With the passing of Walter Cronkite, the sharing and reporting of information has been discussed. Mr. Cronkite, being the reporter and editor he was, knew the difference between opinion and fact.
Whether it takes written form or conversation, relating information continues to change. Today's world of instant information has put a different spin on things, but, ultimately, the concept shouldn't have changed.
We all need to know the difference between opinion and fact. And corroborated fact. Mr. Cronkite, and my journalism professor, Ted Conover, would agree that you not only get your information from more than one source, that you also make sure that you hear what you're repeating from more than one source.
When we are in conversation with those in our network, we want to make sure we are accurate, ethical and clear in information we are passing along. Whether it is a job lead, information about a company or facts about our host, we must be accurate and honest.
It's only good manners.
Relentless
Showing posts with label personal opinions. Show all posts
Showing posts with label personal opinions. Show all posts
Monday, July 20, 2009
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Appropriate conversation
The old saw of don't discuss politics or religion in polite conversation was brought home to me yesterday.
Over lunch, I recounted to a friend a conversation I had had the previous weekend with some mutual friends. My lunch companion asked why I had discussed politics in this conversation so early in my relationship with the mutual friends.
She had a point: what should be talked about what shouldn't? Why do we talk about certain things and not others?
Really, it comes down to courtesy and being polite (Rule #1). Just because you have an opinion doesn't mean you have to voice it. And certainly not in a first conversation or encounter with someone. Talk about other, common things that help you get to know someone. Having a meeting end with both parties storming off, fuming in anger does no one any good.
so, when talking to anybody, consider not talking about religion or politics. Your common interests, your businesses, family, origins, the weather, current books.
Don't mean to sound like Miss Manners, but use your judgment and common courtesy.
Relentless
Over lunch, I recounted to a friend a conversation I had had the previous weekend with some mutual friends. My lunch companion asked why I had discussed politics in this conversation so early in my relationship with the mutual friends.
She had a point: what should be talked about what shouldn't? Why do we talk about certain things and not others?
Really, it comes down to courtesy and being polite (Rule #1). Just because you have an opinion doesn't mean you have to voice it. And certainly not in a first conversation or encounter with someone. Talk about other, common things that help you get to know someone. Having a meeting end with both parties storming off, fuming in anger does no one any good.
so, when talking to anybody, consider not talking about religion or politics. Your common interests, your businesses, family, origins, the weather, current books.
Don't mean to sound like Miss Manners, but use your judgment and common courtesy.
Relentless
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