When it comes to discussing controversial issues, it can be challenging to talk to someone with whom we disagree. It is even harder to write about these issues because we don’t know how our words will be perceived. If our language is hostile and unsympathetic to opposing opinions, it is likely that some readers will become frustrated or simply stop reading. This is a problem for writers because those who disagree with us are often the very people we want our message to reach.
As creators of nonfiction, professional writers face a unique disadvantage when it comes to tackling contentious topics. While a creative writer has the luxury of disguising their ideas inside metaphor and literary critics can conveniently mask their opinions behind literary critique, professional writers must discuss controversial situations openly.
At some point, professional writers are faced with a difficult question: How can I communicate my beliefs in a way that is considerate of those who feel the exact opposite?
This question may have no simple answer, but there are certainly steps we can take to ensure that our ideas are at least heard. According to Dr. Bruce McComiskey, the director of the professional writing program, finding common ground is the most important step when engaging in any type of discourse. Expressing interest in a shared concern is always the best place to start because it lets the other party know that you understand why they would be upset about a particular issue.
Dr. McComiskey goes on to say that it is never a good idea to start with your own personal view if it directly opposes someone else’s. Establishing an element of connection is necessary to make sure that no one feels immediately excluded. We must communicate that we know and understand the other side’s argument before we move forward with the conversation.
The next step in this process is, of course, addressing the issue itself. This is a delicate process for writers, considering the other party is absent at the time the argument is being made. It can be hard to decide exactly when and where a particular idea, phrase, sentence or choice of wording is going to discourage a reader. Therefore, we must be vigilantly to ensure that our argument never comes across as condescending toward a specific belief or ideology.
Keeping condescension out of our work can often pose a challenge. It is impossible to predict exactly how every word will be received, but there are precautions that writers can take to reach the largest audience possible. According to McComiskey, one of the rhetorical devices that individuals use far too frequently is the passive voice. It removes the controversy in a lot of ways, he says, but it does not move the conversation forward, which defeats the purpose of writing about these subjects in the first place. McComiskey says: “If the goal is to offend, then offend.”
It is important to say what you want to instead of tiptoeing around it. The reality of the situation remains that a conversation cannot take place if we never speak candidly about issues that have the potential to offend.
Arguably the most significant aspect of respectful, persuasive writing is keep opinions out of places they don’t belong. We should all listen more than we speak. For writers, this means frequent research as it relates to our topics of discussion. We need to understand the conversation from all angles before we present an opinion. Additionally, examining existing discourse can help us decide what works and what doesn’t when approaching sensitive subjects.
Writing about emotive issues is no easy task. It requires transparency, vulnerability, open-mindedness and, usually, a consent to have your own beliefs criticized. Identifying and establishing some element of common ground is the most important step we can take in these written conversations. Everyone deserves to feel respected and included, regardless of their beliefs.
Writers should always keep the opposing party in mind in order to reach the largest audience possible and communicate that we are listening as much or more than we are talking. Keeping the conversation open ensures that we are actively seeking a solution to these issues and not simply fighting to get our own way.
