, we must take clarity to the next level.
Now Read This:
- How to Navigate Volatile Environments on Social Media
- Strategic Sounding Boards Give Real-World Advice for When the Rubber Meets the Road