Some Tact

The Some Tact journal

Eight ways into the subject.

A growing editorial map for readers who want explanation, not just advice.

01An audience views a presentation during a digital diplomacy event, showcasing communication strategies.

Separate facts from verdicts

Describe what happened before deciding what it says about another person’s character.

Describe what happened before deciding what it says about another person’s character. The useful question is not simply whether an idea sounds right, but when it applies, what it leaves out and whose experience changes the answer. This entry places the issue inside a wider social and practical context.

Look for observable details, trustworthy sources and language that leaves room for revision. A serious account can be clear without pretending that every person or situation follows the same path.

02A banner for the Public Diplomacy Council of Catalonia is displayed at an event.

Acknowledge without surrender

Understanding a concern does not require accepting every claim or proposed solution.

Understanding a concern does not require accepting every claim or proposed solution. The useful question is not simply whether an idea sounds right, but when it applies, what it leaves out and whose experience changes the answer. This entry places the issue inside a wider social and practical context.

Look for observable details, trustworthy sources and language that leaves room for revision. A serious account can be clear without pretending that every person or situation follows the same path.

03Men sit at a table during a formal meeting, discussing conflict resolution strategies.

Lower the temperature

A pause, slower pace and quieter voice can restore the ability to think.

A pause, slower pace and quieter voice can restore the ability to think. The useful question is not simply whether an idea sounds right, but when it applies, what it leaves out and whose experience changes the answer. This entry places the issue inside a wider social and practical context.

Look for observable details, trustworthy sources and language that leaves room for revision. A serious account can be clear without pretending that every person or situation follows the same path.

04Ma Xiao-guang, a spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office, speaks at the 2014 Wang-Zhang Meeting during discussions on.

Make the request visible

People cannot respond to a need hidden inside blame, sarcasm or implication.

People cannot respond to a need hidden inside blame, sarcasm or implication. The useful question is not simply whether an idea sounds right, but when it applies, what it leaves out and whose experience changes the answer. This entry places the issue inside a wider social and practical context.

Look for observable details, trustworthy sources and language that leaves room for revision. A serious account can be clear without pretending that every person or situation follows the same path.

05Two people sit at a table during the 2014 Wang-Zhang Meeting, demonstrating conflict resolution in action.

Use the smallest true sentence

Complex conflict often becomes clearer when reduced to one observable issue.

Complex conflict often becomes clearer when reduced to one observable issue. The useful question is not simply whether an idea sounds right, but when it applies, what it leaves out and whose experience changes the answer. This entry places the issue inside a wider social and practical context.

Look for observable details, trustworthy sources and language that leaves room for revision. A serious account can be clear without pretending that every person or situation follows the same path.

06Two businessmen shake hands during the 2014 Wang-Zhang Meeting, demonstrating effective conflict resolution.

Offer a dignified exit

Let people revise a position without forcing a public confession of defeat.

Let people revise a position without forcing a public confession of defeat. The useful question is not simply whether an idea sounds right, but when it applies, what it leaves out and whose experience changes the answer. This entry places the issue inside a wider social and practical context.

Look for observable details, trustworthy sources and language that leaves room for revision. A serious account can be clear without pretending that every person or situation follows the same path.

07A group of men in suits sit at a long table during the 2014 Wang-Zhang Meeting, illustrating conflict resolution.

Write for the screenshot

In tense digital exchanges, assume the message may travel. Keep it factual and humane.

In tense digital exchanges, assume the message may travel. Keep it factual and humane. The useful question is not simply whether an idea sounds right, but when it applies, what it leaves out and whose experience changes the answer. This entry places the issue inside a wider social and practical context.

Look for observable details, trustworthy sources and language that leaves room for revision. A serious account can be clear without pretending that every person or situation follows the same path.

08A conference room is prepared for a meeting, illustrating international diplomacy.

Know when tact is unsafe

Threats, coercion and abuse require protection and support, not better phrasing.

Threats, coercion and abuse require protection and support, not better phrasing. The useful question is not simply whether an idea sounds right, but when it applies, what it leaves out and whose experience changes the answer. This entry places the issue inside a wider social and practical context.

Look for observable details, trustworthy sources and language that leaves room for revision. A serious account can be clear without pretending that every person or situation follows the same path.