IdeaLog
How to answer 20 tough questions
Posted on October 1, 2024
The following questions are phrased from a hostile point of view using right-wing framing of the issue. Whether the questioner is actually hostile or just curious, your best answer always starts at a point...
How to improve nonverbal presentation
Posted on September 17, 2024
You may have the best political ideas in the world (from PLI’s Progressive Agenda!) and employ the best messaging (from PLI’s Voicing Our Values!) but still communicate ineffectively because of a failure in non-verbal communication. In...
Freedom, Opportunity and Security for All
Posted on September 3, 2024
The overall purpose of our Voicing Our Values series of books and materials is to show you—a policymaker, activist, advocate, campaigner or candidate—how to persuade others. Our focus on political values is practical—it works. But that...
How to talk about taxes and voting
Posted on August 20, 2024
As we recently explained here, there are three key rules of persuasion: (1) Always begin in agreement; (2) Use values to frame the debate; and (3) Show listeners how they benefit. Here’s how to apply...
How to talk about LGBTQ+ rights and public schools
Posted on August 6, 2024
As we recently explained here, there are three key rules of persuasion: (1) Always begin in agreement; (2) Use values to frame the debate; and (3) Show listeners how they benefit. Here’s how to apply...
How to talk about gun violence and health care
Posted on July 24, 2024
As we recently explained here, there are three key rules of persuasion: (1) Always begin in agreement; (2) Use values to frame the debate; and (3) Show listeners how they benefit. Here’s how to apply...
How to talk about the environment, regulation and spending
Posted on July 7, 2024
As we recently explained here, there are three key rules of persuasion: (1) Always begin in agreement; (2) Use values to frame the debate; and (3) Show listeners how they benefit. Here’s how to apply...
How to talk about civil rights, climate change and criminal justice
Posted on June 24, 2024
As we recently explained here, there are three key rules of persuasion: (1) Always begin in agreement; (2) Use values to frame the debate; and (3) Show listeners how they benefit. Here’s how to...
Side with average Americans on economic policy
Posted on June 12, 2024
Persuadable Americans care more about economic issues than anything else. They want to know who is going to help them with wages, benefits, bills, debt, health insurance, college loans, and the like. To them,...
Avoid Three Common Mistakes in Persuasion
Posted on May 29, 2024
First: Don’t repeat your opponent’s frame. To win any debate, you must proactively frame what the argument is about. A good frame is one where your language demonstrates, based upon your listeners’ preexisting beliefs,...