If you’re a media manipulator, then you know how important it is to be able to control the flow of information. And one of the best ways to do that is by creating false narratives.
In his book, Trust Me, I’m Lying: Confessions of a Media Manipulator, Ryan Holiday shares some of the dirty secrets of the media manipulation trade. Here are 10 of the most eye-opening tips he divulges:
1. Always be ready with a story.
If you want to be successful at media manipulation, then you need to always have a story ready to go. It should be something that is attention-grabbing and newsworthy.
2. Find the right outlet for your story.
Not all outlets are created equal. You need to find the outlet that is most likely to pick up your story and give it the attention it deserves.
3. Make your story as sensational as possible.
The more sensational your story is, the more attention it will get. So don’t be afraid to exaggerate the details or even make things up entirely.
4. Create a false sense of urgency.
If you want your story to get attention, then you need to create a false sense of urgency around it. This can be done by using words like “breaking” or “exclusive.”
5. Use social media to your advantage.
Social media is a powerful tool that can be used to spread your story far and wide. Make sure to use it to your advantage.
6. Leak your story to the press.
If you have a story that you think the press will be interested in, then leak it to them. This will increase the chances of it getting picked up.
7. Pay people to talk about your story.
If you really want to make sure your story gets attention, then you can pay people to talk about it. This is called “astroturfing” and it’s a common tactic used by media manipulators.
8. Make it personal.
If you can make your story personal, then it will be more likely to get attention. This can be done by involving yourself in the story or making it about someone close to you.
9. Play the victim.
If you’re the victim in your story, then you’re more likely to get sympathy from people. This can be a powerful tool in getting attention for your story.
10. Have a plan B.
Even the best-laid plans can sometimes go wrong. That’s why it’s important to have a plan B ready to go in case your first plan doesn’t work out.
These are just some of the tips that Ryan Holiday shares in his book. If you want to learn more about media manipulation, then be sure to check it out.