Lilit Insights
Ideas that move conversations move conversations forward.
Marietta Gädeke writes about rhetoric, leadership, conflict, debate culture and strategic communication.
Latest post Founders‘ breakfast at the Gutenberg Digital Hub in Mainz
Three ventures, one impulse in Mainz: what I shared at the founders‘ breakfast about vision, structure and personal growth.
Read articleKnowledge & perspectives
All articles.
Well-founded ideas, practical methods and experiences from training, coaching, research and public debate.
Black and white? My rhetoric is more colourful.
Why talking about white and black rhetoric is no longer appropriate today. Find out more in this blog.
How is AI changing our communication?
Artificial intelligence is changing how we speak and make decisions. Why I am learning AI as a communication expert—and what really matters.
Psychological safety: can your team handle disagreement?
Psychological safety in teams: why genuine disagreement matters more than harmony—and how leadership makes trust possible.
#WirArbeitenDran — guest on the Working Women Podcast
On the #WirArbeitenDran podcast, Julia Möhn & Kristina Appel talked with Marietta Gädeke about debating, gender & persuasion. Tune in!
Niklas looks back on his internship
“The Lilit internship helped me grow personally and professionally.” About half a year ago, Niklas completed a student internship at Lilit Kommunikation in Mainz. In conversation with Marietta, he looks back on his time there. Marietta
Meeting strategies: my interview with WirtschaftsWoche
My interview with WirtschaftsWoche Online tells you everything about the right rhetorical strategies for meetings. Enjoy reading!
A new member of the Lilit team
Interested in an internship in Mainz? Lilit Kommunikation is looking for support. We spoke to our current intern Niklas.
“Success through debate” — Marietta Gädeke in the Austrian press
Marietta Gädeke in the Austrian press. The Austrian daily “Der Kurier” took the publication of my book “Pro und Kontra – die Debating-Methode” by BELTZ as an opportunity to approach me as an expert
Love your everyday life — a picnic for women running small businesses
Do I love my everyday life? Hanna shows you how women running small businesses can improve their daily lives and mindset through better routines and digital solutions.
Good leadership! Or: what exactly is transformational leadership?
In part 1 of our “Good leadership!” blog series, discover how transformational leadership works in practice—the highest level of leadership!
International Women’s Day: 4 questions we must ask ourselves in 2018
International Women’s Day: what makes girls strong women? Where do dangers lurk for women? What can we learn from the #metoo debate? What does it mean to be a woman in 2018? My answers to the four key questions for 2018. Read now!
Nonverbal communication: use the Wonder Woman effect!
Body language is everywhere. But what is fascinating about it is not its effect on others—it is the effect our nonverbal communication has on ourselves. Lilit shows you how to control it consciously.
My Lilit talk at BdSt: self-marketing online!
On 31 January 2018, in my talk for Bund der Steuerzahler Rheinland-Pfalz in Mainz, I will explain exactly how online self-marketing works. With plenty of Lilit tips on selection, strategy and presenting yourself as an expert, we will get to grips with the topic. Register now!
Campaign planning: politics must say NO
Successful campaign planning means getting the right strategy in place early. Lilit offers tips on what to keep in mind during an election campaign!
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When facts get you no further: persuasion through empathy [VIDEO]
What can we do when facts no longer get us anywhere in discussions? The answer: strategic empathy. A video explains why it works!
Yom Kippur: the Jewish Day of Atonement
Yom Kippur—on the holiest Jewish holiday, everything in Israel comes to a standstill. Lilit explains why and offers intercultural tips for the Day of Atonement.
#btw17 | Campaigning on Instagram: storytelling with images
The 2017 election campaign: parties are on Instagram too. But how good is their social media presence on this platform for aesthetic images?
#btw17 | Twitter — campaigning in 140 characters
Twitter has become indispensable to politics. But how do parties and politicians perform on the social media platform during an election campaign?
Happy Independence Day — on a business trip to India!
On a business trip to India, you need a good understanding of Indian culture. Lilit explains what to consider on Indian Independence Day and how patriotism affects dealings with Indian business partners.
#btw17 | Campaigning on Snapchat? Parties and colourful images
Young people love Snapchat! Campaigning on Snapchat therefore offers major opportunities for parties. Lilit provides tips and analysis: who is using the app creatively?
#btw17 | Facebook campaigning: what we can learn from parties
Social media is becoming increasingly important in politics too. We took a closer look at how parties present themselves during the Facebook election campaign.
Nasty questions? Manipulation and dark rhetoric — part 5
Lilit explains how to handle nasty questions confidently during talks and discussions. Our counterstrategies help with trick questions and manipulation.
A career as an entrepreneur: Lilit at job speed dating in Stuttgart
#findedeineberufung! At the “Dîner en blanc” speed-dating event, women founders talked with role-model entrepreneurs about careers, self-employment & entrepreneurship.
To start up or not? Business founders discuss
Mainz University invited successful founders to a panel discussion on startups and starting a business. Is it big money or an entrepreneurial personality that counts?
Internship in Mainz: a warm welcome to our intern Alena!
We warmly welcome Alena to the Lilit team! Are you also looking for an internship in Mainz? Interested in business development, sales and communication? Then roll up your sleeves, apply and help us move Lilit forward!
Into the election campaign: the SPD Campaign Camp 2017
Mobilisation, strategies, social media: I attended the SPD Campaign Camp 2017 and summarise valuable insights for your election campaign!
My interview with Brigitte.de
As German debating champion, I was invited for an interview by Brigitte.de. The topic: “Arguments in relationships”—with dark rhetoric, nasty tricks and little traps. Only the brave should try this at home!
9 years of Lilit: from debating club to strategic empathy
“I may be small, but I have big things to tell you!” That was my opening sentence at the 2007 German Debating Championship. My involvement in the debating club and the championship were the big bang of my career. Rhetoric, presence,
5 strategies against dark rhetoric — part 4: playing the victim
Manipulation and dark rhetoric are used in many ways. A particular favourite: when people run out of arguments, they like to play the victim! The Lilit team shows you how to defend yourself. Protect yourself from this nasty rhetorical trick with our tips.
5 strategies against dark rhetoric — part 3: name-dropping
The experts at Lilit Kommunikation share tips against manipulation: in part 3, discover name-dropping strategies and how to counter them.
5 strategies against dark rhetoric — part 2: provocation
The experts at Lilit Kommunikation share tips against manipulation: part 2 focuses on provocation. Practical counterstrategies help fend off attacks.
5 strategies against dark rhetoric — part 1: bluffers
Lilit Kommunikation offers tips against manipulation and dark rhetoric! Part 1 looks at charisma and how we can escape the halo effect.
International Women’s Day with the minister: more women in leadership
Minister for Women Spiegel sought answers with women leaders in Rhineland-Palatinate: how can more female executives reach the top?
5 Lilit career tips in the Breuninger interview
Fashion and lifestyle company Breuninger invited Lilit communication expert Marietta Gädeke for an interview, and she was delighted to accept. Read her 6 best career tips here!
Great excitement in the office!
Our new Lilit roll-up banner is here! And this small but lovely GIF is making us happy too… #Sommerloch
French and Germans beyond the clichés: an interview with director Tom Sommerlatte
Journalist Saskia Höfer spoke with director Tom Sommerlatte for Lilit about his debut film “Im Sommer wohnt er unten”: the small differences in mentality between Germans and French, language, attitudes to work on set and the success of his film.
Networking in academia: building a career with strategy!
Can networking be learned? Yes! Through strong and weak ties, strategy and professional relationship management. A selection of the best tips from Lilit’s Networking in Academia seminar for young women researchers at Mainz University.
Action day: WOMEN in business today!
Lilit Kommunikation opens its doors: we invite you to an open day at the Lilit Salon on Tuesday, 17 November 2015, from 5 p.m.! We begin at 5:00 p.m. with a relaxed get-together and sparkling wine, before moving gradually towards the highlight at 5:30
Lilit is growing!
Despite the famous summer lull, there is great news from Fischtorplatz in Mainz: the Lilit team is growing! Nora Egler joined us on 1 July 2015. She strengthens the team in client acquisition, B2B marketing &
Happy birthday — seven years of Lilit Kommunikation!
Seven years ago, I founded my company while still a student. It began with my passion for debating and the pitfalls of communication. Step by step came the first communication seminars, coaching sessions and
Best practice in press relations and social media: SchulKinoWochen Hessen
Press relations and social media put to the test: how hierarchies often complicate work, where cultural projects struggle and why even a Facebook page without paid advertising can sometimes make sense.
A TV interview with Baden TV
Just under two weeks ago, Baden TV invited me to its studio for a TV interview. The occasion was my talk at the Duale Hochschule Baden-Württemberg in Karlsruhe, where I spoke about the nasty tricks of rhetoric and manipulation
Crisis communication: the fog of war
This is about the “fog of war” in crisis communication: the fog of war in PR. Many things happen at once. Social media posts, calls from journalists and critical questions. Lilit applies Carl v. Clausewitz’s old wisdom to modern crisis management during an online backlash and helps PR managers prepare.
The secret meaning of body language
Ever wondered what Italians are saying with their gestures? Take a look with Lilit at intercultural body language and non-verbal misunderstandings.
If you say nothing, you won’t be heard: rhetoric for local politicians
Whether a veteran or new to the council, everyone elected to public office needs rhetoric and persuasiveness. Our Lilit seminars give councillors and local politicians the chance to learn and refine the essential tools of politics. Find out more now!
German culture – Why do we complain so much?
German culture – Why do we complain so much? Put a group of random Germans together and they will start to mourn. Be it the weather, the surroundings or how terrible the service of the Deutsche Bahn is. It’s just a small piece of my German
An expat in Israel: 5 things you need to know!
Being an expat in Israel is a challenge! I have summarised the key cultural considerations briefly and clearly: these are the 5 things expats in Israel need to know!
Israeli Culture: The Question of Security in Israel
Israel is dealing with a constant feeling of imminent attack and hostility since its founding days. A good reason to think about its impact on Israeli culture! Get smart with out Lilit insights into security in Israel, its impact on travelling and the mindset connected to it.
Working abroad: Why Dos and Don’ts for Israel are not enough
Going abroad to Israel can be a challenge – but how can you work it out? Like stereotypes, Dos and Don’ts for Israel find their limits in complex situations. Read about the three major influences on the outcome of an intercultural encounter and the secret fourth one which most people forget about!
Visible, audible, electable: public relations in election campaigns
How do I persuade voters and journalists? Election campaigns bring tough decisions for politicians: before, during and after the intensive phase, communication must win votes. Our Lilit seminars for local politicians show how to manage public relations well in an election campaign—find out more now!
How working in a mental institution changed my life
Marietta Gädeke worked in a home for mentally deranged women in an Indian NGO. She gives a very personal insight into how the experience changed her life.
The faces of war
The faces of war – A unique project It’s a unique project and a piece of current history: The German photographer Jens Umbach documented the war in Afghanistan by portraying German soldiers. Black and white pictures were taken of soldiers
The NSA outcry: Cultural reasons why Germans care so much
It’s in the air and on the news: the American-German friendship is in crisis. Ever since word got out that the Americans are not only spying on your average German, but also on their „Mutti“ (a term of endearment for our chancellor Angela
Literature and empathy: dare to change perspective!
Reading as empathy training: researchers at Ohio State University found that shifting perspective through literature and storytelling works! Lilit explains how to use the connection between empathy and literature strategically.
“What is the civilian doing here?”: civic education in the Bundeswehr
The Bundeswehr meets a civilian: starting in 2009, I spent a good 5 years running seminars for the Bundeswehr on the pros and cons of overseas deployments. An insight few people get—read here what I learned about civic education, debate and the Bundeswehr’s concept of internal leadership during that time.
Chief of Staff at the World Championships (WUDC)
As Chief of Staff, Marietta Gädeke organised the World Universities Debating Championship (WUDC). The tournament came to Germany for the first time from 27 December 2012 to 4 January 2013.
Gutenberg A in the World Debating Championships quarter-finals
A fantastic result at the World Debating Championships: we made it into the ESL quarter-finals. We did it—again! Because back in 2011, last year, my debating partner Marcus Ewald and I also made it at the
Acceptance and tolerance: gay and lesbian life in Mainz
For Mainz magazine Sensor, I wrote the cover story on “Gay and lesbian life in Mainz”. Acceptance and tolerance towards the LGBTI community in Mainz matter to me—and there is still plenty to do!