3 Ideas for Communicating Across the Political Divide | Isaac Saul | TED

How does language shape our politics? Journalist Isaac Saul explores how subtle word choices can inhibit productive dialogue about significant issues - and shows how small (but important) changes can help us all have better conversations with people who think differently than us.
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• 3 Ideas for Communicat...
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[@just__ryan_]

Great reminder that optimism is not dead, and polarization is not inevitable. Loved this talk

[@WrenStanchen]

I'm going to show this to my students in English class! What an excellent demonstration of communication skills and the importance of word choice. Thank you, Isaac!

[@yutopyan]

I read Tangle every single weekday, and it helps me relate better to my relatives, neighbors, and customers across the poliitcal spectrum.

[@TrophyHusband]

Well done, Isaac! This is yet another example of why I feel good about supporting Tangle and your team's mission.

[@davidalanmeyer]

Excellent talk. This guy is the editor for Tangle, which my brother introduced me to. I am so impressed by how balanced and thoughtful it is. No "rage language" or attempts to divide everyone into "winners" and "losers". I wish people like my father who lives in an echo chamber of rage news would listen to this guy more.

[@anthonyrayamusic]

Long time Tangle subscriber here… Isaac is a visionary and a rational voice sorely needed in today’s deeply polarized world.

[@jeffholloway8345]

The Tangle newsletter is a fountain of practical wisdom and respite amid the toxicity of the combative tribal banter Isaac refers to in the TED talk. He invites - encourages - dissenting opinions and often either clarifies his position or tells us how the input caused him to adjust his position. His commitment to clearer communication is abundantly evident in every newsletter, right down to posting any errata (of which there is little) at the very top of the page.

[@eliasleventhal5017]

I hope this video attracts Isaac a lot of new Tangle readers! It's wonderful to see him getting this opportunity.

[@jePetersen]

Tangle is the only news publication I'm subscribed to. I trust Isaac more than any other journalist I know of.

[@MissStarryDay]

Tangle has been my primary source of news since 2020, so excited that Issac had the chance to have this talk. He and the team are doing such great work

[@jwman88]

Our country needs more Isaac!

[@BobBernacki]

Great job Isaac! I never miss a daily Tangle newsletter. Very balanced and informative -showing both sides of an issue with an unbiased summary. Highly recommended!

[@DianaComuzzie]

This is why I love Tangle so much! I read it every day, and believe it or not, it brings me peace to understand how others are thinking. Thank you, thank you, Tangle staff.

[@MeredithTosta]

Tangle is my most trusted source for what is happening in the world - so happy for the TED community to get exposure to Isaac and his team’s awesome work.

[@elizabethgahbler9085]

Long-time Tangle reader here. Great TED talk - it could have been longer as far as I’m concerned. Even when I disagree with Isaac’s position, I always feel that he states himself very well and goes out of his way to explain his reasoning in the best way possible. Even if he doesn’t change my mind, he gives me a lot to think about. Tangle is well worth subscribing to.

[@cathiewatson-short1183]

I really appreciate your newsletter. I know that I can find the arguments for both sides of hot topics in neutral language that respects me as a reader to make up my own mind. Thank you for not assigning me my opinions, which is often what it feels like when I read more partisan news sources. Also, thank you for speaking up about the term Latinx, I teach many hispanic students and most of them don't identify with that term. It feels disrespectful to use a term people don't identify with even if it is well meaning from those who use it. Great talk!

[@JensyMyers-j3y]

Language is so important. This is a great talk about how word-selection can make or break an interaction. And the reminder to listen carefully to each other and be open to other ideas is great! Thank you for this thoughtful talk!

[@gstritter]

Thanks, Isaac, for a very illuminating talk. It was clear, concise, neutral and thought-provoking. As a Tangle subscriber, I expected no less. It is my fervent hope that more news consumers will begin to choose less biased news sources. I hope major news and social media outlets will also choose less biased news reporting, but I am very pessimistic - business models would have to change drastically!

[@dvdmon]

I've been a Tangle subscriber since March of 2020, and feel like Isaac puts as much into the balancing act that that newsletter manages every day that he put into this excellent talk. It has become my most trusted news source to get a good understanding of the most important issues and how ALL sides view them, and how the "other side" can have such a different take then I do. That take sometimes even makes me realize that my take isn't as obviously "right" as I thought it was.

[@mtanner6326]

Tangle is my go-to for political news. I love what Isaac Saul is doing!

[@TheRajanStudios]

Incredible Isaac. Tangle team is full of amazing people and what real journalism is about

[@jasonbrady3769]

Isaac, I don't always agree with your view, but I do appreciate being able to hear (read) it... Thanks for all you're doing to improve the social commentary!

[@alibally2]

Tangle is a great resource for me as I try to understand why other people think and act as they do. I like to learn and use facts without so much emotion attached in order to decide what I believe about diverse subjects. And I love that Tangle shows respect to different views by presenting them as factually as possible, with neutral language when possible. Great presentation, Isaac. I really appreciate the newsletters and will continue to renew my subscription.

[@dmstackrob]

Words matter. Thanks for the talk, Isaac.

[@hillarydobbs-davis4306]

Thoughtful, insightful, rational, intelligent, both the TED Talk and Tangle. Isaac and his team are doing great work, and this is just the latest example. I've been a subscriber for several years now, and I'm really glad to be part of this "tribe."

[@johnkruszon5731]

You make me a better person Isaac. Thanks for all you and your team is doing.

[@bettymilburn1579]

I am not sure how I stumbled upon Tangle, but it has definitely broadened my perspectives and made me more open to hearing the “other” side. Thank you for your great work.

[@dualblade24s]

Great job Isaac! Been a subscriber to Tangle for a while and it is the one and only company I actually believe is fulfilling its mission. Thanks for what you do, and thank you TED for giving Isaac an opportunity to reach more people

[@sanneketaylor8673]

Thank you, Isaac and the Tangle team! It has been so wonderful to be able to approach news every day without getting overwhelmed by partisanship.

[@SnowDave]

Longtime Tangle subscriber -- really appreciate this dive into language choices. We deal with this frequently in the corporate world, as we try to make inclusive choices for language and sometimes end up unintentionally alienating certain audiences.

[@dualblade24s]

I remember reading Tangle’s newsletter about word choice/language and agreed with most decisions back then, now I see even more clearly how important it is!

[@ifly4me324]

Great TED talk, Isaac I'm a Tangle reader and appreciate your non-bias approach. Keep it up!

[@DoReMiFaDo-fh3nm]

Tangle has helped me stay well-informed about political current events without getting stuck in an echo chamber. So excited that Isaac got to give this talk!

[@saraneuder4772]

Way to go Isaac and the Tangle team! I look forward to reading or listening to Tangle each day. Thanks for your hard work and dedication to creating a space for productive dialogue.

[@industrypartnerships3206]

Congratulations! Thank you for this work. Not only is your style a welcome one at a time where our country is most polarized, your work is methodical and provides some of the most comprehensive highlights of political news that I have ever experienced. The work of your and your team is unprecedented and so important. Thank you again.

[@kibbles833]

TL;DR: Tangle = perfection, read it. It's free Great work, Isaac! It's so easy to be proud of being a Tangle member! I had sworn off ALL news because of the sensationalism and one-sidedness of most if not all of the major news organizations. Stumbling onto Tangle was a breath of the freshest air. It's always balanced, open-minded, and and thought-provoking. I've had half a dozen or so newsletter subscriptions to various things in general, and Tangle is the only one that hasn't fallen off over time. Greatly appreciate the work they do; I recommend very few things as much as I recommend Tangle

[@jacquelynpuglia90]

Great job Isaac! I learn so much from reading Tangle! I love how you present the view from the left, the view from the right and then your take ( which is my favorite!). I wholeheartedly recommend Tangle subscription for everyone!

[@wendytech]

It's so difficult to gain attention in today's world, and then not lose it. I've unsubscribed from several newsletters--just no time, and sometimes repetitive subjects--but I'll keep Tangle. It explains, goes deep, and evolves. This talk illustrates some of Tangle's strengths--short, pointed, unafraid to tackle sensitive subjects, and open to changing minds. Thank you, Isaac & Tangle staff!

[@kailacolbin7474]

I am such a massive fan of Isaac and Tangle. Watch this talk and you'll see why. When I read Tangle I don't feel smart - I feel smart-ER. This is the kind of conversation and coverage that we need to navigate the challenges we face. Go Isaac and Team Tangle! 🙌

[@activoteus]

We love Tangle and it is highly encouraged reading every day!

[@taliameans4559]

SUCH an important message. I'm so grateful for the Tangle newsletter - I rely on it now as my primary source of news and highly recommend it to everyone I talk to about politics and world news.

[@philipwashburn3033]

This is what presenting news should look like in a pluralistic society. Thank you Isaac and Tangle for setting the bar and showing the path.

[@mindycantrell]

I have been a Tangle reader for a while and appreciate Isaac Saul's thoughtful mission and viewpoints on current events. Thanks, Mr Saul, I highly recommend it. Also, thanks for this timely TED Talk, providing great insight into making different language choices, in order to not push people away with our words. Loved it!

[@MicheleReichert]

I have been noticing how biased the news is everywhere. I appreciate all the thought and work that goes into staying unbiased and reporting from all sides. This talk was a breath of fresh air, I am going to make a point of reading Tangle and others that try to give us the news more even handedly.

[@judygiel9948]

Well done Isaac! Tangle is one of my favorite newsletters. So proud of what you have accomplished in just a few years.

[@chelseafullman8790]

Love Tangle's careful treatment of the news!

[@AnnaRosenblumPalmer]

I’ve been reading tangle since its early days. It keeps me in check and informed. Thanks!

[@peterrangel501]

Great talk from Isaac, as always. I have been subscribed to Tangle since 2020, and they're a 10/10 follow. The world would 💯 be a better place if more written news media were like Tangle.

[@Ask_Alecia]

Bravo!! THIS is exactly MY personal mission too. I'll watch this several times. Thank you for seeing through your mission in the world. We need more like you.

[@leahdee9547]

Fascinating insights, Isaac, on navigating the pitfalls around language choices.

[@user-dj4tn9tt4l]

I love Tangle, and I wish more people would read it.

[@liquidcreation9367]

This talk was not only full of refreshing truth, it was courageous. To bring up issues like immigration, abortion, racism, and Zionism as illustrations was crossing an unfortunate cultural taboo that many of us have become persuaded is something "you're not supposed to talk about." By using these examples, Isaac punctuated the problem by virtue of the likely reaction when people heard them. I'm so happy we have someone in media who is both reasonable and compassionate to all sides. We need to be able to talk to each other. More importantly, as he said, we need to remember how to listen to each other with an open heart. It's for that reason that i read Tangle, his newsletter, every day. I can vouch for the fact that Tangle does everything he talked about in this video.

[@BaileyGerber-v4u]

I love Tangle! So excited to see TED platforming this publication & its mission.

[@flights4ny]

This transparent and sincere approach to communicating difficult topics is exactly why I’m a Tangle supporter. Great job Isaac! I rely on you and the Tangle team for honest political reporting.

[@zaneyb3000]

Have been a Tangle subscriber for almost 10 months now, can't recommend it enough!

[@teddyvrcoolkid]

You're one of my heroes, Isaac. Thanks for all you do. My son recently asked me if I had to pick one person to rule the entire world, who would it be? Without hesitating I said "Isaac Saul." :)

[@geoffwillis7432]

I’ve been a Tangle subscriber for a few years and find Isaac’s and his team’s analysis and coverage of current events to be invaluable. It’s as fair and balanced coverage of news topics that you will find. I highly recommend subscribing to Tangle. There are free subscription models and paid subscription models. I happily pay to subscribe because I find his work that valuable and important.

[@sbeams]

Thank you Isaac! Wonderful presentation. You are why I read Tangle every day.

[@sophiepepin2215]

Been subscribed to Tangle for over a year now and I LOVE it! I find their coverage of Israel-Palestine very nuanced and helpful

[@alex_marianyi]

Tangle is the best! Been subscribed for over a year and can't recommend it highly enough!

[@christinearthur8494]

Bravo Isaac! Great TED talk and keep up the great work with Tangle.

[@user-xr8cx5de8y]

Well done, Isaac! I’m also a Tangle reader, have been for years, and I LOVE it. Highly recommend!

[@carolineseidler9364]

I deeply appreciate Tangle's team and their form of messaging. Tangle has helped me see all sides of many topics. Thank you Tangle.

[@cribbeard]

I'm happy and proud to see you gaining the recognition and opportunities you and Tangle deserve, Isaac. Phenomenal speech, great pauses, and exceptionally well articulated!

[@jrlpking]

Loved this. Will share with all of my friends. Tangle is one of my favorite sources for learning about other opinions.

[@confessionsofagroceryaddict]

Love the Tangle newsletter. Really appreciate how both sides are presented on big topics. Worth subscribing!

[@elizabethowen7205]

Use the terms that the person you’re talking to at Thanksgiving dinner prefers, listen to them, try to not use language to signal what tribe you belong to. Looking forward to trying this during this holiday season. I really appreciate sensitivity to language and it’s nice to get actual coaching tips on how to do it. Big fan of Tangle for keeping me well informed.

[@joanshook6193]

Thanks, Elizabeth. How I hope I can remember to do this! Also, so important to be sure I’m using the same definition of a word that is important in the conversation. Jgs

[@user-zd5gu4cy7q]

I can’t believe you got this done in 12 minutes! Well done!

[@amandadauria9731]

I have been a Tangle reader for a little over two years now, and I think everyone could benefit from Isaac and team’s thoughtful commentary and valiant mission to provide well balanced and trustworthy news to the masses.

[@IAmDellaKnox]

Long time Tangle reader and it has added so much depth to my understanding of USA politics. I recommend it to everyone!

[@VCFPp]

So proud to see you on that stage, Isaac, and to be a Tangle subscriber! Keep up the good work. Everyone, follow Tangle!

[@NicoleMenkart-kg6bz]

What an amazing talk! As a long time Tangle reader, I couldn't recommend the newsletter more :)

[@jjohnson8151]

Thank you Tangle staff and Issac Saul. Tangle is my go-to news daily. I can read it without fear of mudslinging or further polarization. Superb reminders about the importance of language and our word choices that can help heal the divide. Beautiful, Issac!

[@user-jw2hf8gx5h]

I read Tangle daily. The most level-headed news source, period. I will show this talk to my scientific writing students in the fall!

[@jeremybarr8661]

Easily the most unbiased news / current events source I've come across. Keep up the amazing work, Isaac & Tangle team!

[@RaptorGirl99]

Excellent work, Isaac!! I read Tangle almost every day and I love it. It helps me see both sides of the issue and reminds me that those I may disagree with are just people, not monsters.

[@actuallymichaeltyler]

Love Tangle’s mission, as well as the nerdiness with which they analyze language choice!

[@laurawinholt6853]

Thank you Issac. I look forward to reading Tangle.

[@travislopes8387]

Tangle is my favorite daily read and the only way to keep up with news in the USA without getting stressed and feeling pandered to or click-baited. Highly recommend signing up, it's free and 100% worth it

[@gailandbenkorostoffandadam7299]

I read Tangle daily for a great balanced and nuanced summary of an important topic. Well done, Team Tangle!

[@jonathanberrios7341]

Fantastic talk, Isaac! Tangle is a subscription I have never second guessed about having. Easily my favorite newsletter out there.

[@robbaum7750]

35,000 views for a TED Talk 5 days after release. I hope this is a good sign. I've been listening to Tangle for about 8 months now, since I heard Isaac on another podcast in my rotation, The Gist. Hoping more folks view this and begin or continue listening with empathy and giving the benefit of the doubt where required. I don't think we are anywhere near as divided as what the folks dividing us want to think we are. Thank you Isaac for bringing us together.

[@marytrue724]

Bravo! More of you is what the world needs if we're going to make it. #3 was a great reminder. I let certain words trigger me. Guess I better find out what they mean to the person I'm trying to communicate with instead of firing back. Thank you!

[@rebeccahill1561]

This is why I enjoy reading Tangle - it's as close to unbiased, evenhanded coverage of the US news as I can find. Thank you, Tangle writers, for just reporting the news instead of pushing your agenda!

[@jennipark6107]

Thank you for all of your work, Isaac!!! It is so important!!!

[@mcb4330]

Phenomenal Isaac! I love that you point out just how important language is to communication while at the same time acknowledging the problem with over emphasizing language when speaking with someone with a differing view. We need to listen for the intent and meaning, and put less emphasis on labels. Keep up the great work!

[@KenInWisconsin]

I read Tangle every day because it keeps me balanced. That's so important these days

[@richardprice3297]

Tangle has become my main source of news because of this kind of thinking and approach: compassionate, thoughtful, and honest. Excellent Ted Talk, Isaac!

[@andrewhostler4164]

Thanks Isaac! Thanks for all the great work you and the Tangle team do

[@trt41475]

Tangle is one of the best newsletters out there. Long time subscriber and it's always a daily read for me. Not only does it do a fantastic job keeping you informed, it's actually helped me relate and discuss issues with family members who have polar opposite views from mine without just yelling at each other. Great job Isaac!

[@ChuckOlson-o6f]

I am a Tangle reader and have long appreciated the simple clear statement of the day's topic provided before the sections on what the Right is saying and what the Left is saying about it. Now I appreciate how hard they work on these simple clear statements and why they are so important! Wonderful talk.

[@troniegunn9562]

My hubby and I have different political viewpoints on some issues - it's cool that we can both read Tangle and feel good about what you've researched and shared.

[@tristanpersaud6735]

Thank you Isaac for the work that you do. You are a much valued part of the 3rd way forward through our polarized times. Well done.

[@Daphne4926]

Thank you, Isaac --- what you are doing is so very important! And Tangle provides a wonderful perspective on so many issues.

[@curlytatertot]

Thank you, Isaac! I subscribe and listen to/read Tangle daily. It’s one of my favorite news sources bc it provides various perspectives, is as nonbiased as possible and is transparent and up front about any corrections.

[@christinahargrove9399]

Well done, Mr. Saul! Thank you for spreading the good word about the words we use and how we can speak to one another and really hear each other. This is so important!

[@rebeccaburnham4057]

Thank you Isaac for helping us understand each other across our divides! Tangle is my most trusted source for news that always offers balanced perspectives. I used to have to hunt for the full story, sifting through the tribal takes in order to get a sense of what was actually going on. Now, I look for Issac’s coverage and find he always makes me think.

[@clintonalexander2765]

So glad to see Isaac on TED! Been a reader/subscriber of Tangle for some time and it's a truly great newsletter.

[@joshandreaharrison5356]

Awesome job Isaac! That was a great talk with a lot of helpful information. Hopefully many people will watch this and will learn something from it like I did.

[@tlsharp22]

Long time tangle subscriber - I try to get a variety of sources for news and political topics, which means I’m not an ardent reader of many sources, but Tangle is the one exception. It’s rare that I miss reading a single issue of the newsletter, and the Sunday podcast is a lot of fun as well!