Framing and the words we choose

When someone gives you advice that starts with “Here’s what you should do…” it can come across as: “If you were smart…”. Not the best way to prime someone to listen.

Context and the way a message is framed can be more important than the message itself. Imagine a letter with the most brilliant and valuable words, stuffed in an envelope. It all becomes meaningless if the envelope is tossed in the garbage.

Prime people to receive helpful advice by making sure it actually sounds helpful, not judgemental or critical. One example is: “Here’s something that worked for me in the past…”