No magic words: Building narrative power
Date: April 21, 2025 at 12:00 - April 21, 2025 at 13:00
Speaking at a recent town hall for the Interdisciplinary Association for Population Health Science (IAPHS), BMSG Director Lori Dorfman discussed building narrative power to break the ‘spiral of silence’ — a theory that says people are reluctant to voice an opinion if they feel they’re the only ones who hold it. Speaking up matters because it can help others be less fearful to do so, too.
Dorfman explained that to build narrative power, organizations need infrastructure and an overall strategy that guides their messaging strategy. Finally, she shared specific strategies for building narrative power, including leading with values and making the landscape visible (rather than relying on storytelling about individuals or isolated events).