Advocacy:
Builds collaboration with the person or system you’re speaking to, aims to work with and not against.
Comes from a place of empowerment.
Says: “Here’s what I need and why.”
Leads to change.
Focuses on solutions and what needs to change, with a specific goal in mind.
Communicates needs clearly, calmly, and respectfully.
Uses facts, examples, and impact to explain the issue.
Aims to improve a situation for yourself or others.
Uses social media platforms to inform, encourage and educate.
Focuses on what needs to change and how to make it happen.
Raises an issue with a goal, solution, or call to action.
Complaining:
Can create defensiveness or shut down communication. Discussion is accusatory.
Comes from a place of frustration.
Says: “This is terrible.”
Leads to isolation.
Focuses on the problem without moving toward change, no specific solution in mind.
Communicates frustration, often emotionally or without clarity.
Uses generalizations (“This always happens”) or venting.
Aims mainly to express dissatisfaction.
Uses social media as a venting platform, does not provide any real solution.
Focuses on what went wrong and who is to blame.