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How To Write About Hot Issues
There’s a short answer to the question “How do I write about hot (sensitive, controversial, political) issues?” and that’s “Don’t!”
That was my first inner response to this suggestion from Brad Shorr:
How about writing with respect when your task is to criticize or argue a point? In this political season (in the U.S.), people are squaring off on a whole range of issues and it might be timely to discuss respect.
Don’t go there, I thought.
I see, hear and read enough to know that discussing politics even with a small p is enough to get your fingers burned in the U.S. And I know that I don’t know enough about the hows and the whys to dip into those waters (to mix my metaphors) with any authority.
And yet, it was a good question. I could see that it was timely. And as Karen Swim pointed out in a powerful linked piece, is it healthy to avoid debate just because it can be difficult?
If we never discuss the tougher issues will we ever achieve diversity? Thoughtful discussions can lead to enriched viewpoints and perspectives.
So if you want or need to get past the ‘don’t do it’ here are some suggestions for ways to approach your writing task.
How To Write About Difficult Issues
Context Get clear on the context for your writing, and make sure it’s appropriate for the issue. Recognise that people reading your work might have different hopes or expectations and might react accordingly. Think about things you can’t do in writing that you can in person: pick up signals of discomfort, go back and explain, improve communication with smiles, eye contact, body language. Words and writing can be harsh and stark - and indelible.
Think about the context before you start. You might still want to open up the argument - but at least you’re doing it with your eyes open.
Consequences Recognise that your decision to write, to open up an issue, will have consequences. That’s part of the reason you’re doing it: you want to persuade, to influence, to win people over to your point of view. The decisions you make about where, when and how you write, including the sort of language you use, will all have consequences, some good, some bad. Again, it’s as well to be aware of that and to think it through before you start
Responsibility You need to take responsibility for the words you’ve written. You’ve made the conscious decision to write, to argue, to make your case. You’ve chosen the words, taken advantage of the space that’s available to you to advocate a particular point of view. That will change things including people’s attitude towards you (and your business or brand). Do it with your eyes open. Be willing and prepared to take responsibility for what you’ve written.
Intention Intention is integral to all writing but it’s really worth thinking through your intention before you enter into ‘hot’ issues. What is the positive intention behind your writing? Is it to make a specific point, to argue a particular case? Or is there a bigger intention that’s driving you: like sharing ideas, communicating with other people, creating a better society. That intention will drive your writing: the way you structure your work, select your arguments and chose your language
Big picture Keep the big picture in view. Think about the consequences of your writing, for you and other people. Make conscious decisions about what you’re writing about, and why. Be willing to be accountable for those choices after the event
Language Last of all comes your choice of language. Why last? Well it’s not that words don’t matter. You can use words and language to clarify, to inform, to persuade, to build bridges, to irritate, to provoke, to frighten, to create conflict or to inspire hope.
No, I put it last because I think the way you write comes from the other decisions you’ve made: the decision to broach an issue, the understanding you have of the consequences of that decision, and the intention that you’ve set. Because the language you use will flow in large part from your intention.
If your intention is to raise difficult issues in a respectful way then:
- Avoid personal attacks
- Don’t use language that is ‘loaded’ or likely to provoke
- Read enough to be aware of language that hits ‘hot’ buttons on both sides
- Use plain English that makes you sound human - and helps you make connections
- Be clear on your sources - so other people can form their own opinions
We need to be able to write about difficult issues. Let’s face it: we’re lost if we can’t. I’d like to think that ‘respect’ could be a guiding force in the way we broach those issues, allowing room for learning, sharing, and open debate.
But whatever intention you set - you’re responsible for setting that intention, and for the words that you write as a consequence.
What kind of checklists do you run through when you’re writing about a difficult or hot issue? What kind of advice would you offer to others who were thinking about dipping their toes into the water?
This is a contribution to the theme of writing with respect. Thanks to Brad Shorr from Word Sell Inc for suggesting the topic.
Other reading:
Not In Polite Company by Karen Swim
Removing the Blinders and Growing by Barbara Swafford
There Are Lots of Different Pieces by Jon Swanson
Joanna Young, The Confident Writing Coach
Because our words count
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I think there should be an order to these things too. Intent should come slap up front. There’s no point in tagging it on at the end by which time everyone is well and truly riled up and ready to gouge your eyes out because they’ve only half-read the article anyway. No, the first thing you need to state is where you’re coming from and what you hope to achieve and then you’ve got a better chance of being listened to.
Yes, all that AND remembering that there are two sides to every story. You can pick one and advocate one, and stump for one side, but I think it’s healthy to acknowledge that the other side might have some valid arguments, too. (You know, as in, you think they’re completely wrong, but you acknowledge that they have the right to be wrong without that making them evil, soulless, rotten people.)
–Debs last blog post..Let’s Review Reviews!
I think it is possible to share a viewpoint without saying that someone else is wrong. ( I know that there are people who only feel that their viewpoint is the correct one, but alas,I don’t know what can be done about thatexcept to be as patient and polite as possible)
There is also the idea of presenting both sides of the discussion equally and without bias( as a facilitator) and letting the discussion unfold respectfully from there. I think Barbara Swafford is very good at directing her blog from a more facilitory approach rather than an opinionated approach as an example of what I mean.
Wendi Kellys last blog post..Giving Back to the Givers
Jim, it’s a fair point about stating your intent straight up - though if you’re writing with the intention to explain, to share, to build bridges it should be evident from your language use all the way through (and you’d hope wouldn’t cause people to want to gouge your eyes out - though maybe it depends on the issue…)
–Deb, I’d agree with you, and I think that perspective will shape and influence the way that you write and the language that you use. If you can’t see beyond that… well you’re probably not too worried about the impact of your writing on anybody else anyway!
Joanna
Wendi, I think that’s where I’d be starting from too. Being able to see the other person’s point of you will inform your intention and the way you approach your writing - it’ll inevitably sound more balanced and reasonable.
I like your suggested approach to opening up discussions - but I guess not everyone wants to do that, especially if (as per the original question) you’re trying to argue a particular point of view.
I also agree that bloggers can do a lot to create the shared space that allows to learn from each other and respect each other’s point of view. I liked the way you put that in a comment here earlier this week (and various thoughtful comments I’ve read of yours on Barbara’s and Karen’s pieces) - will try and return to the question of what bloggers can do to create respect next week.
Joanna
Joanna, thank you so much for your comments about what was a difficult post for me to write. Your suggestions really provided clarity and will get added to the thick notebook of “Perfect Writing Solutions from Joanna Young.”
As I read, I realized that this issue is very relevant to business writing. Clients (or you if you work for the company) may often have a brand that hinges on a controversial or hot button topic. Think of researchers who must put forth controversial opinions or businesses that offer solutions that counter those in the industry. In reality, even factual reporting is not untainted by some amount of opinion. This post illuminates why your topic of Respect this month truly has far reaching utility. Thank you so much Joanna for this insight.
Karen Swims last blog post..Not in Polite Company
Joanna,
I do tend to avoid the difficult issues like religion and politics. I’m not going to change anyone’s mind and vice versa. But I have on occasion written something that was a little controversial and I’ve tried to follow your guidelines. I think debate can be good and it is good to understand another person’t side of the argument even if it doesn’t change your mind. However, keep it friendly! The problem with the internet is it is too easy to leave a cruel or nasty comment and not leave your name. If you are going to say something, own it! Thanks for all the great pointers. I wish everyone would follow them.
Debbie Yosts last blog post..Day Cares, Writing and Watermarks
Joanna, Thank you for taking on this difficult issue. Everything that’s been said is right on the mark. The only point I might add is to focus on ideas and not personalities. Pick up any newspaper and you’ll find editorials that mock the opponent rather than address the issue. It may sell newspapers, but that kind of writing is not very convincing.
Brad Shorrs last blog post..10 Ways To Free Your Business Writing, by Joanna Young
In communicating about big issues I find that getting my intention/message across is probably the hardest thing to do. Often there are many preconceptions and assumptions that people will take to my communication without regard to the words that I actually use, especially around these “hot” topics. My message and intent are lost in translation because the person I am communicating with already thinks that they know what I am saying.
Staying with the issue/s at hand and leaving the personalities alone is a good advise but extremely difficult to implement when the issue/s generate extreme reactions. I try and avoid by staying neutral and not passing value judgments. Difficult though!
Karen, thanks for your kind words
I’ll definitely come to you for help promoting my first book on writing! Good point about many businesses needing to tackle controversial or ‘hot button’ issues. The points about context, bigger picture and intention would all apply there as you need to have a clear view of what you’re trying to achieve, and what impact different communication strategies would have on your overall brand.
Debbie, I was thinking about you after I’d written this - that there are times we feel we need to tackle some potentially controversial issues because of what we’ve learned from personal experience. I think you handle it very well. Like you I find it depressing that others feel the need to write cruel or hurtful comments. I just can’t see where they’re coming from at all.
“If you are going to say something, own it!” is sound advice indeed.
Joanna
Brad, good point, and another way to neutralise an issue so people can form their own opinions without losing respect for others or themselves. Sadly politics is very much driven by personality issues. It’s not very convincing politics or writing but I guess it’s a hard culture to break out of.
Thanks for the challenge to write about this issue. I found it an interesting one to tackle.
Jack, you have my sympathies but at the end of the day you can only be responsible for your own words and actions - not the decisions of others to adopt a more limited perspective and think they already know it all. I guess that comes back to knowing your context, and having an understanding for the kind of reaction you can expect to your writing. Then it’s a question of deciding whether or how you want to continue raising the issue.
Rummuser, I try and stay neutral in writing on the net too. Too easy for views to get misinterpreted or taken the wrong way. This is probably as far into the waters of hot issues as I want to go!
Joanna, as a “place blogger” with Franklin Matters, this is a continuous chalenge. I would not change the order to put intent first as Jim suggests. I think that would put up the deflection shield and hinder real conversation.
Your intent is already implied in tackling the topic (whatever it is). If anything I would put language first. This is SO critical. Ensure that even the terms you use are well accepted and understood. Don’t assume that “everyone” know what your talking about. This is inherent in most technology discussions but applies equally to every other topic.
As an example, I am in an extended comment conversation with a Franklinite on a posting I did back in June. He is making a number of points each time, such that I feel I am in a verbal fencing duel armed with a single foil and he is armed with a shot gun.
This is the real challenge, almost like a chess match; which point that he makes do I pick up to move the discussion in a direction I think will bring us to a common point?
If interested, the conversation is taking place here:
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2008/06/prop-2-12-limits-growth.html
Steve Sherlocks last blog post.."Let Me Down Easy" - Anna Deavere Smith
Hi Joanna,
I don’t write about “hot” issues, but I do advise my visitors to read blogs that have opposing views. I think it often helps us with thinking errors by “seeing” more than one side to an issue.
I agree with what you wrote about responsibility and the big picture. Although our visitors often comment on the topic, some will also attack the author. We need to be prepared for that.
P.S. Thank you for the mention. I truly appreciate it.
Barbara Swaffords last blog post..Open Mic - The Need For Speed
Joanna, I will buy a dozen copies, organize the book signings and rally the troops to get your book to the top of the international best sellers list! I am anxiously awaiting the debut so I can promote my little heart out!
Karen Swims last blog post..Your Choices Determine Your Results
To be honest, Joanna. I was always want to write the hot issue topics, but I haven’t do it until today, as I’m kind of scare of taking the responsibility of what I wrote!
Thus, I will try to stay away as far as I could, especially those hot issues that related with politics!
wilsons last blog post..Do Mind About What You Are Eat, Especially You’re Under The Skin Whitening Process!
Steve, I agree that language is critical - though getting the intention right is a good way to help us find the right words.
Thanks for sharing the link to the conversation. I think I’d be tempted to say that you probably won’t come to a common point - not through exchanges in a comment box anyway. If it were me I might say thanks for your comment and move on. It’s quite hard (and tiring) to try and find the language of common ground, especially if someone else has an axe to grind.
Barbara, it was my pleasure. Your advice to read blogs with opposing views is a good way to create the conditions for respectful reading and writing, acknowledging and maybe even valuing alternative points of you.
It’s sad and frustrating that some internet users and bloggers move so quickly to personal attacks. I guess all we can do is advise and support each other on how to deal with them when they come.
Joanna
Karen, you are a star, thank you
Wilson, I’d say that was an honest position. And you’re taking responsibility for your decision not to write about hot topics
Hi Joanna, you have some excellent tips here. I recently wrote on writing more inclusively, a topic that can be touchy. Because I had made a mistake to use a quote that was a tad bit one sided in language, one of my readers felt a little little left out. That gave me courage to broach a topic I generally would not touch because it can get hot. Since I could approach it fairly objectively through new grammar rules and from the perspective that inclusive language is more welcoming to all, I decided to be a bit more confident and take the risk. Of course, it is hot, and it takes a lot of finesse to keep it objective and not let it get out of hand. Boy, politics is something that touches nerves. There are many things not central to my work that I truly stay away from.
Robyn McMasters last blog post..Write Inclusively to Welcome All
Robyn, I thought your piece on inclusive language was very interesting, with a fascinating follow up conversation too.
Sometimes it’s easier to tackle issues when they emerge naturally from questions or comments - it makes us more grounded somehow, or confident in the knowledge that you’re doing it because the issue needs to be talked about, rather than just for the sake of being provocative.
From what I see of political discourse in the U.S. I think you’re wise to stay well away!