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WINNERS & LOSERS- ELECTION EDITION
WINNERS & LOSERSElection Edition One of the strangest things I ever witnessed working in small market TV was a well-intentioned segment called “Winners and Losers.” We had a big storm, and the reporter went around dubbing different locations as “winners,” like a movie theater or a tanning bed—because they were indoor activities unaffected by the bad weather. Then there were “losers,” like a mini-golf course that couldn’t operate during a lightning storm. The whole thing was creepy and weird, not to mention obvious to anyone with common sense. As humans, we have a tendency to categorize events as wins or losses—even when it’s obvious. With all the strong and passionate feelings surrounding the upcoming election, it’s easy to declare your team the winner and the other side the loser. But here’s something worth considering: According to the American Communities Project at Michigan State University— a research initiative focused on socioeconomics, culture, and politics—we actually agree on more than we think, particularly in areas where government policies have a big impact. This includes some of the most hot-button issues like taxes, immigration, the economy, and even abortion. Wild, right? We may not agree on the politics, but when it comes to policy, from the plains to Portland, across 15 different regions with varied demographics and voting blocs, when faced with tough questions—like whether we should cut social programs to lower taxes—at least 62% of people in every region sayno. So maybe—just maybe—we can resist the urge to focus on the scoreboard and declare the obvious (like the fact that you can still go to the movies when it’s raining). Instead, let’s try to find just one thing we share with the other side—something that reflects a shared vision of how to make our communities better. |
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Get weekly, actionable storytelling hacks to help you captivate, sharpen, and make a lasting impact—whether in business, branding, or everyday conversations.
Write with Purpose: How to Make Your Message Matter Season 1 Nbc GIF by The Office Why purpose-driven writing gets attention—and action. You’ve probably seen it. A social post, an email, or a speech that leaves you thinking… what was the point? That’s what happens when a message lacks purpose. The best communicators—brands, leaders, creators—write every sentence with intention. Because when your story has a purpose, your audience has a reason to care. The Research Posts with a clear call to...
The Jeremy Campbell Lesson: Cut the Good to Make Room for the Great It's Wednesday. Time to Cut. The hardest part of storytelling isn’t knowing what to say—it’s knowing what not to say. We often think that adding more details, more words, or more visuals will make a story better. But the reality? The best stories aren’t made in the first draft. They’re shaped in editing. If you want to tell a story that sticks, you have to be willing to cut the good to make room for the great. Our BFF Jeremy...
The Key to Authentic Storytelling: Lower Your Chin Have you ever given a speech or told a story, only to feel like your words just weren’t landing? Like people were hearing you, but not feeling what you were saying? You’re not alone. Authentic communication isn’t just about delivering information—it’s about creating a real emotional connection. And here’s a simple, yet powerful trick to help you do that: Before you speak... Lower your chin to your chest Take a breath Listen to your heart It...