No better fitting topic in our #FlourishingPodcast this month than on communication.
In a world where communication is often taken for granted, we find ourselves grappling with the consequences of miscommunication, moral conflict, and cultural misunderstandings. As the host of the Flourishing Podcast, I’ve had the privilege of talking about these challenges with my co-host, Dr Kate Jackson-Meyer. We looked at the relationship between communication, moral dilemmas, and human flourishing.
One of the key takeaways from our conversations is that conflict, when approached with care and understanding, can become an opportunity for human connection and flourishing.
A recent example highlighting the consequences of poor communication is the contentious meeting between former U.S. President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and Vice President JD Vance on February 28, 2025.
During the recent Oval Office meeting last week, tensions escalated when Vice President Vance questioned President Zelenskyy's approach to diplomacy with Russia. Vance suggested that Ukraine should engage more in diplomacy to end the conflict, to which Zelenskyy responded by highlighting past breaches of agreements by Russia, expressing skepticism about the effectiveness of diplomacy without security guarantees.
The discussion further deteriorated as Vance accused Zelenskyy of disrespecting the U.S. by addressing issues publicly and questioned Ukraine's conscription practices. Zelenskyy invited Vance to visit Ukraine to understand the situation better, but Vance dismissed this as a "propaganda tour." The confrontation culminated with President Trump accusing Zelenskyy of "gambling with World War Three," leading to an abrupt end to the meeting without signing the anticipated minerals deal.
This recent Trump-Zelensky-DJ Vence crisis is a stark reminder of how communication can break down, especially during moments of moral conflict. But as Kate and I discuss in our podcast, these moments also offer opportunities for growth and connection. This can happen when we understand the naunces of moral dilemmas, how to leverage the modes of persuasion - ethos, pathos, and logos - and how to be mindful of cultural differences to navigate even the most difficult conversations.
Aristotle’s Modes of Persuasion: Ethos, Pathos, and Logos
One of the frameworks we discuss in our podcast is Aristotle’s modes of persuasion—ethos, pathos, and logos. Ethos refers to credibility, pathos to emotions, and logos to logic. These elements are essential for effective communication, especially during moments of conflict.
In the recent Trump-Zelensky-DJ Vence conversation, the ethos, or credibility, of Trump and DJ Vence was called into question due to the nature of their request. Zelensky, on the other hand, struggled to balance pathos and logos. He needed to appeal to the emotions of Trump and DJ Vence while presenting logical reasons for why Ukraine deserved support.
In our podcast, Kate and I emphasize that effective communication requires a balance of all three modes. For example, Trump and DJ Vence could have strengthened their ethos by demonstrating genuine concern for Ukraine’s challenges. Zelensky could have used pathos to connect with them on a personal level, while also employing logos to articulate the strategic importance of supporting Ukraine.
In a world where technology and social media often complicate communication, the lessons from our podcast are more relevant than ever. Whether it is a high-stakes political discussion or a personal disagreement, the principles we explore in this podcast can help us communicate more effectively and build stronger relationships.
Moving from Conflict to Connection
Conflict is inevitable, but it doesn’t have to divide us. When approached with empathy, authenticity, and a willingness to understand, conflict can become a bridge to better connection and mutual reciprosity.
The recent Trump-Zelensky-DJ Vence crisis is just one example of how communication can go wrong. But it also serves as a powerful reminder of what is possible when we prioritize understanding over judgment, and connection over division.
If you’ve ever struggled to communicate during a tough situation, I invite you to listen to our podcast. We can learn how to turn conflict into connection, one conversation at a time. Because at the end of the day, communication is not just about exchanging words—it is, ultimately, about strengthening human flourishing through connection.
Share this post