Shaping the Story

I heard a radio personality use the phrase, shaping the story, when talking about how the news tends to manipulate certain events rather than reporting in an unbiased manner.  The phrase reminded me of something Jamie told me years ago about communication, “get out of their head and allow them to draw their own conclusions.”  She was talking about how we tend to pick and choose our words in an effort to craft a certain outcome. 

One of the more common times attempt to shape stories is when we convince ourselves we are trying to say things in a manner that does not hurt someone’s feelings. That right there is indeed shaping a story.  We attempt to manipulate the words and conversation to get the result we desire.  When I feel someone shaping their words, I ask them to say what they feel and allow me to come to my own conclusions. 

Speak with your heart, and the right words will come to you.  Skip shaping the story and just say it.