It is frustrating when compelling facts, clear information or great stories fail to generate understanding or support. We have research-backed solutions that help you:
Frame important issues & evidence in a way that makes sense to people
Create real shifts in how people think about and engage with our big problems and solutions
Communicate with confidence and clarity about contested or complex issues
Our services
Learn about how to use strategic framing to communicate more effectively, overcome false information, have tricky conversations, or shift systems.
Bring your group or team together and with our support identify what frames, narratives, and explanations they can use to spark interest in their work, explain it, shift perspectives or motivate action.
Benefit from local insights, with in-depth research to discover how people think about your issue, and the framing that works to build understanding and effective support. For solutions that make a real difference.
Get direct and timely advice on how to frame your information, insights, and ideas in ways that build trust in what you have to say.
Our unique approach
Don’t start with what you want to say — start by understanding how people think.
People hold many perspectives — tune into the most relevant ones.
Values drive decisions and action — know what values lead to thoughtful decisions about collective concerns.
Facts matter — but great explanations reveal hard to see causes and solutions.
A Matter of Fact: Talking Truth in a Post Truth World
Short book exploring the science of communicating and presents innovative ways to talk effectively (and empathetically) about contentious information.
Our work
We have a reputation for a high quality, research backed and values-driven approach. We work with people across a wide range of contexts and issues, who come to us with a variety of goals and challenges.
How to talk about Community Planning for Climate Disruption
Message and framing guide prepared for Auckland City Council on how to engage communities in planning for climate disruption. Based on two years of research.
About Jess
I help people share evidence in ways that change minds, spark action, and build better conversations. I’m the author of 'A Matter of Fact: Talking Truth in a Post-Truth World' and have a PhD in Psychology. I love exploring how people really make decisions and what it takes for ideas to stick.
What people say
Brings clarity to complex social issues
“Jess brings extraordinary clarity to complex social issues. I’ve seen Jess enable the social sector to communicate more effectively, shape better public conversations, and ultimately achieve meaningful change for communities. Her insights, generosity and strategic thinking are invaluable assets.”
Helen Robinson
Chief Executive ‑ Manutaki
Te Ātiawa o Te Waka‑a‑Māui
Auckland City Mission – Te Tāpui Atawhai
Helped us to understand the deeper patterns and narratives
“Jess brings a unique combination of scientific rigor with practical insights. She has helped us to understand the deeper patterns and narratives that hold the status quo in place, thereby enhancing our ability to communicate effectively about complex challenges and what causes them. She has given us the confidence that the stories we tell can make a genuine difference.”
Eruera Tarena
Kaiwhakatere
Tokona te Raki
Creates practical strategies to change how organisations think and act
“Jess has a rare ability to create practical strategies to change how organisations think and act, all based on strong evidence. She gets the human element right by listening deeply, detecting patterns others miss, and then weaving together narratives that can shift both mindsets and systems. I have seen Jess help senior leaders, policymakers and teams better align their work with what people want. This can be transformational.”
Shamubeel Eaqub
Economist
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Ask us for help
Get in contact with Berentson Shaw Advisory to chat through which options might work best for you.