More courage for solution-oriented communication, please!
An interview with Nathaly Bachmann about the power of positive communication.
Solution-oriented communication focuses on opportunities rather than challenges. What do you understand by this approach?
Solution-oriented communication means consciously recognizing the opportunities inherent in every challenge. It’s about seeking constructive dialogue, which in turn fosters a positive energy. This brings about a fresh perspective: turning a challenge into a potential for change, just waiting to be utilized. Positive reframing builds connections that practically beckon for constructive action.
Why is positive communication particularly important in today’s world?
Especially in challenging times, amidst national and international crises, it’s crucial to maintain a positive mindset and communicate consciously. Solution-oriented communication helps us stay resilient and avoid succumbing to pessimism. It nurtures an environment of hope and proactive engagement. This applies to everyone in their day-to-day lives and, notably, to journalists as influential voices shaping opinions.
«Solution-oriented journalism brings balance to the often negative reporting.»
Speaking of journalism: What role does solution-oriented communication play in the media landscape?
Media holds immense power. It shapes how we perceive and understand the world. Solution-oriented journalism brings a necessary balance to the often negativity-dominated reporting. Especially in social media, we tend to fall into one-sidedness too often. And algorithms seem to reward sensational headlines. However, it’s precisely here where the constructive approach can make a difference. It inspires and instills hope. Solution-based journalism illustrates how our society can improve and what steps can lead there, instead of merely highlighting its problems. The focus of reporting lies on the “how” and not just the “what”. Therefore, solution-oriented communication should be firmly embedded as an essential component in the media landscape.
You’ve been involved in anchoring this practice – also known as Solution-Based Journalism – in Switzerland. What have your experiences been like?
Establishing Solution-Based Journalism and promoting the mission of constructive journalism in Switzerland has been a personal priority. In 2015, for instance, we partnered with the Right Livelihood Award and Ashoka Switzerland to advance Solution-Based Journalism. Our aim was to create an independent platform where journalists and social innovators could converge, exchange ideas, and spotlight solutions. The formula here is to generate sustainable IMPACT with your stories! Along the same lines is the “Impact Journalism Day,” which anchors and further develops this mission through exchanges with media professionals. There are numerous positive examples of exciting formats: For instance, the “Tages-Anzeiger” introduced the section “The Solution,” which aimed to inspire courage with positive news at the beginning of the week.
«Positive communicators build bridges rather than barriers.»
What were the reactions to this approach, and what difficulties arose in its implementation?
Solution-oriented journalism is demanding because it doesn’t stop at describing problems. Delving deeper into topics requires resources and demands endurance and patience. But it’s worth it! Positive messages can stand out in the information competition. Our experiences have shown that readers appreciate inspiring stories that show them how they can be part of the solution themselves. Such articles even receive more clicks and lead to higher interactions. Because constructive journalism doesn’t just inform; it activates.
What opportunities do you see for the future regarding solution-oriented communication
A culture of positive communication can help foster a more optimistic vision for the future. We’re all called upon—because a focus on opportunities must be trained. Positive communicators build bridges rather than barriers. Alongside initiatives like the StrategieDialog21, ESSENCE RELATIONS has been fostering these sustainable connections across society for over a decade. Under the motto “Let’s Chance,” we invite dialogue about Switzerland’s potential for opportunities. It’s a conscious shift in perspective that inspires active engagement in shaping the future.
