The Art of Saying It Right

“Tact is the language of strength.” These words from Bob Burg's father, Mike Burg, capture the essence of why tact matters so profoundly. Tact isn’t about sugarcoating the truth or avoiding tough conversations.

It’s the ability to say something—or make a point—in a way that not only avoids offending someone but leaves the other person open and receptive. Think about that for a moment. What if every time you spoke, people leaned in, eager to hear more? That’s the magic of tact.

But let’s not confuse tact with weakness. It takes a certain quiet confidence to temper your words without dulling your message. Tact demands empathy, self-control, and a sharp awareness of your audience. With tact, you can highlight a problem while inspiring cooperation instead of resistance.

So how do you build this “language of strength”? Start by listening—not just hearing but genuinely tuning in. Ask yourself, “How can I frame this so it’s constructive?” Mastering tact is a lot like learning an instrument; it takes practice, patience, and the courage to refine your delivery.

Here’s the thing: people remember how you make them feel long after they’ve forgotten what you said. With tact, you leave them feeling understood and respected, even in disagreement. And that? That’s what transforms ordinary communication into extraordinary influence.

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Mitch Jackson | links