My father used to say,
‘Don’t raise your voice. Improve your argument.’
Archbishop Desmond Tutu
In the boardroom or the living room, the power of our words isn't just in the volume we deliver them with; it's in the clarity, the logic, and the passion behind them. When we're aiming to make a point, the instinct might be to amplify our voice, as if the louder we are, the more correct we become. But let's flip the script. Instead of turning up the dial on our decibels, what if we honed our argument with the precision of a master craftsperson?
Think of your argument as a key, crafted not to break the lock with brute force, but to turn it effortlessly. You're not just trying to be heard; you're trying to resonate, to strike a chord that hums with the frequency of truth and reason. And here's the secret sauce: when you improve your argument, you're not just speaking to be right, you're engaging to understand and to be understood.
In the art of conversation, a well-structured argument is like a hand extended in an invitation to see your point of view, not a fist raised to enforce it. It's a sign of respect, to yourself and to your audience, whether that's one person or a crowded auditorium. It says, "I value this discussion and your perspective enough to present my thoughts coherently and with consideration."
So the next time you find yourself in a debate, remember that the strength of your position is measured not by the decibel level of your voice but by the depth and thoughtfulness of your perspective. Listen as much as you speak, and when you do speak, let it be with the confidence of someone who has crafted their message with care, ready to engage in a dance of ideas that enriches all participants.