Politics in 140 characters? Twitter is "Trump(f)
The new US President Donald Trump fills the newspaper columns via Twitter. "One thing is already certain," says communications trainer Stefan Häseli, "Despite all the reservations about his person, there is probably one thing you can learn from him." The Swiss speaker on the subject of communication analyzes the extent to which politics can be effective in 140 characters.
One thing in advance, according to Stefan Häseli: "Whether this act is good for the world or how bad it will be when the impulsive new president shapes not only the fate of the USA but also, linked to this, to a large extent that of the world for the next four years, is left to the political observers. The fears that Donald Trump will continue to frighten many with his often outspoken statements are undoubtedly justified. Already, the world public is amazed at what he allows himself verbally." He added that it is exciting to follow how Donald Trump communicates: "You have to separate two things here. On the one hand, he very often ignores all the rules of constructive communication and appreciative feedback. That is without question something that I dislike. The other is that he, like hardly anyone else, tries to rule the world with 140 characters from the 'Twitter window'. And that's something we should think about."
Getting to the heart of the matter
From this point of view, says the communications expert, it is worth trying to separate the threatening from the useful: "Once the fear of the content of provocative statements is set aside, a lot can be learned from it purely in terms of communications technology. After all, the point is to get to the heart of the matter. This initiates the discussion. 140 characters are enough to make the news, whether positive or negative. Or, in a less spectacular way, simply into the conversation. Packing important statements into 140 characters on Twitter is certainly not always right - especially when it comes to global interests. But the art of being able to do it is important! This ability is still not really used well everywhere in modern society, business and the public sphere," says Stefan Häseli, who has been working on everyday communication for many years. "It is by no means evidence of superficiality to limit information to 140 characters. Rather, such a core statement must be formulated aptly. The situation is different, of course, when it comes to complex contexts. Anyone who masters the both/and is a 'commander in tweets'."
A quality that can be learned
What remains to be distinguished and differentiated is that a lot of junk is tweeted. Stefan Häseli: "Many of Donald Trump's posts also seem too ill-considered. But who hasn't sent a message themselves without thinking about what it could trigger? But there's just a difference between sending an unclear email to a good acquaintance and the world's most powerful man insulting a fellow official with nuclear weapons in the closet." Even if many things are not eaten as hot as they are cooked, as Stefan Häseli knows from his contacts with politicians: "Some things are done for the gallery. For example, when Donald Trump posts a Twitter message about Vladimir Putin, it may be that the personal conversation between the two has long since taken place and they know from each other very well what they really think." Which brings us full circle, the expert says: "Composing a message in a 140-character message is a quality that can be learned and is becoming increasingly important. But there is still and for the time being no substitute for the conversation. What's clear is that at the end of the day, even Donald Trump will be judged on actions, not his posts."
Recommendation by Stefan Häseli: Twitter as training
"Breaking down important key messages into 140 characters is hard work - but very educational. I did this recently in a presentation with the most important key messages:
- The world of communication is becoming more demanding. Communicating a lot on more media does not necessarily result in more content.
- In all the euphoria and in the maelstrom of networked thinking and holistic approaches: In the market, sales still have to be made.
- The way is the goal. That may be true most of the time. But let's not forget: a beautiful train is no use if it doesn't arrive at the station.
- What is needed are solutions to customers' problems, not just the results of studies and convictions of suppliers.
That was attractive for the audience and it helped me to deal intensively with the topic. So supposed superficiality can also be the result of depth."
About Stefan Häseli:
As an international speaker, Stefan Häseli encourages people to experience effective communication in everyday life in a fun way. To this end, he is the author of numerous books and well-known as an advisor on radio and TV programs. www.stefanhaeseli.ch
