How do you spot and avoid confirmation bias in your message development?

How to craft a message that actually connects—& keep confirmation bias in check: Get real with yourself. What beliefs are you holding onto? Question them. (<< I know this is hard, but SO worth it.) Invite the pushback. Those uncomfortable perspectives? Lean into them—they’re valuable. Poke holes in your logic. Find where your reasoning wobbles—& tighten it up. Pick your data wisely. Don’t just support your story—test it. Stay curious & humble. Being open to being wrong is where real growth happens. Your message will ONLY resonate if you’re brave enough to question your own biases.

Before you begin crafting your message, take a moment to recognize your own assumptions and potential biases. Think about what you're trying to accomplish, what you already believe, and what evidence supports your position. Then, flip the script. How would you challenge those assumptions? Are there alternative viewpoints that you've overlooked? Are there weaknesses in your reasoning? This kind of critical thinking will help you avoid drawing hasty conclusions, oversimplifying complex topics, or only using data that backs up what you already think. It leads to a more balanced and credible message.

It is important to know your beliefs about business and life as it will naturally be being communicated in your messaging through many different ways. The key is to be more aware of this so you can be intentional about the messages you share because they need to have resonance. To not be aware is going to have you confused also. I would take some time to navigate through where you are with this - is there differences and similarities with your current client base/ team?

Make an effort to explore a variety of information sources, especially those that might challenge your views. Look for credible and reliable sources that present different perspectives, opinions, or evidence on the subject. Take the time to compare their arguments and findings with your own, and approach the process with an open mind. Resist the urge to dismiss or discredit information simply because it doesn’t align with what you already think. Doing this will not only deepen your understanding but also sharpen your arguments and help you recognize any gaps or uncertainties.

If you aren't open minded you have the ability to shut down potential opportunities. Surround yourself in environments and around people who make you think differently as this is ket to messaging. You want to stand out and be known for being different in what you do.

Spotting and avoiding confirmation bias in message development is crucial for ensuring that your communication is objective, accurate, and credible. In my experience, encouraging your feedback group to challenge your assumptions and premises is useful. Ask them to critically evaluate the evidence and reasoning behind your message to ensure that it is not based solely on preconceived notions or beliefs. In addition, consider conducting pilot tests or focus groups to gauge audience response to your message. Pay attention to how different segments of your audience interpret and react to the message, and use this feedback to refine your communication approach. Hope these strategies help! :)

If you have trusted advisors, mentors and clients around you they will simply be gold dust in answering the questions you have. Never assume. Be bold and ask more. Get straight to the answer.

Critical thinking is key to building a strong, reliable message. It helps you analyse information, question assumptions, and approach things logically. When you practice critical thinking, you can avoid common pitfalls like confirmation bias, which can weaken your message. Some simple ways to sharpen this skill are to ask yourself tough questions about the information you’re using, verify your facts, be on the lookout for any hidden assumptions or biases, and really evaluate the credibility of your sources. When you are consistent on this helps you create messages that are clear, objective, and backed by solid evidence.

Critical thinking is key to ensuring your message stays strong and unbiased. It helps you logically and objectively analyze the information you're working with, which is crucial for avoiding confirmation bias. By using critical thinking, you can spot logical fallacies, cognitive biases, or emotional appeals that might distort or weaken your message. To sharpen this skill, ask thoughtful questions, dig into the evidence, verify your facts, and be on the lookout for assumptions and biases. Always evaluate your sources and arguments carefully, and make sure your conclusions are backed by solid reasoning.

Before finalizing, carefully review your message. Ensure you’ve considered different perspectives, addressed counterarguments, supported your claims with reliable data, and kept logical fallacies and biases out. If any issues come up, make revisions. This helps create a well-rounded, clear, and credible message.

Pay attention to the types of questions you ask as you collect perspectives and feedback -- your questions shape the responses you'll receive. Ex. "How would you rate your satisfaction with ACME software and services?" This wording subtly pushes the respondent into framing their experience as a satisfactory one; you then miss out on other valuable thoughts and details that might enhance your message. The best research questions, whether they're used to shape a product, strategy, or message, use neutral, natural, and clear language.