Engaging with Opposing Viewpoints with Anat-Shenker Osorio

In this episode, we’re excited to have Anat Shenker-Osorio as our guest. Anat is the principal and founder of ASO Communications and the host of the “Words to Win By” podcast.

As a messaging expert, Anat shares powerful insights on using storytelling and narratives to create impact on issues ranging from abortion rights to drug policy reform.

We dive into Anat’s strategies for engaging in difficult conversations—you’ll hear how she emphasizes the power of individual action and offers advice on finding common ground without compromising core values.

The Power and Purpose of Stories

Anat shares her insights on how stories are akin to oxygen in communication. Learn how a well-crafted narrative can touch hearts, change minds, and inspire action. Anat offers a compelling example from her experience working on abortion rights campaigns in Ireland and Michigan, illustrating how focusing on personal and relatable futures can mobilize public opinion.

Navigating Difficult Conversations

Bindu dives into how our core values influence interactions, especially in challenging conversations. Anat explains her strategy for finding common ground while staying true to one’s own values. She brings this to life with relatable examples, like discussing inclusion of trans kids in school activities or debating private vs. public education within families.

Connecting Through Values

Discover the principle of “values villain vision” and how Anat uses it to craft persuasive messages that resonate deeply with people. She emphasizes starting from shared values, illustrating this concept with real-world examples from union campaigns and more.

Practical Tips for Parents

Bindu and Anat discuss how these storytelling strategies can be applied to everyday parenting dilemmas, such as managing kids’ tech use or talking about school choices. Anat’s approach to making education messaging about joy in the present moment as well as future potential is particularly enlightening.

Empathy and Persuasion

Anat’s closing thoughts remind us that everyone is the protagonist of their own story. By acknowledging this, we can foster empathy and craft messages that persuade not just by facts, but by fostering a personal stake in the outcome.

This episode is packed with practical insights and strategies that you can apply in both personal and professional settings. Whether you’re a parent navigating tricky conversations, a communicator looking to make a societal impact, or simply interested in the art of persuasion, this episode is for you.