Frames are much more fluid, and simply ask you to consider what someone’s overall goals or the purpose for the interaction is. What is theirs, what is yours, and do they match? If not, utilize your new understanding and make them match. An easy way to think about frames is in terms of an acting scene. All the actors are on the same page, working toward the same goal, and trying to capture an emotional payoff. What happens if one of the actors wants to wing it for a bit, and expound on their character’s love of the sea? Nothing good.

Frames are a different way to imagine listening styles.