It's not what you say but how you say it

How you say something often matters far more than what you say.  To understand why consider a photo on the wall.  In that photo there is a picture that tells a story and surrounding that picture is a frame that casts that photo in a certain context.  Regardless of the photo, a rugged wooden frame casts the picture in a different light than does a cold metallic one or one of a warm bright color.  Shapes and textures also change the perception as each frame can subtly change how we perceive the picture even though the picture may always the same.   In politics, business and in life how we frame things can dramatically affect how they’re perceived. 

The army serves as a good example of framing.  Soldiers are taught to stand and walk with a tall frame because it makes them seem stronger and more confident.  By contrast people who walk hunched over and make a habit of staring at their shoes tend to be seen as more weak and lacking confidence.  In each case your frame and how you present it is a reflection of how the world perceives you.  People often see the frame long before the picture and thus will naturally preconceive whether you’re strong or weak before even meeting you.  How you choose to present yourself, your products and your organization can all impact how they’ll be perceived.

In the past we’ve subtly covered how framing can impact how politicians are perceived.  For example, we once noted a 2007 pre-election speech in which we broke down the frequency in which Premier Brown spoke in a first vs second and third person sense.  This was but one example of where the Premier predominantly focused on speaking in first person and most often, referencing himself.  Is it this kind of phrasing or ‘framing’ that lends itself to Premier Brown being perceived by a great many people as being self interested?  Indeed if he were to primarily phrase things this way when he speaks publically would he develop such a perception?  Other than through action how else is such a perception conceived?

We can take a similar approach to how we examine the framings that make up Bermuda’s official opposition.  The United Bermuda Party allowed themselves for years to be framed as an evil white party that committed great atrocities.  Today it matters little whether these claims are based in truth for the perception is that they are.  Ultimately today how people perceive the UBP is affected by how they’ve been framed.  Each initiative they undertake and word that they speak is viewed by many from the perception that they’re an evil white party.  As former Progressive Labour Party Chairman David Burt eloquently once suggested it is important to define your opponent before they have a chance to define you.

Similarly we recently noted the framing used by Bermuda’s newest political party “The Alliance” and the risks they face by not framing themselves correctly.  In some cases their public statements are phrased in an exclusive and imposing manner.  Do they intentionally frame themselves in that way or is their intention to instead be welcoming and inclusive?  If so why slouch and look at your shoes if you want people to see you as strong and confident?  Shouldn't you stand tall?  Indeed, should they not be rushing to define themselves or risk being defined by others?

That photo on the wall translates to many things in life.  Behind that frame could be an incredible organization, product or person.  It could reflect a caring and genuine image of an individual or organization who wishes for only the best of who or what they represent.  It could truly be something overlooked and yet placed behind the wrong frame many could do just that.  They say you can’t judge a book by its cover and yet do people tend to judge a photo by its frame?  As we’ve noted, perception can be reality and ultimately does how you say something often matter far more than just what you say?

Comments

[Rummy]

Good annoligy Denis.

My only point here is that spot on but don't forget your 99.9% correct but......................

Having been too the Lourve and seen the Mona Lisa it matters not too me what frame surrounds it.

Even with frame photo's etc the work is a masterpiece.

I have one of my Son's paintings on the wall and I did a simple "Back Band" as a frame; (back band is an American term and product for casing around doors/windows that is used to pronounce and give depth to a dorr frame et al). Some friends have asked me where the hell I got the frame. I got it from the trash of the Mill I worked in.

As they say, well they did when I frequented St. Davids for 40 years, A 'Pitcher' is worth a thousand words.

Keep up the good work. Your comments and stats make other annonamous presentations and results look....well yah no.................

Have a great weekend and tell your relative Maurice I still think his fish stew is/was better than Walters............

A great day too all.

Gotta run......Mayor Brown on the line from Hamilton Bermudan.

[Rummy]

Well...how come the pundits have not said anything about my spelling. Would they be that critical if I had said it in public verbally.?

I think I need a 'Pitcher' of beer.........................