Download The use of frames in our communication Atrium 5 9.30 am – 12.30 pm

Workshop 5
Countering anti-European populist rhetoric:
The use of frames in our communication
Atrium 5
9.30 a.m. – 12.30 p.m.
Organised by Counterpoint
Context
The debate around a united, tolerant and open European society is becoming increasingly toxic:
under pressure from populist language and its strong rhetoric and images, progressive members of
societies often unwittingly pick up such communication frames, thereby reinforcing narratives of
exclusion and intolerance. How can we speak differently about Europe to promote openness,
curiosity and tolerance? How can we make sure that we transmit the values that guide our work?
Counterpoint is holding a workshop in the context of the Civil Society Days that focuses on
countering populist rhetoric to support civil society organisations in promoting tolerance and
openness.
Objectives of this workshop
This half-day workshop (3.5 hours) will focus on framing, a communication approach that looks at
the interconnectedness of language, thinking and feeling, and deliberately uses different ways of
seeing the world (frames) to evoke and transmit values within the audience. We will explore the
intricate links between language and thinking and the ways in which certain kinds of language can
trigger a specific set of values. We will reflect on what values participants want to convey with
respect to their European agenda and how they can represent these values more effectively in their
language. We will identify some of the recurring frames in populist discourse in this context (such as
the nation as a family) and explore how to counter them effectively.
The workshop will focus on countering populist narratives against Europe.
Ulrike Grassinger, Director of Projects at Counterpoint, will lead the workshop. She has been working
on framing and metaphors for several years and regularly applies this method in workshops with
political and private sector decision-makers.
Potential structure of the workshop
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Introduction and opening
Input: language or how we see the world differently
Reflection in groups; sharing and feedback
o What values do you want to stand for and what do they mean?
o Which communication frames could trigger such values?
Analysing current populist frames: examples and their blind-spots
Finding a different language; examples of participants’ communications
Closing
Organiser
Counterpoint is a cultural and social risk consultancy. We offer a different kind of risk analysis that
takes into account powerful social and cultural dynamics and the way in which they shape behaviour
in societies across the globe.
We advise public and private sector actors on issues of major political and strategic relevance
(welfare reform, pension reform, labour market reform, climate change, radicalisation and counterradicalisation, as well as public attitude shifts around major social and political issues such as
migration, education and rights) and broker conversations, understanding and relationships on the
basis of the deep knowledge we gather through our cutting edge research. We always make use of
these insights to develop recommendations for decision-makers and civil society organisations.
We work with a number of global foundations in order to promote open and tolerant societies. The
workshops on countering populist rhetoric evolved from a three-year cross-European project, which
focused on 'Recapturing the Reluctant Radicals'. This in-depth inter-cultural investigation analysed
what motivates citizens to become attracted to populist politics.