This Year's Lessons in Communication as Gleaned from Taylor Swift, Charli XCX, and Ariana Grande
Taylor Swift wrapped up her two-year record-breaking tour, the Eras Tour, last Sunday, leaving her fans in a state of emotional turmoil, much like being in a 'Blank Space'. Despite the tour coming to an end, Swift's journey has provided valuable insights into effective communication.
Over the next few years, whether you're delivering a keynote, crafting a social media post, or addressing your employees, pop culture events like the Eras Tour and Brat Summer can serve as a goldmine of knowledge, offering us 5 essential lessons for impactful and genuine communication.
1. Taylor Swift's 'Eras Tour': The Power of Narrative
Swift's Eras Tour was more than just a concert, it was a testament to the power of narrative. By organizing the tour around different 'eras' of her career, Swift showcased the ability of storytelling to captivate and engage an audience. Each era represented a significant chapter of her life, striking a chord with fans by creating a sense of relatability and nostalgia.
The Lesson:
At the heart of good communication lies storytelling. Framing your message as a story enhances its resonance. Start by establishing a clear beginning, middle, and end, ensuring your narrative strikes a chord with your audience's interests and feelings. Swift's honesty further emphasized the importance of authenticity, drawing fans in with her sincerity.
Sharon Leite, CEO of Omni Retail Enterprises, shared on LinkedIn, "She seemed so genuine and grateful for her fans." Leite appreciated that "it felt as if she was putting on a show just for you."
Communications Tip:
Use visuals or analogies, like Swift's costume changes and set designs, to strengthen your narrative and make it memorable.
2. Charli XCX’s 'Brat Summer': Understanding Your Audience
Charli XCX's 'Brat Summer' took social media by storm, embodying unfiltered fun and audacity. The term 'Brat' became the Collins Dictionary's 2024 Word of the Year, resonating with younger audiences but leaving older demographics bewildered.
The Lesson:
While playfulness can make your communication stand out, it's essential to maintain a balance between boldness and intentionality.
During an interview with Minnesota senator Amy Klobuchar, Rachel Maddow of MSNBC admitted, "Last night, Charli XCX tweeted 'Kamala is brat.' I must admit, I am unsure of its meaning."
Communications Tip:
Experiment with creativity in your communication style, but always come back to your core message. Avoid letting humor or irreverence overshadow your intentions.
3. Snoop Dogg At The 2024 Summer Olympics: The Power of Relatability
Snoop Dogg's commentary at the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics became a viral sensation, blending humor and relatability. Whether it was breaking down dressage or interviewing Michael Phelps, Snoop demonstrated the power of relatability in communicating with diverse audiences.
The Lesson:
Relatability is one of the most potent tools in a communicator's toolbox. Snoop's success stemmed from his ability to bring his authentic self to a wide audience, breaking down complex subjects into accessible and enjoyable terms.
Communications Tip:
Don't shy away from showcasing your personality in your communication. Recognize your audience's level of knowledge and adjust your language accordingly to bridge any gaps without coming off as condescending.
4. Ariana Grande And Cynthia Erivo’s 'Wicked' Interviews: The Importance of Authenticity
During the promotional circuit for Wicked, Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo were criticized for their rehearsed and overly emotional interviews. Their polished responses lacked spontaneity and fell short of genuinely engaging with their audience.
The Lesson:
While preparation is crucial, it's equally important to leave room for spontaneity. Audience craves authenticity; overly controlled messaging can sometimes be off-putting.
Communications Tip:
Find a balance between preparation and flexibility. Practice your key points, but allow space for genuine reactions.
5. The 2024 Presidential Election: The Importance of Emotional Intelligence
The 2024 U.S. presidential election captured everyone's attention, not just for its political implications, but also for the varying communication styles of the candidates.
The Lesson:
Empathy is a fundamental aspect of effective communication. Candidates who resonated deeply with voters were those who demonstrated a keen understanding of their audience's concerns, recognizing the importance of active listening and respectful dialogue to foster connection and mutual understanding.
Communications Tip:
Prioritize active listening and responding with empathy. Approach challenging conversations with care and respect to encourage connection and mutual understanding.
- Cynthia Erivo, starring in the musical adaptation of 'Wicked', echoed the importance of authenticity in interviews, emphasizing the need to balance preparation with spontaneity to truly engage with audiences.
- During a panel discussion on effective communication, Snoop Dogg, known for his entertaining commentary at the 2024 Summer Olympics, shared insights on the power of relatability, emphasizing the importance of showcasing one's personality while bridging knowledge gaps without appearing condescending.
- Taylor Swift's 'Eras Tour' was not just a musical spectacle but a masterclass in storytelling, showcasing how organizing her concert around different 'eras' of her career could captivate and engage an audience, creating a sense of relatability and nostalgia, as exemplified by CEO Sharon Leite's praise on LinkedIn.
- Charli XCX, who saw her 'Brat Summer' take social media by storm, highlighted the importance of maintaining a balance between boldness and intentionality, providing a communications tip to ensure a strong message without letting humor or irreverence overshadow the core message.
- In the world of pop culture, Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande’s rehearsed and overly emotional interviews during the 'Wicked' promotional cycle demonstrated the need to balance preparation with genuine reactions, showcasing the sensitivity of communication styles in engaging audiences.
