Strategic Messaging: Resistance School Course (Videos) – Anat Shenker‑Osorio
A video course about strategic messaging by Anat Shenker-Osorio by the Resistance School.
An Introduction to Messaging
Anat introduces her argument for the goal of progressive messaging.
Context
Anat begins her lesson by explaining the importance of context in progressive messaging.
Framing
Anat gives examples of framing and explains its importance in an effective conversation.
The Power of Words
Anat discusses the importance of words and their associations in messaging and describes the key takeaways from the session so far.
Common Messaging Error
In this lesson, Anat discusses common progressive messaging mistakes.
People Do Things
Anat teaches the audience how to spot and correct mistakes in their own messages using her “people do things” rule.
Hedging
In this lesson, Anat discusses the tendency for progressive messages to contain hedging and how it takes away from the overall point of the message.
Metaphors
Anat describes the value of metaphors in an effective message and their value to the context that people use to interpret a progressive idea.
Group Exercise
Anat challenges the audience to complete a group exercise to assess what they have learned and test their ability to change a message so that it is more effective.
The Best Messengers
Anat teaches us the importance of appealing to the base of our supporters to create a message that will spread.
The Importance of Phrasing
Anat shares data from her research and highlights the important role phrasing and word choice play in the way people perceive a message.
An Effective Message and Conclusion
Anat summarizes what makes a good message and reaffirms the changes that need to be made to progressive messages.
Brief about Anat Shenker‑Osorio
Anat Shenker‑Osorio is a renowned political strategist and communications expert known for transforming how progressive movements talk about race, economy, immigration, climate, and justice. She is the founder of ASO Communications and host of the podcast Words to Win By. Her work is grounded in narrative strategy, research-based framing, and message testing for progressive campaigns.
Background and Education
Born in Tel Aviv and raised in the United States, Anat earned a B.A. in Political Science from Columbia University and a Master’s in Public Policy from the University of California, Berkeley. Her academic path laid the foundation for her unique blend of activism and analytical communication strategy.
Professional Career
Founder of ASO Communications
Anat launched ASO Communications in 2009, focusing on research-backed messaging techniques to help progressive causes communicate more effectively. The firm has become a go-to partner for labor unions, climate coalitions, civil rights organizations, and public health campaigns.
Race‑Class Narrative
In collaboration with organizations like SEIU and Demos, Anat helped develop the Race-Class Narrative, a messaging framework that unites people across racial and economic lines by emphasizing shared values and common purpose.
Podcast Host
Anat hosts the podcast Words to Win By, where she explores successful political campaigns around the world, highlighting the role of values-based messaging and storytelling in movement-building.
Areas of Expertise
- Strategic Framing and Messaging
Anat is an expert in turning complex issues into clear, emotionally resonant narratives that mobilize and persuade. - Narrative Testing and Research
She uses tools like dial tests, priming research, and storytelling analysis to test which messages truly move people. - Progressive Campaign Strategy
She has worked with dozens of campaigns, offering strategic insights that have improved voter turnout, changed public opinion, and advanced social justice goals.
Thought Leadership & Publications
Anat is the author of Don’t Buy It: The Trouble with Talking Nonsense About the Economy, a book that critiques common economic language and proposes alternative, empowering narratives. Her writing has also appeared in numerous high-profile outlets, offering insights into narrative change, racial equity, and movement communications.
Speaking Engagements
She has been invited to speak at global and national platforms including progressive conferences, advocacy groups, philanthropic organizations, and academic institutions. Her engaging style blends sharp research with humor and clarity.
Public Recognition
Her work has been featured in mainstream media and movement circles alike. Communications professionals, organizers, and policymakers regularly cite her narrative research as foundational to modern progressive messaging.
Why She Matters
Anat Shenker-Osorio has fundamentally reshaped the way movements talk—and win. By showing that how we say things is just as important as what we say, she helps campaigns build inclusive, values-based messages that inspire action and change hearts.
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