How can you use critical thinking to create a thought-provoking message?

Challenge assumptions, consider multiple perspectives, use evidence to support claims, and craft a message that stimulates reflection and inquiry.

The two primary drivers that help an individual establish and reaffirm thought-leadership are: 1. The authentic desire to share knowledge and lived experience for the benefit of those who may be encountering similar challenges or situations, etc. 2. The belief that something can be improved and that drive and curiosity to keep acquiring new techniques and knowledge to do so. Personally, I share knowledge about topics that I care deeply about and that I keep up to date on such as managing mental wellness, leading with empathy and communicating to be understood.

In my experience, after refining your style it is good to get another set of eyes on your writing. Feedback can be such a powerful tool. Just remember you are asking others for their thoughts and time, accept criticisms politely, and reflect on them honestly to get the best results from that tool. Good luck in your ventures.

Critical thinking forces you to think outside the box to the who, what, where, when, and how questions. Critical thinking goes against the status quo. Form a hypothesis, and look at it from all angles. Are your instinctual thoughts accurate or does your research cast a different perspective?

Before researching a topic, I like to be clear on what my thoughts about the subject are. Then I do the research and see if it collaborates with my thoughts, or if the common opinions differ from mine. I find this exercise very valuable in making sure I see all sides of the issue and also in refining my contribution to the subject.

A good thought leader is also a thought follower. Engaging your critical thinking skills when evaluating thought leadership from other people in your industry is a good way to refine your own arguments (because it's a good way to figure out what make you different). And it wins you more attention and fans.

I am partial to using the 4-part storytelling fundamentals - Opener, Thesis, Solution & Summary - to help clients structure their keynotes and TEDx-style talks. All four parts must be cohesive but of them, the first two are most important & yet given the least attention. 1. Opening: Research studies indicate that the average attention span is 11 seconds or less so catchy openings are key. Starting with a provocative question, a short personal anecdote or a shocking statistic are strong options. 2. The Thesis/Challenge - The problem statement must presented in a way that makes clear what's at stake if status quo is allowed to persist. A well presented problem section draws in the audience by giving them a reason to care.

I'm gonna provoke here and just go ahead to say that you don't need an argument with a good structure, or even critical thinking. If you need to post a thought-provoking message, you need to take a direct shot at other people's feelings or be rude. That's just how human brains work apparently. "All freelance marketeers SUCK" is way more possible to trigger engagements and initiate a thinking process to whoever reads that online. While "Do you think that freelance marketeers have as great performance as marketing agencies?" might be performing so bad you won't post about it again. It's social media. You - sadly - need to use hooks to provoke thinking on the other end.

In style and tone, the audience is important. You can give the same message to many different groups, and it can be received in multiple ways. The style and tone being specific for your audience is key. Stories, metaphor, graphics, exercises, these can all be used but it depends on the audience. A simple example is a social media post. You may write a post that has great value and if posted on LinkedIn, it gets thousands of views, likes and comments. Put the same exact post on Facebook and it is barely recognized. The value is still the same, but the audience is different and tone and style make a huge difference.

Challenge the status quo with critical thinking: Turn your thought leadership into a catalyst for change. Instead of echoing popular opinions, question assumptions, and offer unconventional perspectives. Stir the waters of conventional wisdom and encourage others to think beyond the obvious. A thought-provoking message emerges not from conformity but from the audacity to question, explore, and redefine the boundaries of accepted knowledge. In a sea of content, be the disruptor, not just another voice in the echo chamber.

Be reflective and introspective. Ask yourself, "What's my point-of-view on this topic?" "What do I believe?", or "what gives me pause when it comes to this trend?" When you embody your own curiosities and inquisition, you empower others to do the same.

Providing a more connected, humanized approach to message delivery is a must. Storytelling is a potent way to deliver thought-provoking messages by connecting emotionally with the audience. It transforms complex ideas into relatable experiences, fostering a deep and memorable connection. This engagement enhances the message’s impact, encouraging reflection and driving meaningful change.