Glossary of narrative resilience

This glossary brings together the concepts essential to understanding the contemporary information environment. It provides an understanding of narrative dynamics and the associated risks.

A

Amplification

The process by which a narrative gains visibility through multiple organic or coordinated relays. See also: Contagion narrative.

Contextual analysis

Study a story, taking into account its environment, actors, emotions and socio-cultural motivations. See : Narrative territory.

C

Narrative characterization

Process for identifying the structuring elements of a story: origins, actors, levers, dynamics. See : Narrative trajectory.

Propagation chain

A series of actors and relay points through which a story circulates and is transformed.

Echo chamber

A space where narratives reinforce each other without contradiction, increasing their polarization.

Sensitive communication

An approach adapted to complex or polarizing subjects, favoring clarity, caution and emotional control.

Narrative contagion

Rapid dissemination of a story between platforms, audiences or communities. See : Amplification.

Narrative coherence

Alignment between an organization's actions, discourse and values.

D

Contextual distortion

Altered interpretation of a statement or event when taken out of context.

Narrative distortion

Partial or total alteration of a story, resulting in distorted perception.

Opinion dynamics

Collective evolution of perceptions influenced by stories, emotions and contexts.

I

Responsible influence

The practice of influence based on transparency, consistency and respect for audiences.

Information integrity

Quality and reliability of the information circulating around an organization, a prerequisite for lasting trust.

M

Narrative mapping

Mapping narratives, their interactions and evolutions. See : Narrative characterization.

Micro-communities

Affinity groups where specific narratives emerge.

N

Narrative

A shared framework that guides how an event, organization, or topic is perceived and interpreted.

Responsible neutralization

An approach designed to reduce the impact of a story without excessive confrontation or unintended amplification.

P

Public perception

Collective representation shaped by the accumulation of stories, experiences and informational signals.

Tipping points

Moments when a story changes intensity or dynamic.

Narrative prevention

Anticipated actions to reduce an organization's vulnerability to hostile narratives.

Inorganic propagation

Accelerated broadcasting of a story through artificial or automated intervention.

R

Rumors

Unconfirmed information circulating rapidly and influencing collective perception.

Narrative

A concrete, specific story that can fuel or illustrate a narrative.

Emerging story

History in the making, the repetition or amplification of which could fuel an influential narrative.

A hostile tale

A story that could weaken an organization by feeding a narrative that alters its perception.

Proportionate response

Adjusted communication strategy to avoid unintentional amplification of a story.

Narrative resilience

Ability to anticipate and master the narratives influencing an organization.

Information risk

Threat to an organization from unfavorable information dynamics.

S

Weak signals

Early clues to the emergence of a story.

Narrative territory

Structured set of themes and perceptions associated with an organization.

T

Neutralization tactics

Actions designed to reduce the effect of a hostile narrative in a responsible manner.

Narrative trajectory

The evolution of a story from emergence to maturity or disappearance.

Controlled transparency

Honest, measured communication adapted to the sensitivity of the audience.

V

Narrative watch

Continuous observation of stories and dynamics of perception.

Information vigilance

Monitoring informational risks and protecting narrative stability.