Skip to main content

How to Communicate Tactfully


by Michael Corthell

We've all had to do it―had to tell someone painful or sensitive information at some point in our lives―perhaps some constructive criticism, and knowing that truthfulness is all important, it can be difficult for us to do. What is the best way to give someone 'the news' with honesty? We learn to do it with tact.


''Tact is the ability to tell someone to go to hell in
such a way that they look forward to the trip.''

― Winston S. Churchill

When you learn to communicate tactfully, you will strengthen your reputation and build your credibility . Being honest and tactful allows you to keep relationships and build new ones. Your tactful approach shows character, integrity, and maturity. It shows that you are a professional.

Tact will also demonstrate that you are well mannered. Communicating with grace and consideration will make you a stand out. You will then get noticed for the right reasons and this can mean more opportunity.

Finally, tact can helps you avoid unnecessary conflict, and find common ground. It allows others to save face and can therefore will be an important asset in negotiations and in all conflict resolution.

Learning the art of tact

First be 'culturally alert'. Know the morals and etiquette of the person or persons you're dealing with. What might be seen tactful feedback in some cultures might be seen as extremely insensitive and even rude in others.

Think. 'Engage brain before putting mouth in gear'. Remember to always practice active listening and mindfulness while others are speaking. Use genuine empathy and emotional intelligence and try to see things the way they see them. Practicing this will allow you to connect with them honestly.

Timing is everything. Picking the right time to speak to someone is important. Being tactful means saying the right thing at the right time. Have due regard for the situation you are in before you speak, and always be discreet. Always stay conscious of who you're with and where you are.

Proper wording. Choose your words carefully. Obviously, your choice of words will influence how others perceive your message.

When your body talks. People notice. Always be mindfully aware of your body's language. Your words can be very neutral, however your body language can make the other person question your message.

Check your emotions at the door. Be aware. It is very difficult to communicate tactfully when you are negative, upset or angry. Give yourself time to cool off before you discuss a situation.

Above all else being discreet just means having respect and common decency for those around you.

_____________

Getting to Yes
by William Ury

William Ury, author of "Getting to Yes," offers an elegant, simple (but not easy) way to create agreement in even the most difficult situations — from family conflict to, perhaps, the Middle East.


Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Veganism, Albert Einstein and ''The Connected Universe''

"We are spiritually interconnected, part of a unified whole. There are no 'others,' only One, from which all emanates." Michael Corthell Albert Einstein is one of the most famous figures in history. He was a scientist known for his formula, E=MC(2). Einstein was a vegetarian during the last years of his life, although he had supported the idea for a long time. In a letter to Max Kariel he said, "I have always eaten animal flesh with a somewhat guilty conscience," and soon after became a vegetarian. Einstein's famous quote: "Nothing will benefit health or increase chances of survival  on earth as the evolution to a vegetarian diet." and further commenting... ''A human being is a part of the whole, called by us "Universe," a part limited in time and space. He experiences himself, his thoughts and feelings as something separated from the rest, a kind of optical delusion of his consciousness. This delus...

A Comprehensive History of the New Thought Movement

  Recommended:  The Science of Mind: Complete and Unabridged The New Thought (or Higher Thought) Movement represents a fascinating and transformative chapter in the history of Western spirituality. Emerging in the 19th century, this movement has left an indelible mark on modern self-help philosophies, the culture of positive thinking, and even aspects of contemporary spiritual practices. Its influence can be seen not only in religious and philosophical circles but also in the broader social and cultural fabric of the 20th and 21st centuries. This article dives into the rich history, key figures, and enduring legacy of the  New Thought Movement , offering readers a comprehensive understanding of its origins, evolution, and impact on modern life. Origins of the New Thought Movement 19th Century Beginnings: The Cultural and Philosophical Context The New Thought Movement was born in the intellectually fertile soil of 19th-century America, a time characterized by rapid social ...

The Universal Mind: Tapping into the Source of Infinite Wisdom

  Michael Corthell Imagine a vast, infinite source of knowledge and creativity, accessible to everyone. This is the concept of the Universal Mind or Infinite Intelligence, a foundational idea in various spiritual and philosophical traditions. The Universal Mind represents a consciousness that transcends individual thoughts, offering guidance, inspiration, and solutions to those who seek it. This article introduces the concept of the Universal Mind and provides practical ways to connect with this source of wisdom. What is the Universal Mind? The Universal Mind is the idea that there exists a universal consciousness that encompasses all knowledge and creativity. Unlike our individual minds, which are limited by personal experiences and beliefs, the Universal Mind is infinite and all-knowing. It's often described as a spiritual force that underlies and connects all of existence. This concept has roots in ancient philosophies, religious texts, and the New Thought movement, where figure...