Persuasion and manipulation: lack of message penetration, mixed messages / Public Relations

Persuasion vs Manipulation

Persuasion is the process of influencing a person’s or group’s attitudes, beliefs, or behaviors through logical, emotional, or ethical arguments while respecting their freedom of choice.

Manipulation is the attempt to influence someone in a hidden or deceptive manner, often for personal gain and without considering the other person's interests or rights.

Lack of message penetration

Emotional Disconnection

Emotional disconnection occurs when there is a lack of empathy or emotional engagement in communication. For example, a manager might announce a new policy or change in a cold, impersonal manner without addressing employees' concerns or feelings. This can lead to employees feeling undervalued or misunderstood, which negatively impacts morale and engagement.

A manager announces a new hybrid work policy but does so in a cold manner, without showing empathy for employees' concerns.

Lack of Clarity

Lack of clarity refers to communication that is confusing, vague, or overloaded with unnecessary information. When messages are not clear, the audience may struggle to understand the key points or take the desired action. This can lead to misunderstandings, errors, and frustration.

Confusing or information-overloaded messages can prevent the audience from retaining the essential points.

Negative Emotions

Negative emotions, such as fear, anxiety, or distrust, can hinder effective communication. When employees or stakeholders feel these emotions, their ability to process information and engage constructively is reduced. This can create resistance to change or a toxic work environment.

If employees feel fear, anxiety, or distrust, their ability to receive and process information decreases.

Organizational noise

Refers to the excessive or irrelevant information that distracts from meaningful communication. It occurs when a company constantly launches new initiatives, policies, or messages without clearly explaining their purpose or impact. Over time, employees may tune out or ignore communications because they feel overwhelmed or irrelevant.

The company constantly launches new initiatives without clearly explaining their objectives or impact. Employees end up ignoring announcements because they feel they are irrelevant.

Mixed messages.

Contradictory Messages Related to Deadlines and Priorities

"We need this report as quickly as possible, but make sure it’s perfect and error-free."

"Prioritize quality over speed, but we can’t afford any delays in delivery."

Contradictory Messages Related to Decision-Making

"I trust your judgment, but don’t do anything without my final approval."

"I want you to be more independent, but don’t deviate from the instructions I gave you."

Contradictory Messages Related to Communication

"I want you to be more transparent, but don’t give me bad news without first finding a solution."

"Speak confidently in meetings, but don’t contradict your superiors."

Contradictory Messages Related to Teamwork

"Work as a team, but make sure your individual contribution stands out."

"Collaborate with other departments, but don’t let them interfere with our priorities."