Search

When tackling urgent organizational problems, leaders usually work hard to identify underlying causes, tap a wide range of knowledge, and experiment with solutions. But once they’ve mapped out a plan, there’s one more crucial step they must take: crafting a story so compelling that it will harness their organizations’ energy and direct it toward change. Drawing on decades of experience helping senior executives lead large-scale transformations, Harvard professor Frei and leadership coach Morriss present an effective way to approach that challenge. They outline four key steps: (1) Understand your story so well that you can describe it in simple terms, (2) honor the past, (3) articulate a persuasive mandate for change, and (4) lay out a rigorous and optimistic path forward. Next you need to get others behind your story. Emotions can bring it to life and help drive employees’ commitment to change. You also should promote your narrative aggressively. Share it wherever the opportunity arises—in speeches, interviews, town hall meetings, one-on-ones—and incorporate it into different formats, from videos to images to guidebooks. INSET: 10 Underrated Emotions in Change Narratives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the United Nations Summit of the Future, held in New York City on September 22 and 23, 2024, highlighting the UN's intensified efforts to control the media narrative and censor journalism. It critiques the lack of American media presence and their complicity in the UN's agenda, portraying them as "lapdogs" rather than "watchdogs."

The article presents an interview with Steve McQueen, where he discusses his film "Blitz", which explores the trauma experienced by Londoners during World War II through the perspective of a young boy and his mother. Topics include McQueen's motivations for creating the film, the importance of thorough research in portraying historical narratives, and the complex social dynamics of the 1940s home front, especially concerning racial and ethnic diversity.

The article presents an interview with Walter Moser, who discusses the career of renowned US photographer Gregory Crewdson, known for his cinematic and meticulously staged images. Topics include the evolution of Crewdson's photographic style and techniques, the influence of cinema and art in his work, and the significance of lighting and location in creating his haunting narratives.

The article offers a tribute to Bill Horrigan, a pivotal curator in establishing film and video programs in museums, particularly at the Wexner Center for the Arts. Topics include Horrigan's innovative role in transitioning time-based art from theaters to galleries; his commitment to addressing contemporary issues; and the impact of his curatorial work on the broader museum culture, which embraced a diverse range of film and video beyond mainstream narratives.

In this paper, I am studying narratives of Russian immigrants who settled in Estonia and share anti-Putin and anti-war attitudes. I argue that they differ dramatically in their discursive strategies. My research shows that a major dividing line is the one separating those immigrants whose narratives are predominantly Russia-focused from those who seek to integrate themselves into the broader Estonian and European agenda of supporting Ukraine’s resistance to Russian aggression. The existence of these two groups does not, however, prevent many Russian immigrants from seeking a balance between the two positions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reflects on the shift in the art world toward political activism, observed during a visit to the Tate Modern in London. Topics include the exploration of contemporary art that integrates text with visual elements, the increasing emphasis on curatorial narratives that often overshadow the artists' intentions, and the experience of encountering abstract art, such as monochrome paintings, which are laden with philosophical and cultural interpretations.

The article focuses on a contemplative narrative set in a dense forest, exploring themes of routine, loss, and connection with nature. Topics include the struggle between human instincts and societal expectations, the juxtaposition of life and death as a hunt unfolds, and the protagonist's complex emotions regarding companionship and solitude.

The article discusses Roï Saade's creation of Bound Narratives, a project aimed at showcasing photobooks by Middle Eastern and North African artists. Topics include the challenge of overcoming Eurocentric publishing norms, Saade's process-driven approach to photobook curation and design, and the initiative's role in expanding visibility for regional artists.

The article reflects on the appeal of photographs that challenge societal and aesthetic norms, emphasizing their role in highlighting instability and complexity. Topics include the ability of photography to reveal more about its subjects than intended, the value of observing unfamiliar and provocative images, and the arrangement of images and texts in a fragmented and mythic manner to create a unique narrative.

The article focuses on the artist's approach to abstraction, likening it to an author crafting a fictional narrative. Topics include the physical engagement with the canvas, the study of materials over time, and the symbolic use of different mediums to evoke natural phenomena and themes of ephemerality.

The article focuses on Christian Petzold, a leading figure in the Berlin School of filmmakers, known for their introspective approach to German cinema. Topics include Petzold's exploration of post-Wall Germany through films like "Barbara," his departure from mainstream cinematic conventions with deliberate pacing and long contemplative shots, and his collaborative and spontaneous filmmaking process that prioritizes authenticity over scripted narratives.

The article presents speech of women illustrator Dare Coulter, recipient of the 2024 Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award for "An American Story," expressing gratitude. Topic include the legacy of African American narratives; she honors predecessors and emphasizes the transformative power of storytelling; and she credits her community, collaborators, and family for their unwavering support in her artistic journey.

The Seventh International Workshop on Narrative Extraction from Texts (Text2Story'24) was held on March 24th, 2024, in conjunction with the 46th European Conference on Information Retrieval (ECIR 2024) in Glasgow, Scotland. Over the day, more than 50 attendees engaged in discussions and presentations focused on recent advancements in narrative representation, extraction, and generation. The workshop featured two invited keynote addresses, fourteen research paper presentations, and a poster session. The workshop proceedings are available online.1 Date: 24 March 2024. Website: https://text2story24.inesctec.pt/. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article is an interview with violinist and teacher Johannes Leertouwer about the Narratio Quartet's new recording of Beethoven's op. 18 quartets. Leertouwer discusses the challenges and excitement of historically informed performance practice, as well as the use of portamento in their interpretations. The quartet's approach to Beethoven's music is characterized by constant discovery, reinvention, and surprise, creating an intimate and immersive experience for the audience. The article also touches on the quartet's recording process and the release of the quartets in three volumes. The article discusses the performance of Beethoven's op. 18 string quartets by the Narratio Quartet. The quartet's approach to the music is characterized by spontaneity, flexibility, and a departure from traditional performance practices. They employ varied and liberal use of vibrato, rhythmic flexibility, and portamento. The quartet's interpretation offers a fresh perspective on the music, challenging conventional notions of interpretation and bringing new expressive possibilities to the forefront. The recording is praised for its rich and full sound quality. [Extracted from the article]

The article focuses on Hamaguchi Ryūsuke's skill in capturing subtle emotions and personal encounters in his films, showcasing his exploration of the depths of human yearnings and fears. Topics include his unique narrative approach, which highlights the gradual evolution of emotions through seemingly ordinary interactions, and his influences from filmmakers like John Cassavetes and Yasujirō Ozu. The article discusses Hamaguchi's thematic exploration of contact and distance.

The article focuses on the multifaceted artistic practice of Jacob Ginga, highlighting his diverse approaches to art creation and his emphasis on fostering connections through narrative-driven artworks. It discusses Ginga's engagement with themes of relationships, growth, and struggle, his incorporation of various artistic influences from realism to abstraction, and his evolution from photography to street art and art education.

The article offers information on contrasting visions of human life in Russian history, focusing on the dramatic revolutionary narrative and the prosaic, realist perspective found in the works of Russia's greatest writers. Topics include the emphasis on ordinary virtues and the understanding of good and evil by looking within and paying attention to the familiar rather than the mysterious.

The article focuses on Mickalene Thomas's new touring exhibition, "All About Love," which explores themes of Black beauty, female empowerment, complexity, and love through over 80 works created over the past two decades. It delves into Thomas's inspiration from Black feminist writings, her innovative use of collage techniques, and her celebration of Black women's strength and independence, challenging traditional narratives of beauty and representation.

The article focuses on three artists representing their countries at the 60th Venice Biennale: Tesfaye Urgessa from Ethiopia, John Akomfrah from Great Britain, and Kapwani Kiwanga from Canada. Topics include Urgessa's exploration of identity politics and race through art, Akomfrah's use of sound to examine historical narratives and prompt emotional connections, and Kiwanga's multidisciplinary approach to address questions of value and commerce.

The article focuses on challenging the prevalent idea of STEM as the sole solution to global issues and emphasizes the need for more nuanced and integrated approaches to STEM education. It discusses the limitations of oversimplified narratives about STEM's role in solving problems, advocating for teaching methods that consider the socio-scientific complexities and transdisciplinary perspectives to engage students effectively.

The author reflects on the challenges of journalistic language in conveying the emotional depth of tragic events while maintaining objectivity. They discuss the struggle to translate the profound tenderness of Arabic expressions, exemplified by a poignant moment amidst chaos, into English, highlighting the limitations of Western discourse on such narratives.

The article focuses on two significant Black scholars: Milton Wright, who interviewed Adolf Hitler in 1932, and Cheikh Anta Diop, whose scholarship challenged Eurocentric narratives about ancient Egypt's civilization. Wright's encounter with Hitler offers insight into race relations, while Diop's work reclaims African contributions to civilization, particularly in Egypt, challenging colonial narratives.

The article focuses on the trend of depicting wealthy characters in popular media, exploring how shows and films often portray them in a negative light. Topics include the psychological implications of indulging in narratives that mock the rich, the moral complexities of scapegoating the wealthy, and the potential dangers of glorifying vengeance against them. It raises questions about the societal impact and ethical implications of hate-watching the rich.

An interview with American comedian Bill Maher is presented. He discusses his career in political comedy, the state of free speech, cancel culture, and the upcoming 2024 presidential election. Maher reflects on the changing landscape of political correctness, the influence of elite colleges on media narratives, and the challenges of comedy in the Trump era. He also expresses concerns about cancel culture, the polarization of society, and shares his thoughts on potential 2024 election outcomes.

This article explores the importance of expanding the study of seventeenth- and eighteenth-century philosophy to include non-canonical texts and narratives, with a focus on gendered metaphors of reason. The author argues that these metaphors shape our understanding of reason and gender, often perpetuating biases. By critically engaging with metaphors and including works by marginalized individuals, such as Christine de Pizan, Margaret Cavendish, and Sor Juana Inéz de la Cruz, the philosophical canon can be challenged and reshaped. The text emphasizes the ongoing need to examine and interpret metaphors in historical and contemporary contexts. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the Association for the Sociology of Religion (ASR) conference that was held in Montreal, Canada in August 2024. Topics included the shift towards secularism, with an emphasis on race, gender, sexuality, and class in shaping religious outcomes. Notable attendees included Grace Yukich, ASR president, and various sociologists and evangelical commentators exploring these evolving narratives.

The article focuses on Park Chan-wook's film "Oldboy," exploring its blend of philosophical depth and intense action, along with its stylistic innovations and thematic richness centered on the concept of revenge. Park discusses the film's narrative complexities, the influence of international cinema on his directing style, and its reception amidst South Korea's vibrant film industry resurgence following political changes in the early 1990s.

The article focuses on a reactionary movement in San Francisco, California backed by wealthy interests, that manipulates urban crises such as homelessness, drug addiction, and crime for political gain. Topics include the resurgence of conservative forces, efforts to roll back progressive policies, and the use of fearmongering narratives blaming the left for the city's struggles.

The article delves into the experience of a young soldier in Iraq, highlighting a defining moment involving shooting of a stray dog and soldier's conflicting emotions regarding empathy, duty, and implications of masculinity during wartime. It explores the soldier's observation of the Iraqi perception of American soldiers, the significance of dogs in war narratives, and the paradoxes within the soldiers' attitudes towards dogs, revealing the complexity of their emotional connections.

The article focuses on the historical parallels between the biblical narratives of Herod's massacre of infants in Bethlehem and Pharaoh's attempts to kill Hebrew baby boys. Topics include the defense of babies in ancient times, the sacred texts' assertion of the sanctity of life, and the comparison between the Christian Church's respect for life and the pro-abortion culture of the modern secularized West.

The article focuses on artist Carolyn Robles, who uses personal objects and shared symbols to create meaningful portraits and allegorical works with deeper messages. It discusses Robles transitioned from conventional portrait commissions to narrative portraits and allegorical paintings; her desire to convey deeper narratives; incorporating symbols & personal items from her subjects to infuse her artworks with profound symbolism; and convey a sense of interconnectedness & the human experience.

Copyright of Language Teacher is the property of Japan Association for Language Teaching and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The article focuses on Justine Triet's Palme d'Or-winning courtroom drama "Anatomy of a Fall," examining the complexity of language, storytelling, and the elusive nature of truth. The film portrays a domestic dispute involving Sandra, a successful novelist of German origin, and her French husband, Samuel, whose unresolved issues are brought to light in a court of law, highlighting the film's exploration of the weight of words and the challenges of communication within a complex narrative.

An interview with film director Todd Haynes, is presented. He discusses his film "May December." Topics include the development of the script, the portrayal of complex female characters, and the choice to focus the narrative on the character Joe halfway through the film, shifting the audience's point of identification.

The article focuses on the positive aspects of menopause. It highlights its potential to lead to a fresh perspective, creative empowerment, and opportunities for women. It highlights the inspiring stories of women who embraced menopause, and it discusses their experiences and the shift in attitude, and it emphasizes the importance of acceptance and visibility for older women.

The article offers information on the life and work of Rodney Stark, a sociologist-turned-historian who passed away in 2022 at the age of 88. Topics include his transition from progressivism to Christianity, his goal to challenge the dominant progressive narrative of the West, and his opposition to the nineteenth-century positivist founders of social science.

The article presents a memoir of the author's experience with American Sign Language and the profound connections it fosters, particularly through the symbolism of a mute swan named Oscar. It reflects on the author's journey through personal challenges and highlights the beauty of non-verbal communication. It also mentions the author's neighbor, Jenny, serving as an interpreter for Roxane Gay, illustrating the power of sign language in conveying emotions and narratives.

This article examines the framing of the "border crisis" narrative and its impact on immigration policies. It discusses a bipartisan border security plan proposed by US senators that emphasizes increased enforcement and additional burdens on asylum seekers. The article argues that this approach prioritizes border security over addressing the needs of migrants, perpetuating violence and suffering. It also mentions two books that offer different perspectives on border politics and the experiences of migrants. The article concludes by calling for a new vision for migration in the 21st century. Additionally, the article excerpted from Ajay Singh Chaudhary's book "The Exhausted of the Earth: Politics in a Burning World" explores the concept of exhaustion in politics and society, discussing how factors such as economic inequality, political disillusionment, and environmental degradation can lead to apathy and disengagement. The author offers insights into potential solutions to these challenges. [Extracted from the article]

The article focuses on conversation about research project, which has been ongoing for three years. Spence expresses frustration at the lack of progress, while Ardis defends the need for more time. The discussion leads to a visit to a village graveyard, where Spence reveals a connection to someone named Harrison Wells. The second part delves into a different narrative involving Edith Wells and Harrison, exploring themes of love, despair, and the uncertain nature of reality.

The article discusses the issue of Chinese economic coercion and its effectiveness. It argues that China's attempts to use economic tools to achieve geopolitical aims have often been relatively ineffective and even counterproductive. The article highlights examples of Chinese economic coercion, such as attempts to cut off imports from South Korea, Australia, and Lithuania, but concludes that these efforts have not generated meaningful political concessions. It suggests that China's difficulties in using economic power should give pause to Chinese decision-makers and prompt scrutiny of China's capabilities to weaponize global trade. The article also emphasizes the need for practical solutions to shared development challenges rather than efforts to weaponize global commerce. [Extracted from the article]