New Study from maslansky + partners Reveals Top 10 Words or Phrases That Had an Impact on Americans in 2019: Impeachment is #1

NEW YORK, Dec. 20, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- According to a study by maslansky + partners with Reputation Leaders, the single word or phrase that has impacted Americans the most in 2019 is IMPEACHMENT. The survey polled 1,000 people, asking them to identify the word that had the biggest influence on them, their relationships, and their view of the world this year. Overall, politics dominated with "Impeachment," "Obstruction of Justice," "Whistleblower," "Quid Pro Quo" and "Democracy at Risk" all ranking at the top of the list.

48% of those polled said "Impeachment" was the most impactful word of the year, causing two-thirds of those surveyed to lose trust in U.S. politicians and parties, and nearly half of Americans to lose confidence in the media. "Impeachment" has caused 41% of respondents to avoid certain topics, 20% are less engaged on social media and 20% say the word has caused them to change their voting intentions in 2020.

"Language defines so much of our experience.  And this year, we were surrounded by a lot of words that sadly divided us and impacted our trust in government and the media," comments Lee Hartley Carter, president of maslansky + partners. "Politicians better take note—this will influence the way Americans vote next November."

It's not all about the White House though, "Medicare for All" was the most impactful phrase according to 36% of respondents and "Climate Crisis," was chosen by 34%.  And we saw this even more so with younger people who placed a higher importance on social issues (Medicare for All) and the planet (Climate Crisis) than their boomer counterparts.

"We've seen some dramatic and important reframing of issues this year. Climate change to climate crisis is a major one before there are so many others across politics and culture," says Michael Maslansky, CEO of maslansky + partners. "These kinds of shifts in language can have a big impact in perceptions and engagement."

To view a full list of the top 10 most impactful words and phrases of 2019, visit: www.maslansky.com

maslansky + partners is an international language strategy firm based on the single idea, "It's not what you say, it's what they hear." The firm handles a diverse range of communication and language strategy work for Fortune 100 and 500 Companies, trade associations and nonprofits in the United States and globally. Learn more at http://www.maslansky.com/.

Reputation Leaders is a global thought leadership consultancy specializing in brand and reputation research.

SOURCE maslansky + partners

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