How I Write cover image

Lulu Cheng Meservey: The PR Class You Didn’t Know You Needed

How I Write

If you fight a story with statistics you will always lose.

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Receptors in human cognition are designed to respond to stories rather than raw data, facts, or statistics. This creates a challenge for those defending their position against stories, as narratives from adversaries often resonate more deeply than quantitative arguments. For example, while evidence may show positive economic impacts from policies like NATO and free trade, opponents counter with personal stories of individuals adversely affected, making emotional connections that statistics fail to match. The compelling nature of stories often leads to a loss of framing power; once a narrative is established by an opponent, any response is merely reactive and likely weaker. In negotiations and discussions, the entity that controls the narrative remains in a strong position, highlighting the importance of proactively framing discussions to avoid being positioned defensively. Responding to an established narrative with statistics ensures that the speaker remains at a disadvantage, underscoring the need to recognize and leverage storytelling in communication effectively.

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