saying more by saying less
Knowing when to let go is one key to effective communication.
Whether we like it or not, we’re in a world where the transparent, open-source nature of online activity has fundamentally changed the way people and businesses have conversations. In thinking about how it works and trying to figure out how best to participate, this is the most difficult yet important lesson I’ve learned:
Always let a fool have the last word.
Modern communication has meant a breakdown in authority. Online comment systems and, more broadly, “social media” have given every individual an opportunity to not only have his or her voice heard instantly, but to have it given near-equal weight to that of the original author.
There are plenty of cases, as with Errol Morris’ recent examination of a Crimean War photograph, where this system works marvelously. Strong original content is supplemented and, ultimately, enhanced by the discussion beneath it.
In many cases, however, the results aren’t quite as good. That’s because it’s almost inevitable, in a conversation with enough people involved, that one or more of those people will prove to be a fool. They’ll chime in with something provocatively irrelevant and attempt to draw attention and derail the conversation. This is as true online as it is among a group of individuals at a party or bar; as true with a personal blog as it is with a marketing or service strategy.
Since you usually can’t simply dispatch with the fool, either online or in person, what do you do?
You let him have his say, and leave it at that.
Healthy argument and debate only work when everyone’s a willing participant, and no amount of reason or good sense is going to convince someone whose only goal is to throw a monkey wrench. At the same time, trying to dismiss that person or shut him up will usually just make him go that much harder.
That and it makes you look like a dictator, which you never want to be.
So, give him the last word on the point and move on. Doing so might mean a short-term hit to your pride, but in the long run it helps you build credibility with the people you’re really trying to talk to.
Putting this strategy in place and applying it consistently won’t keep fools away, but it will generally keep them from having any fun. Meaning, ultimately, that they probably won’t stick around for long.
