Q&A for How to Be Tactful

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I am a very blunt, lay-it-on-the-table person. I usually tell people this followed by "just call me Frank". I also have ADD and blurt things. How do I correct this?

Community Answer

Look and smile at your speaker with hands together -- it helps keep your mouth closed. Only use nodding, which still allows you some type of communication. You will be amazed at what this will get you through. Also, only say words like, "I understand" or "I hear you". Don't always go into communication with a solution and answer, just go into it being only a listener.

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Question

Is tone of voice important?

Community Answer

Yes. The tone of voice, as well as the words you choose to relay an unpleasant message, is important.

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Question

How can I be tactful when notifying someone they have a disease?

Community Answer

There are no easy ways to be tactful with news of a terminal illness or disease. Communicating directly with that person and explaining the facts first allows you to move right into the results. For example, if I share with a soccer player, "With the force of the impact you took in that side tackle, it really did a lot of damage. There was scare tissue from a prior injury. With the years of wear and tear, it was bound to tear sooner than later. As a result, we had to place a rod in that bone-to-bone area. Now with months of therapy you will be able to walk and run, but unfortunately will not be able to play this sport anymore due to not having mobility."

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What to do when teachers are bored when I ask them a question again and again because I have not understood the answer?

Community Answer

Realize that your teacher has an entire class to teach, not just you. Asking the same question repeatedly during class is not being respectful of your classmates. Instead, talk to your teacher after class or get yourself a tutor so you can have individualized attention.

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