Storytelling can make messages clearer and more relatable by framing them within familiar narratives.
Infusing personality and authenticity into corporate communication builds trust and engagement.
Embracing vulnerability and avoiding corporate templates can lead to more impactful writing.
Deep dives
The Power of Storytelling and Framing Stakes
Storytelling is a powerful tool for conveying ideas and resonating with people. By framing the stakes in a way that aligns with a familiar story or narrative, you can make your message clearer and more relatable. This can be seen in the example of Christianity, which spread by appealing to the universal human desire for redemption and offering a clear path to achieve it.
The Pitfalls of Corporate Speak
Corporate speak, characterized by impersonal and robotic language, is often driven by a desire to minimize risk and avoid controversy. However, this approach can hinder effective communication and miss opportunities for connection and engagement. By infusing personality and authenticity into corporate communication, companies can build trust and resonate with their audience.
Taking Risks and Finding Your Voice
Taking risks in writing and embracing vulnerability can lead to more engaging and impactful content. By finding your unique voice and writing with authenticity, you can create a deeper connection with your readers. Overcoming the fear of judgment and avoiding the limitations of corporate templates can unlock your creativity and allow for greater expression.
The Power of Revising and Editing
The speaker emphasizes the importance of revising and editing your writing. They share their personal experience of writing a messy rant and then refining it over the course of a few days. They highlight the importance of capturing raw emotions initially and then revisiting the piece with a clear mind to make necessary changes. The speaker also discusses the challenge of getting attached to certain sentences and ideas, but emphasizes the need to prioritize the overall story arc.
The Influence of Framing and Community
The podcast explores how framing and community play a significant role in writing and communication. The speaker discusses the power of the accuser in setting the frame of the conversation and how storytellers need to adapt their messages to fit within that frame. They highlight the importance of finding a community that aligns with your writing goals and values, where people can amplify your message and make it more convincing. Additionally, the discussion touches on the significance of building authentic connections with your audience to create a strong brand identity.
Lulu Cheng Meservey gives a masterclass on non-boring corporate communications, Korean pop culture, and religious fanaticism. Lulu shares what she’s learned running comms for startups, decoding cultural erogenous zones, and crafting impactful messages in 280 characters or less. Whether you're a writer, a communications professional, or simply curious about the intersection of K-POP and Internet whackos, this podcast is a window into modern communication.
Lulu is currently the Executive Vice President of Corporate Affairs and Chief Communications Officer at Activision Blizzard, and was formerly head of comms at Substack. Her newsletter “Flack” is a new playbook for communications, written to help you win over people who matter, without wasting time or being cringe.