I value this site's overall "Just the facts Maam, just the facts," * style.
(* Sgt. Joe Friday, original TV Dragnet series.)
But I admit it, that I also enjoy it when a personal details creep in.
i'm thinking of Piwoslaw's mention of Mrs. P and p, the little P.
Likewise Old Mech's Dad. (I hope I got that right.
)
It makes me feel like it's a real person out there.
More to the point, there is an art to being able to pleasantly disagree with
someone whether in a face to face meeting, in a letter, or on the "Net. For
the most part, good politicians, priests/clerics, and good teachers learn how
to do it early on if they are to be successful. And after a while they do it
without thinking about it.
Good communicators realize that there are two parts to any communication;
the message/meaning/meat and the presentation. It is the communicators
responsibility to craft what they say in a way that their messsage will be
listened too, even when it is not what the receiver may want to hear. This is
not a compromise or a sellout.
An otherwise on-topic, relevant, and factual message gets nowhere if it is
presented in an abrasive, demeaning, holier-than-thou, or know-it-all
manner. On the other hand, a weak message can win a reprieve and a
chance for clarification of ammentment if it has a mature, calm, non-
judgemental presentation.
Good communicators do not use "red flag" or "hot button" emotionally
charged words, even when angered or frustrated. There are some pretty
universal such words; level of intelligence words, racial or sexual orientation
slurs. There are also additional such words for specific audiences.
"Know your audience" is just as important as knowing your enemy...
Likewise, knowing your moderator(s).
It's a real challenge.