When in a hot discussion and it's your turn to speak, "with all due respect" as a preamble doesn't cut it. Everyone knows you're ready to let him have it! Be honest, say," With all due disrespect, you are wrong and a jerk!"
I believe in civility whenever possible but there are times when a mild mannered reaction to something is inappropriate and deceitful. I recall a luncheon tribute to a retiring executive at a company I worked for long ago where some fool asked one of the executive's enemies to be the master of ceremonies.
He began his remarks civilly enough then, like a man of honor, began his talk this way, "It's with lukewarm enthusiasm ..........." then managed a few luke warm statements about his achievements. That kind of honesty is rare. It's a little like a eulogy which would really tell you what a rotten bastard the deceased was. I don't recommend it but I do admire honesty even when it isn't required.
I believe in civility whenever possible but there are times when a mild mannered reaction to something is inappropriate and deceitful. I recall a luncheon tribute to a retiring executive at a company I worked for long ago where some fool asked one of the executive's enemies to be the master of ceremonies.
He began his remarks civilly enough then, like a man of honor, began his talk this way, "It's with lukewarm enthusiasm ..........." then managed a few luke warm statements about his achievements. That kind of honesty is rare. It's a little like a eulogy which would really tell you what a rotten bastard the deceased was. I don't recommend it but I do admire honesty even when it isn't required.
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