January 23rd 2026
Stories, not facts, change minds
How do you tell a story about migration that doesn’t polarise, but brings people together? In De Correspondent, Maite Vermeulen explains why effective communication is about shared values, empathy and a clear vision of the future – not simply piling up facts.
Drawing on insights from communication science and examples from international campaigns, Vermeulen argues in De Correspondent that facts alone rarely change people’s minds. The article offers practical guidance for anyone working towards social change: how do you articulate what you stand for? How do you avoid unintentionally reinforcing negative frames? And how do you tell a story that resonates with the ‘persuadable middle’?
These insights closely reflect the work of Refugee Talent Hub. We also see that lasting connections between employers and refugees grow through personal encounters and by recognising people as professionals and colleagues with talent and ambition. Not by trying to persuade people with statistics, but by putting recognition and humanity at the heart of the conversation.
That makes this article particularly relevant for employers, communication professionals and policymakers who want to help build an inclusive labour market and communicate more effectively about newcomers and work.
👉 Read the full article here.
Read more:
- Batsheba’s blog: Be aware of your blind spots
- The full Language and Culture collection