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“It’s not what you say, it’s how you say it.”  


Have you ever heard that line spoken to you? I have.  They didn’t like my way of talking and that kept them from being able to hear what I was saying. In most cases it was my fault. I was saying things in a way that obscured rather than clarified.  It’s like a graphic design advertisement that is so wild and over the top that you can’t read any of the words on it.  That isn’t a good strategy if you are trying to communicate.


The same goes for arguments regarding ‘truth’. The overheated blowhards who rant and rave against whatever their flavor of the week is aren’t doing their cause any favors. The hot air they put out is entertainment for their minions but it doesn’t build a foundation of intelligent and thoughtful argument. It’s simply the scorching wind of heat without light.


The antidote is to be cool and thoughtful in your response. It may not seem to be the most entertaining and often doesn’t have that satisfying adrenalin rush that an angry rant has, but in the long run it is the most effective way to put your argument forward.

Drawing and commentary by Marty Coleman of The Napkin Dad Daily


Quote by William Penn, 1644-1718, founder of the state of Pennsylvania