How can you use framing to address sensitive topics in your speech?

Sensitive topics are subjects that can make people feel strongly or even uncomfortable, like politics, religion, or race. They can be tough to discuss because they might upset or divide your audience. But if you handle them with care, they can be important and meaningful. Before talking about such topics, think about why you're doing it, who you're talking to, and where you're speaking. Be respectful, understanding, and clear in your communication. It's all about being thoughtful when discussing things that matter.

Good intentions alone may not convey sentiments effectively in delivering speeches on sensitive topics. Not everyone shares the same values or looks beyond surface meanings. Framing is a potent tool to shape how your audience perceives and reacts to your message, especially in sensitive subjects. It involves selecting words, images, stories, and metaphors that highlight specific aspects while downplaying others. By framing your speech, you can redirect your audience's emotions, thoughts, and actions towards a valuable idea people can take as their own. Exploring less obvious angles can lead to fresh ideas, fostering open-minded thinking aimed at considering new approaches or solutions rather than just emphasizing differing viewpoints.

Most people know that some topics, such as politics, sexuality, immigration, race, evolution, etc., might transform a simple comment into a very heated debate. In my view, all topics should be approached with care and proper insight. When giving and opinion, it is important to look at the subject from all angles, really put it under the microscope. I think the best thing to keep in mind is: how would I feel if I was on the other side of the fence? How would I feel reading this? It's hard to be objective, but not impossible.

When addressing sensitive topics; get to know more about the audience first before you even take on the presentation. Who are you presenting to and how capable are you to do it?, because not everyone should feel as if they can make a presentation in any audience. There is an audience that suits each speaker just like shoes or clothes. After you have learnt about the audience, research the best way to address them, the words you choose will be pivotal to your delivery. Look at the presentation method you need, should it be more info graphics or more verbal engagement and do a test run, where possible!

Discomfort, while it may be momentary, can be an indicator that the topic in fact needs to be addressed. Addressing hard conversations is a must across all platforms, from sales to politics. If we want to make change we have to be open to talking about the uncomfortable. So long as, when we address sensitive topics it is with sincerity and honesty, cultivating discourse that can lead to change. Per the Harvard Business Review "?evidence suggests?that asking personal questions not only affords an opportunity to gather valuable information, but it may also actually trigger meaningful conversations that foster stronger lasting relationships."

Before even framing the purpose, which is akin to explaining why the audience should embrace my idea in a sales transaction, I always seek permission. It's not about elucidating the importance or relevance of my topic. Who really cares, right? But once permission is granted, it is the audience themselves who ask for my insights. The entire dynamics undergo a transformative shift of 180 degrees.

Perception can sometimes mirror reality, until reality fully appears. Often our audience is limited to one lens, generally through the filter of their own mapping – so as we engage with them and add color to predispositions and unspoken expectations, it helps bridge the critical gap between the silhouette and the wider picture. Storytelling; research; understanding cultural nuances; travel; and reading are amazing ways that help super connectors develop authentic frames that pave the way for high-impact alignment and connectivity with one’s audience.

Framing is about setting the context of the conversation and is a skill all facilitators have mastered. When my students ask me how I frame the discussion, I use this flipchart ... Where they are: Where they want to be Point A ------------------> Point B (What's their resistance/ little voice) That's the way I can articulate my process of framing when I am running Blair Singer's Master Facilitator Program? in Asia.

Content is the HOW. So, before giving out the content, I always frame it by addressing the WHAT and the WHY. I know some presenters love the WHY first before the WHAT. My experience suggests that it works for me based on WHAT/WHY instead of WHY/WHAT. The reason is that I work with a lot of learners who love "definition" stuff. Just like last week in my Blair Singer's Trainer Mastery Program, we talked about "integrity". If I were to start talking about why integrity is vital, it would be a wrong move because different learners have different definitions of the term "integrity". So, it's vital for me to stabilize the definition first (i.e., the WHAT), before we even address the WHY, followed by the HOW.

My golden rule is simple yet powerful: Embrace authenticity and show respect for your audience. Communication should be about genuine connection, not manipulation. Be mindful of your intentions and how your words may be interpreted. And remember, we're all human, and we all make mistakes. If you stumble upon a framing faux pas, take responsibility, learn, and progress forward.

Use a strategy of love with a hypothesis of hope. You will discover the power of solidarity here. Belonging becomes next best thing. Belonging becomes you. You become whole. Wholly you. Wholly me. Wholly us. Wholeness is wholly. Discover the power of wholeness, today. Connect. Relate. Belong. You'll be glad you did. No joke. No lie.

Authenticity is the key when it comes to addressing sensitive topics. First step is understanding why the given topic is sensitive and why we need to be diligent when addressing the sensitive matter at hand. Having compassion and care during the delivery process is the second step. Third step is knowing our audience and framing the subject so it speaks to the audience and is catered for their demographic.