Cognitive Foreplay: Communication as Idea Sex

 

The latter statement has an edge over the former because its simplicity lies in the fact that it limits the number and scope of the assumptions that it makes. This statement does not presume to assume the motivation of the shooter, it does not attempt to explain the phenomenon of mass shootings, and it does not attempt to displace blame by emphasizing one explanation over another.

 

 

The purpose of sex is reproduction.  If that's all it's about, you don't need to waste time on foreplay - just get to the point, quickly, so you can move on to the next opportunity.  When you rush the job to close the deal, though, there's a chance of missing the mark.  Foreplay is about taking the time to line up appropriately, do the job well and maybe even establish a mutually beneficial relationship that supports a strong, sustainable end product as a result. 

 

Communication is a lot like sex.  If your goal is to plant an idea, you want to deliver it in the simplest, quickest format possible so you can move on to the next target.  That's what messaging does - hit hard and fast using emotion as a tool to register quickly and impactfully.  The problem is, you can't always guarantee your message is received the way you intended; feelings, after all, aren't the same beast as ideas.  If you're too busy to focus any length of attention on your audience, they're going to see that and be turned off.

 

Should you want to create something new that's stronger and better adapted than what came before, you have to take the time to warm up your audience, which means investing yourself in the process a bit.  In communication, that's called a conversation.  It takes time, but it's time well spent - the process is enjoyable and the end result, when reached collaboratively, is explosive.

 

But, if you really need a bullet point, start with this - smart is sexy.