DeepSummary
The episode features a discussion between Michael Maslansky, Lee Carter, and Ben Feller about the top language moments of 2023. They analyze the language and messaging strategies employed by various public figures, companies, and political campaigns throughout the year. Topics covered include the 'woke wars' and the backlash against corporate ESG initiatives, the language used by Republican presidential candidates like Donald Trump and Ron DeSantis, President Biden's 'Bidenomics' message, and cultural phenomena like the 'year of the girl' and the 'Barbenheimer' movies.
The hosts examine how Trump has successfully tapped into the sentiment of a 'rigged system' and positioned himself as a voice for those who feel the system is stacked against them. They also discuss Biden's challenges in connecting with voters on economic issues and the potential for a 'movement of moderates' to emerge amidst dissatisfaction with both parties.
The conversation delves into the nuances of language and messaging, highlighting the importance of authenticity, understanding the audience's perspective, and finding the right balance between emotional appeals and rationality. The hosts share insights on crafting effective narratives and adapting messaging strategies in response to evolving cultural and political dynamics.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- The language and messaging used by public figures, companies, and political campaigns can significantly shape public perception and influence outcomes.
- Authenticity and understanding the audience's perspective are crucial for crafting effective and resonant messaging.
- Complex concepts and initiatives like ESG can be vulnerable to mischaracterization and demonization if not communicated clearly and in relatable terms.
- Political movements often emerge organically from specific events or dynamic leaders, making it challenging to artificially create a 'movement of moderates.'
- The 2024 presidential election is shaping up to be a highly consequential contest, with Donald Trump facing legal challenges and Joe Biden struggling to connect with voters on economic issues.
- Cultural phenomena like the 'year of the girl' and 'Barbenheimer' demonstrate the power of language and messaging to capture the public imagination and shape conversations.
- Finding the right balance between emotional appeals and rationality is crucial for resonant messaging, especially when trying to mobilize diverse audiences.
- Effective messaging often involves flipping perceived weaknesses into strengths and embracing authenticity.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “The biggest problem he made was saying the economy has never been stronger.“ by Lee Carter
- “The movements that I've covered have grown organically and sometimes urgently out of events and people responding to it or to a really dynamic leader. So I think that there was a movement in 2008 around President Obama coming off the Bush years, and you saw enormous energy at those rallies.“ by Ben Feller
- “You've got one candidate who is currently under federal indictment for instigating a coup against the United States of America. You've got another guy who stumbles over words and trips sometimes that people will be reminded, even those who voted for him, about the leader he was and what he did during that period of time.“ by Ben Feller
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Episode Information
HearSay
maslansky + partners
12/14/23
What were those top Language Moments of 2023? As language experts, we’re always listening for those moments that change the way we view companies, politics, business… and each other. From Bidenomics to MAGAnomics, from rainbow capitalism to Barbenheimer, this year had more than its share of new language moments, and in this new episode of Hearsay, Michael Maslansky, Lee Carter, and guest Ben Feller talk through those big moments of the year that changed our view of the world around us.