Climate Cover-up: The Mangling Language

James Hoggan’s book “Climate Cover-up” is a must-read, no matter what your interest or major may be. This book opened my eyes to another realm of public relations and life. The book is relevant because of the content pertaining to global warming and climate change.

The chapter that engaged me the most was Chapter 6, "Mangling the Language." George Orwell and spin doctor Frank Luntz were described in detail throughout this chapter. I like the way Hoggan used particular key people to demonstrate his points and support his logic. Orwell was an early student of the English language. He recognized some of the first signs of our language being corrupted: “Now, it is clear that the decline of a language must ultimately have political and economic causes"(p.61). Nowadays, when people hear the term “Orwellian” or any reference to Orwell, they think of being misled.

It’s amazing how society’s perception of different messages and meanings of words can change over time. Luntz said that “the true definition of ‘being Orwellian,’ is to speak with ABSOLUTE clarity, to be succinct, to explain what the event is, to talk about what triggers something happening and to do so without any pejorative whatsoever” (pg.63). When I read this, the word "absolute" stood out to me. Absolute means without any doubt. For something to mean ABSOLUTE clarity and for it to be perceived as “misleading” baffles me.

Our society can be easily persuaded and manipulated to believe what politicians and other leaders want us to believe. They tailor messages and alter languages to successfully complete this task. Interestingly, Hoggan reveals that even though Luntz (let's keep in mind he’s a “spin” doctor) wishes the word “Orwellian” meant something different, the way he uses the language suggest the more widely accepted definition. And while Luntz says that he would prefer Orwellian to mean something else, the way he uses the language often invokes the darker and more widely accepted definition (Hoggan, p. 63).

If you haven’t already, take the time and read this book. I can assure you, you will not get bored and you will walk away informed.

Is framing helpful in PR?

Is framing helpful in PR?
By: Chelsea S. Matthews

Framing is a concept that identifies a message through a particular perception and carries that message from a specific point of view. Framing can be described as one of the most important techniques of a public relations strategy or campaign. It impacts a public's awareness and interpretation of a given message and can sometimes affect the way someone feels about a particular subject.

According to Susan Nall Bales' article "Breaking the Frame, "groups must be conscious of the stories that they’re telling and the hidden chains of reasoning their narratives can set off in the public mind”( Bale 1).Oftentimes framing contains hidden clues and messages. Those who use framing have a goal to silently manipulate the minds of a public in a positive or negative way.

Communication messages are often framed by the media. Bales analyzed groups to understand public prejudices through her “strategic frame analysis.” Bales explains that one reason framing is so dominating is because “Americans overwhelmingly get their information about public affairs from the news media, which in turn establishes persistent frames” (Bales 1).

I agree with Bales. A lot of times persistent stories for Americans can mean a consistent lie that somehow equals truth.
Luntz is an author whose logic behind framing I can relate to the most. Words that really work is all about who hear the words, not what you said. The government provides several examples of words that carry the same meaning but sound better to most people. The government and politicians use key words when addressing certain issues, such as saying “The right to chose” instead of “health care choice” (Luntz 4).

Public relations professionals should always stay clear of covering up facts or stretching the facts to produce an idea. However, framing is not always a bad thing as long as the truth is being conveyed. Below is an article that used framing. THe topic covered is sexual assault. Framing can be used in any case. Public relations is all about the choice of words we decide to use and how we use them. It is our job as professionals, Ron Smith says, to gain the minds of the public we’re attempting to communicate with. Once you capture the mind of your target public, it is easier to get them to think in your favor.

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/119570.php