This year’s theme at the annual frank gathering is all about using the full palette of emotions — with intention. Different emotions can drive people to react in different ways.
Being intentional about the particular emotion you’re trying to evoke will ensure you’re successful in your mission to drive your audience to take a specific action.
Day One of #frank2020 focused on ‘Awe.’ In our work as communicators in the social sector, it can be easy to look straight to sending out messages that make people feel sad about the experiences of others. But eliciting emotions such as awe can draw people in and inspire them to take action.
“Awe inspiring experiences can make us more willing to help people,” says Katherine Dale, FSU researcher. #frank2020
— UF Center for Public Interest Communications (@RealGoodCenter) February 5, 2020
“Awe is not a luxury emotion. It is essential to being human.” – Gabrielle Huria #frank2020
— Sam Snyder (@builditbiggerak) February 5, 2020
Consider the emotional intensity of your messages. Messages that evoke too strong of a particular emotion — such as guilt, sadness or pity — can make people uncomfortable and compel them to block-out your communications altogether.
Jennifer Hudson from the University College of London talks about the unintended consequences of emotional appeals. Using pity and guilt to drive donations can make people feel less hopeful about their ability to make a difference. #frank2020 pic.twitter.com/3fdn9IkSc6
— MagnifyGood (@MagnifyGood) February 5, 2020
Jennifer Hudson shares a positive emotional appeal likely to generate empathy and hope that they can make a difference. #frank2020 pic.twitter.com/6aDiLAHlKd
— Amy Lynn Smith (@alswrite) February 5, 2020
And while empathy is at the core of social change work, focusing too much on empathy can assist in driving negative stereotypes, biases and polarization.
Hans Park and Lauren Parater talk about the importance of creating complex narratives around the refugee experience . #Frank2020 pic.twitter.com/oUFBtne3Ze
— Lizz "Hollywood Death Cult" Winstead (@lizzwinstead) February 5, 2020
"Empathy can be bigoted and narrow-minded." – @loparater. This graphic shows how powerful implicit biases can influence empathy – in the wrong direction. #frank2020 pic.twitter.com/gdvHLjetEL
— UF Center for Public Interest Communications (@RealGoodCenter) February 5, 2020
If you want to get in on the awe-inspiring action of frank 2020, you can watch the live stream or follow along on Twitter.
Photo Credit: Tyler Lastovich via Unsplash
