Welcome to another episode of People Play Story, where we explore the art of storytelling and impactful communication. Today, we're delving into the intriguing concept of status in communication. Whether you're giving a presentation or interacting in everyday scenarios, status plays a crucial role in shaping our interactions.
We explore the invisible dynamics of status, discussing how it influences our perceptions and interactions in various settings, from workplaces to family gatherings. Status isn't just about hierarchy; it's a fluid concept that varies with context. We break down the three types of status: ascribed, achieved, and master status, and how they impact our roles and communication styles.
Understanding these dynamics can transform your communication skills. By being aware of status differences, you can choose your role more intentionally, bridging gaps and connecting with others on a deeper level. We discuss practical strategies to navigate these dynamics, emphasizing the importance of body language and non-verbal cues.
Join us as we unpack these insights and learn how to harness the power of status awareness to enhance your communication effectiveness. Remember, status is always present, and by understanding its fluidity, you can navigate interactions with grace and intention. Until next time, keep exploring the power of stories and communication.
[00:00:08]
Martin Kloss:
Hi, and welcome to People Play Story, a podcast about storytelling and how to communicate with impact. My name is Martin Kloss, and I'm a professional story coach and speaker trainer. I recently wrote a book. It's called People Play Story, but it's only available in German for now. So to help me reach a wider audience and spread the word about the power of stories, I created this podcast. Full disclosure, what you're about to hear is generated by an AI, courtesy of Google's notebook LM. And each episode is based on a different chapter of my book. I hope you enjoy it and that I can give you something to think about today. Have fun.
[00:00:53] Unknown:
Alright, everybody. Welcome back. Today, we're diving into something I think we can all relate to. You know that feeling when you're about to give a presentation, you're prepped and ready, but there's this, like, unspoken thing hovering in the air? Yeah. Definitely. It's like this invisible elephant in the room. Right. And that elephant, my friends, is status. So today, buckle up because we're going on a deep dive into the fascinating world of status and communication. We're talking hierarchies, perceptions, the whole shebang. And to guide us on this journey, we're tapping into the wisdom of communication expert Martin Kloss.
[00:01:29] Unknown:
We're gonna unpack his insights. Yeah. He's got some really eye opening stuff about how status shapes literally every interaction we have at work, at home,
[00:01:38] Unknown:
everywhere. Seriously, by the end of this, you'll start seeing those status dynamics
[00:01:42] Unknown:
everywhere. Oh, absolutely. And the best part is once you understand how it works, you can actually use it to your advantage to be a more effective communicator.
[00:01:51] Unknown:
Okay. So before we get ahead of ourselves, let's break it down. What exactly do we mean by status in this context?
[00:01:57] Unknown:
So scatters at its core is basically our position in a particular group or society. It's about where we see ourselves fitting in, you know, in relation to others. Okay. So it's not just about, like, who's the boss at work? Right. It goes way beyond that. Think about your family, your friend group, even just walking into a crowded room, we're constantly, whether we realize it or not, figuring out where we stand. It's so true. Like, who do I feel comfortable talking to? Who seems to command the most respect or attention? Exactly. And here's the thing. Status isn't a one size fits all thing. We all hold both high and low status depending on the situation. Oh, 100%. Like, you could be the tech wiz at work. Everyone comes to you for help. Right? But then you go to your kids' robotics competition, and suddenly you're completely out of your element. Totally. And understanding that fluidity is, I think, one of the keys
[00:02:46] Unknown:
to navigating these dynamics effectively. Okay. So it's fluid. It's everywhere, but it's also kind of this invisible force. Right. And to make it even more complex, it's not just about who has the most money or the fanciest title. Okay. So there's more to it than just outward appearances. Tell me more.
[00:03:02] Unknown:
So Close breaks it down into 3 main types of status. First, we've got what he calls ascribed status. Yeah. This is basically the hand we're dealt in life, Our gender, our age, our family background stuff we're born with can't really change. Okay. So that's our starting point. We all get dealt a different hand, some better than others, but then it's up to us what we do with it. Right? Exactly. And that's where achieve status comes in. This is all about what we accomplish through our own efforts, our skills, our talents. You know, becoming a doctor, starting a business, writing a book, all these things contribute to our achieved status. It's like we're constantly leveling up in different areas of life. So we've got the hand we're dealt and the skills we build. What's the 3rd type? Alright. So the 3rd type is what Close calls master status. Think about figures like Oprah or Elon Musk. Right? They've reached this almost legendary status, at least in the public eye. Right. Like, they're almost larger than life, but it doesn't have to be on that scale. Right? Exactly. It can be within a smaller circle too. Like, the head chef at a Michelin star restaurant or that one friend who throws the most epic parties.
They've achieved a level of mastery that elevates their status within that specific group. So there's, like, these different playing fields for status. Exactly. And what's really interesting is how often we often subconsciously try to elevate our achieved status, you know, to kinda climb that ladder. Oh, I see this all the time, like buying that fancy car or constantly reminding everyone about that marathon we ran 5 years ago. Exactly. It's like those material possessions, those impressive titles, even name dropping those can all be subtle signals of our perceived success
[00:04:43] Unknown:
feeding into this whole dance of status. We're all kind of peacocking a little whether we realize it or not, but understanding these different types of status is just the first step. Right? Right. Because the real question is how does all of this actually play out in our day to day communication? Yeah. Spill the tea because it's not like we're whipping out our status scorecard every time we strike up a conversation. Right. Okay. Definitely not. So how does this all actually play out, like, when we're talking to each other? Okay. So picture this.
[00:05:11] Unknown:
You're back in that presentation scenario. Right? You're about to address a roomful of colleagues. Okay. Just by stepping into that spotlight Mhmm. You're instantly granted, like, a higher status. Oh, interesting. The very act of public speaking Mhmm. It creates that dynamic even if you don't feel particularly powerful at that moment. So it's almost like the stage itself adds another layer of status Exactly. Even before you've said a word. And here's where those status differences. Those can actually become communication barriers. Really? Yeah. The greater that gap is between you and your audience, the harder it can be to really connect with them. Think of, like, a CEO Okay. Who's trying way too hard to be, like, one of the guys. Yeah. You know? Yeah. It often comes off as inauthentic.
[00:05:55] Unknown:
Right. Because that power dynamic Yeah. It's still there. It's like trying to pretend the elephant isn't in the room.
[00:06:02] Unknown:
Exactly. You can try to ignore it, but it's always gonna be there. Right. And that's why we need to make a distinction between status and role. Okay. So remember, status that's more passive. Okay. It's kinda what we hold, you know, our position. Yeah. Role on the other hand, that's active. It's what we do in a given situation, you know, the part we play. So, like, my ascribed status could be middle child. My achieved status could be marathon runner. Right. But the role I play at any given moment could be mediator
[00:06:32] Unknown:
or cheerleader or even terrible joke teller. Exactly.
[00:06:36] Unknown:
You've got it. Uh-huh. And what's so cool is how our status can actually influence the roles we naturally gravitate towards. Oh, that's interesting. Like, think about a parent talking to their child. Okay. That status difference, it inherently shapes how they communicate even if they're trying to be on the same level Right. Or a teacher trying to balance authority Yeah. With creating a safe space for learning. That makes total sense. It can get even trickier when those roles potentially clash, like a manager who's also close friends Right. With some of their team members. Navigating those dual roles can be a minefield
[00:07:11] Unknown:
or even in families where business is involved. Totally. Those lines can get really blurry. Okay. So bringing this back to presentations then. Yes. Knowing that just by standing up to speak, I'm already in a higher status position You are. Even amongst peers Mhmm. How do I use that awareness effectively? Because I can't just, like, shed my status like a jacket. Right? Right. That's the $1,000,000 question. It is. And that's where things get really practical. Okay. So give me the actionable insights. What's the secret sauce?
[00:07:42] Unknown:
Well, I think it starts with awareness, like we were saying before. Right. Before that next presentation or team meeting or even just a tough conversation. You know? Yeah. Take a minute to really consider those status dynamics. You know? What are they? What's your status in this situation? What about theirs?
[00:07:59] Unknown:
And it's not about judging or labeling anyone. Right. It's more about, like, strategic empathy. You know? So we're not trying to pretend those differences don't exist. We're just kind of acknowledging them Right. Exactly. So we can navigate them better. And once you're aware
[00:08:13] Unknown:
of those dynamics, then you can actually choose your role more intentionally. Okay. How so? So, like, if you're the expert in the room, how can you share your knowledge without sounding condescending or talking down to people? Right. Or if you're newer to a group, how can you confidently contribute your ideas without feeling like you have to prove yourself? That's a good point. It's all about finding that sweet spot Mhmm. Where your expertise can shine through, but it doesn't overshadow everyone else. Right. Right. And this makes me think about body language too. You know? Like, how often do we subconsciously, like, shrink back or avoid eye contact
[00:08:51] Unknown:
when we feel lower in status? Yes. Or on the flip side, we might dominate the conversation when we feel more powerful. All the time. Because communication isn't just about the words we use. Right. It's all of it. Our body language, our posture, our eye contact, even just our tone of voice, they all signal our perceived status. It's so true. So pay attention to those nonverbal cues, both in yourself and in the people you're communicating with. You know, we always knew status was a thing, but now we've actually got the tools to understand it and work with it instead of against it. That's exactly what makes this stuff so powerful. You know? It's not just theory. It's about giving you practical strategies Yes. To actually transform the way you communicate. Love it.
So to wrap it all up for our amazing listeners, I think we've got 3 key takeaways. Mhmm. First up, status is always present whether we're aware of it or not. It's like this invisible force field. Yes. Shaping our interactions. Okay. 2nd, status isn't fixed. We hold high status in some scenarios and low status in others. It's all about context. Totally. And understanding that fluidity is key to kind of navigating those shifts. Gracefully, hopefully. Exactly. And finally, the real magic happens when we combine that status awareness with, like, intentional role play. Right. How are you showing up? Yes. By choosing how we show up, we can actually bridge those status gaps. And connect with people. Yes. On a deeper level. Way more meaningful. Absolutely.
So next time you're about to step into any interaction, a big meeting, a presentation, even just a coffee date, remember what we learned from Martin Claus. He's the man. Take a moment. Consider those status dynamics at play, and then choose your role. You might be surprised how much of a difference a little status awareness can make. 100%. It's a game changer. It really is. Alright, everybody. That's it for today's deep dive. Hope you enjoyed it. Until next time.
[00:10:52] Martin Kloss:
Hi, everyone. It's me again. Just a quick note before I let you go. I hope you found today's episode entertaining, engaging, and maybe even inspiring. If you did, please spread the word. And if you didn't, please keep it to yourself. And if you wanna know more, have any questions, or wanna work with me, please get in touch with me on martinklaus.com or on LinkedIn. Now have a great day. Go out and do something fun.
Hi, and welcome to People Play Story, a podcast about storytelling and how to communicate with impact. My name is Martin Kloss, and I'm a professional story coach and speaker trainer. I recently wrote a book. It's called People Play Story, but it's only available in German for now. So to help me reach a wider audience and spread the word about the power of stories, I created this podcast. Full disclosure, what you're about to hear is generated by an AI, courtesy of Google's notebook LM. And each episode is based on a different chapter of my book. I hope you enjoy it and that I can give you something to think about today. Have fun.
[00:00:53] Unknown:
Alright, everybody. Welcome back. Today, we're diving into something I think we can all relate to. You know that feeling when you're about to give a presentation, you're prepped and ready, but there's this, like, unspoken thing hovering in the air? Yeah. Definitely. It's like this invisible elephant in the room. Right. And that elephant, my friends, is status. So today, buckle up because we're going on a deep dive into the fascinating world of status and communication. We're talking hierarchies, perceptions, the whole shebang. And to guide us on this journey, we're tapping into the wisdom of communication expert Martin Kloss.
[00:01:29] Unknown:
We're gonna unpack his insights. Yeah. He's got some really eye opening stuff about how status shapes literally every interaction we have at work, at home,
[00:01:38] Unknown:
everywhere. Seriously, by the end of this, you'll start seeing those status dynamics
[00:01:42] Unknown:
everywhere. Oh, absolutely. And the best part is once you understand how it works, you can actually use it to your advantage to be a more effective communicator.
[00:01:51] Unknown:
Okay. So before we get ahead of ourselves, let's break it down. What exactly do we mean by status in this context?
[00:01:57] Unknown:
So scatters at its core is basically our position in a particular group or society. It's about where we see ourselves fitting in, you know, in relation to others. Okay. So it's not just about, like, who's the boss at work? Right. It goes way beyond that. Think about your family, your friend group, even just walking into a crowded room, we're constantly, whether we realize it or not, figuring out where we stand. It's so true. Like, who do I feel comfortable talking to? Who seems to command the most respect or attention? Exactly. And here's the thing. Status isn't a one size fits all thing. We all hold both high and low status depending on the situation. Oh, 100%. Like, you could be the tech wiz at work. Everyone comes to you for help. Right? But then you go to your kids' robotics competition, and suddenly you're completely out of your element. Totally. And understanding that fluidity is, I think, one of the keys
[00:02:46] Unknown:
to navigating these dynamics effectively. Okay. So it's fluid. It's everywhere, but it's also kind of this invisible force. Right. And to make it even more complex, it's not just about who has the most money or the fanciest title. Okay. So there's more to it than just outward appearances. Tell me more.
[00:03:02] Unknown:
So Close breaks it down into 3 main types of status. First, we've got what he calls ascribed status. Yeah. This is basically the hand we're dealt in life, Our gender, our age, our family background stuff we're born with can't really change. Okay. So that's our starting point. We all get dealt a different hand, some better than others, but then it's up to us what we do with it. Right? Exactly. And that's where achieve status comes in. This is all about what we accomplish through our own efforts, our skills, our talents. You know, becoming a doctor, starting a business, writing a book, all these things contribute to our achieved status. It's like we're constantly leveling up in different areas of life. So we've got the hand we're dealt and the skills we build. What's the 3rd type? Alright. So the 3rd type is what Close calls master status. Think about figures like Oprah or Elon Musk. Right? They've reached this almost legendary status, at least in the public eye. Right. Like, they're almost larger than life, but it doesn't have to be on that scale. Right? Exactly. It can be within a smaller circle too. Like, the head chef at a Michelin star restaurant or that one friend who throws the most epic parties.
They've achieved a level of mastery that elevates their status within that specific group. So there's, like, these different playing fields for status. Exactly. And what's really interesting is how often we often subconsciously try to elevate our achieved status, you know, to kinda climb that ladder. Oh, I see this all the time, like buying that fancy car or constantly reminding everyone about that marathon we ran 5 years ago. Exactly. It's like those material possessions, those impressive titles, even name dropping those can all be subtle signals of our perceived success
[00:04:43] Unknown:
feeding into this whole dance of status. We're all kind of peacocking a little whether we realize it or not, but understanding these different types of status is just the first step. Right? Right. Because the real question is how does all of this actually play out in our day to day communication? Yeah. Spill the tea because it's not like we're whipping out our status scorecard every time we strike up a conversation. Right. Okay. Definitely not. So how does this all actually play out, like, when we're talking to each other? Okay. So picture this.
[00:05:11] Unknown:
You're back in that presentation scenario. Right? You're about to address a roomful of colleagues. Okay. Just by stepping into that spotlight Mhmm. You're instantly granted, like, a higher status. Oh, interesting. The very act of public speaking Mhmm. It creates that dynamic even if you don't feel particularly powerful at that moment. So it's almost like the stage itself adds another layer of status Exactly. Even before you've said a word. And here's where those status differences. Those can actually become communication barriers. Really? Yeah. The greater that gap is between you and your audience, the harder it can be to really connect with them. Think of, like, a CEO Okay. Who's trying way too hard to be, like, one of the guys. Yeah. You know? Yeah. It often comes off as inauthentic.
[00:05:55] Unknown:
Right. Because that power dynamic Yeah. It's still there. It's like trying to pretend the elephant isn't in the room.
[00:06:02] Unknown:
Exactly. You can try to ignore it, but it's always gonna be there. Right. And that's why we need to make a distinction between status and role. Okay. So remember, status that's more passive. Okay. It's kinda what we hold, you know, our position. Yeah. Role on the other hand, that's active. It's what we do in a given situation, you know, the part we play. So, like, my ascribed status could be middle child. My achieved status could be marathon runner. Right. But the role I play at any given moment could be mediator
[00:06:32] Unknown:
or cheerleader or even terrible joke teller. Exactly.
[00:06:36] Unknown:
You've got it. Uh-huh. And what's so cool is how our status can actually influence the roles we naturally gravitate towards. Oh, that's interesting. Like, think about a parent talking to their child. Okay. That status difference, it inherently shapes how they communicate even if they're trying to be on the same level Right. Or a teacher trying to balance authority Yeah. With creating a safe space for learning. That makes total sense. It can get even trickier when those roles potentially clash, like a manager who's also close friends Right. With some of their team members. Navigating those dual roles can be a minefield
[00:07:11] Unknown:
or even in families where business is involved. Totally. Those lines can get really blurry. Okay. So bringing this back to presentations then. Yes. Knowing that just by standing up to speak, I'm already in a higher status position You are. Even amongst peers Mhmm. How do I use that awareness effectively? Because I can't just, like, shed my status like a jacket. Right? Right. That's the $1,000,000 question. It is. And that's where things get really practical. Okay. So give me the actionable insights. What's the secret sauce?
[00:07:42] Unknown:
Well, I think it starts with awareness, like we were saying before. Right. Before that next presentation or team meeting or even just a tough conversation. You know? Yeah. Take a minute to really consider those status dynamics. You know? What are they? What's your status in this situation? What about theirs?
[00:07:59] Unknown:
And it's not about judging or labeling anyone. Right. It's more about, like, strategic empathy. You know? So we're not trying to pretend those differences don't exist. We're just kind of acknowledging them Right. Exactly. So we can navigate them better. And once you're aware
[00:08:13] Unknown:
of those dynamics, then you can actually choose your role more intentionally. Okay. How so? So, like, if you're the expert in the room, how can you share your knowledge without sounding condescending or talking down to people? Right. Or if you're newer to a group, how can you confidently contribute your ideas without feeling like you have to prove yourself? That's a good point. It's all about finding that sweet spot Mhmm. Where your expertise can shine through, but it doesn't overshadow everyone else. Right. Right. And this makes me think about body language too. You know? Like, how often do we subconsciously, like, shrink back or avoid eye contact
[00:08:51] Unknown:
when we feel lower in status? Yes. Or on the flip side, we might dominate the conversation when we feel more powerful. All the time. Because communication isn't just about the words we use. Right. It's all of it. Our body language, our posture, our eye contact, even just our tone of voice, they all signal our perceived status. It's so true. So pay attention to those nonverbal cues, both in yourself and in the people you're communicating with. You know, we always knew status was a thing, but now we've actually got the tools to understand it and work with it instead of against it. That's exactly what makes this stuff so powerful. You know? It's not just theory. It's about giving you practical strategies Yes. To actually transform the way you communicate. Love it.
So to wrap it all up for our amazing listeners, I think we've got 3 key takeaways. Mhmm. First up, status is always present whether we're aware of it or not. It's like this invisible force field. Yes. Shaping our interactions. Okay. 2nd, status isn't fixed. We hold high status in some scenarios and low status in others. It's all about context. Totally. And understanding that fluidity is key to kind of navigating those shifts. Gracefully, hopefully. Exactly. And finally, the real magic happens when we combine that status awareness with, like, intentional role play. Right. How are you showing up? Yes. By choosing how we show up, we can actually bridge those status gaps. And connect with people. Yes. On a deeper level. Way more meaningful. Absolutely.
So next time you're about to step into any interaction, a big meeting, a presentation, even just a coffee date, remember what we learned from Martin Claus. He's the man. Take a moment. Consider those status dynamics at play, and then choose your role. You might be surprised how much of a difference a little status awareness can make. 100%. It's a game changer. It really is. Alright, everybody. That's it for today's deep dive. Hope you enjoyed it. Until next time.
[00:10:52] Martin Kloss:
Hi, everyone. It's me again. Just a quick note before I let you go. I hope you found today's episode entertaining, engaging, and maybe even inspiring. If you did, please spread the word. And if you didn't, please keep it to yourself. And if you wanna know more, have any questions, or wanna work with me, please get in touch with me on martinklaus.com or on LinkedIn. Now have a great day. Go out and do something fun.
