Careful, thoughtful communication is important to building and maintaining meaningful relationships. 

Speaking clearly is also an important key to successful communication. Sometimes, we speak clearly, but when we leave out the “careful, thoughtful” part of the equation, we don’t communicate well at all.

Great communication requires tact – stopping long enough to consider the words we’re about to speak. Are those words respectful? We can be honest and still maintain courtesy and compassion. Subtlety is good, too, when necessary. 

A wise man once said that “tact is the art of making a point without making an enemy.” It’s the delicate balance of telling the truth while continuing to be mindful of how it’ll make the other person feel. 

Today’s Peace of Wisdom can be found in thinking before we speak.