A Matter of Fact: Talking Truth in a Post-Truth World

by Jess Berentson-Shaw

Today it seems that conspiracy and rumour spread faster than ever and are increasingly hard to debunk. How do we convincingly explain the difference between good information and misinformation?

A Matter of Fact explores the science of communicating and presents innovative ways to talk effectively (and empathetically) about contentious information. It is both an informative guide to constructive communication and a passionate reminder of the importance of finding what matters to all of us.

Genres: Nonfiction, Politics, Science

Paperback

Published January 1, 2018

Reviews

[Danielle S · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish it was longer. A good, short read.

[Keen Reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a decent book, which does a decent enough job, with the limited space it has, of addressing some key issues around the exchange of important information in the modern, technologically advanced age.

Shaw covers many vital angles, such as framing, tone and value alignment which are some of the issues which need to be considered when relating important information to an audience. Consideration is also given to the potential pitfalls, like political and commercial agendas and other personal or confirmation biases, which can taint the core message.

[Beth Wishart · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a good read! A friend handed me this book and I'm now going to buy a copy of my own. It's so well-written and a quick read too! We need to understand the power of communicating to people's values, rather than hoping our 'neutral' information will be accepted. Anyone who engages in online/public debates or is perplexed by the weird problems we find ourselves in (eg climate change, Trump), would love this book :)

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a decent read and a good base of some ideas and thoughts. Definitely could have used some more examples/elaboration when discussing the main points. It was a bit unclear to me what was being suggested from the research a couple times. This book is condensed though so you can always do extra research on your own.

I would recommend giving this a read if you want to better understand polarization and how people might hear opposing data more openly.

[Lovebell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A handy book for communications professionals. While it’s ostensibly about communicating scientific evidence, lots of good principles in communications that seek to influence or change behaviours. Highly recommend.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great introduction to the concepts and leading thinkers in framing and values based messaging.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent. The perspective in this little book has blown my mind - I bought a copy to be able to re-read it. Strongly recommend all science and communication folks read this.

[Rob Carr · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thoroughly well researched book on effective modern communication. Highly recommend.

[Joanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Helpful tips

[Mark Nichols · Rating 5 out of 5]

A timely book, emphasising the need for listening and engaging values when presenting factual evidence. A great little read.