Some Tact

The Some Tact journal

Eight ways into the subject.

A growing editorial map for readers who want explanation, not just advice.

01Public Diplomacy Council of Catalonia

Separate facts from verdicts

Describe what happened before deciding what it says about another person’s character.

Describe what happened before deciding what it says about another person’s character. The useful question is not simply whether an idea sounds right, but when it applies, what it leaves out and whose experience changes the answer. This entry places the issue inside a wider social and practical context.

Look for observable details, trustworthy sources and language that leaves room for revision. A serious account can be clear without pretending that every person or situation follows the same path.

02Public Diplomacy Council of Catalonia

Acknowledge without surrender

Understanding a concern does not require accepting every claim or proposed solution.

Understanding a concern does not require accepting every claim or proposed solution. The useful question is not simply whether an idea sounds right, but when it applies, what it leaves out and whose experience changes the answer. This entry places the issue inside a wider social and practical context.

Look for observable details, trustworthy sources and language that leaves room for revision. A serious account can be clear without pretending that every person or situation follows the same path.

032014 Wang-Zhang Meeting 国台办主任张志军于两岸事务首长会议会前致词 (美国之音张佩芝拍摄)

Lower the temperature

A pause, slower pace and quieter voice can restore the ability to think.

A pause, slower pace and quieter voice can restore the ability to think. The useful question is not simply whether an idea sounds right, but when it applies, what it leaves out and whose experience changes the answer. This entry places the issue inside a wider social and practical context.

Look for observable details, trustworthy sources and language that leaves room for revision. A serious account can be clear without pretending that every person or situation follows the same path.

04Ma Xiao-guang (TAO spokesperson) at 2014 Wang-Zhang Meeting in Taiwan

Make the request visible

People cannot respond to a need hidden inside blame, sarcasm or implication.

People cannot respond to a need hidden inside blame, sarcasm or implication. The useful question is not simply whether an idea sounds right, but when it applies, what it leaves out and whose experience changes the answer. This entry places the issue inside a wider social and practical context.

Look for observable details, trustworthy sources and language that leaves room for revision. A serious account can be clear without pretending that every person or situation follows the same path.

052014 Wang-Zhang Meeting

Use the smallest true sentence

Complex conflict often becomes clearer when reduced to one observable issue.

Complex conflict often becomes clearer when reduced to one observable issue. The useful question is not simply whether an idea sounds right, but when it applies, what it leaves out and whose experience changes the answer. This entry places the issue inside a wider social and practical context.

Look for observable details, trustworthy sources and language that leaves room for revision. A serious account can be clear without pretending that every person or situation follows the same path.

062014 Wang-Zhang Meeting

Offer a dignified exit

Let people revise a position without forcing a public confession of defeat.

Let people revise a position without forcing a public confession of defeat. The useful question is not simply whether an idea sounds right, but when it applies, what it leaves out and whose experience changes the answer. This entry places the issue inside a wider social and practical context.

Look for observable details, trustworthy sources and language that leaves room for revision. A serious account can be clear without pretending that every person or situation follows the same path.

072014 Wang-Zhang Meeting

Write for the screenshot

In tense digital exchanges, assume the message may travel. Keep it factual and humane.

In tense digital exchanges, assume the message may travel. Keep it factual and humane. The useful question is not simply whether an idea sounds right, but when it applies, what it leaves out and whose experience changes the answer. This entry places the issue inside a wider social and practical context.

Look for observable details, trustworthy sources and language that leaves room for revision. A serious account can be clear without pretending that every person or situation follows the same path.

08​两岸事务首长会议会场 (美国之音张佩芝拍摄)

Know when tact is unsafe

Threats, coercion and abuse require protection and support, not better phrasing.

Threats, coercion and abuse require protection and support, not better phrasing. The useful question is not simply whether an idea sounds right, but when it applies, what it leaves out and whose experience changes the answer. This entry places the issue inside a wider social and practical context.

Look for observable details, trustworthy sources and language that leaves room for revision. A serious account can be clear without pretending that every person or situation follows the same path.