How to Effectively Communicate Your Opinion: Lessons from Sally Kohn

Communication is the cornerstone of human interactions. It is how we express ourselves, share our ideas, and engage with each other. However, effective communication is not always easy, especially when it comes to discussing controversial or sensitive topics. Oftentimes, people have a difficult time conveying their opinions in a way that is both understandable and respectful to others. This can lead to misunderstanding, conflict, and strained relationships.

In this article, we will explore the art of communicating your opinion and how to do it effectively, drawing inspiration from Sally Kohn’s TED Talk, “Let’s try emotional correctness”.

Who is Sally Kohn?

Sally Kohn is a political commentator, writer, and activist who served as a liberal analyst on Fox News. She gained fame for her ability to express progressive ideas to a conservative audience. Kohn’s TED Talk, “Let’s try emotional correctness,” explores how people who disagree can have meaningful conversations that move beyond just talking past each other.

Emotional correctness

Emotional correctness is the idea that we should strive to create a safe and respectful space for people to express their emotions, especially when discussing sensitive topics. Emotional correctness is not about sugar-coating our opinions or being afraid to speak our minds. Instead, it’s about acknowledging the emotions that come with our opinions while respecting others’ emotions.

Kohn argues that political correctness is not enough when it comes to effective communication. Instead, we should cultivate emotional correctness. This means being mindful of not only the words we use but also the tone, context, and emotions behind them.

Tips for effectively communicating your opinion

1. Start with empathy

The first step in effectively communicating your opinion is to start with empathy. Empathy is the ability to understand and share someone else’s feelings. In the context of communication, empathy means trying to put yourself in the other person’s shoes and seeing things from their perspective.

When we approach a conversation with empathy, we create a more open and respectful space for dialogue. Even if we don’t agree with the other person’s opinions, we can still acknowledge and validate their emotions.

2. Focus on understanding, not convincing

Another important aspect of effective communication is to focus on understanding rather than convincing. Often, we enter into discussions with the goal of persuading the other person to see our point of view. However, when we approach a conversation with the sole intent of convincing the other person, it becomes less of a dialogue and more of a debate.

Instead, focus on understanding the other person’s perspective. Ask questions to gain clarity on their thoughts and feelings. This will help you identify areas where you agree or disagree and create a more productive conversation.

3. Acknowledge emotions

As Kohn suggests, emotional correctness is about acknowledging emotions in the conversation. When communicating an opinion, it’s important to acknowledge the emotions that come with it. This means being open about how you feel and also recognizing how the other person may feel.

Acknowledge the emotions that the other person is expressing, even if you don’t necessarily agree with them. By doing so, you create a space for honest communication where both parties can express themselves without fear of judgment.

4. Choose your words carefully

Words have power, and the words we use can significantly impact how our opinion is received. Being thoughtful and intentional with our choice of words can make a big difference in how our opinion is communicated.

When expressing an opinion, be mindful of the tone and phrasing. Avoid using language that is confrontational or dismissive. Instead, use language that is respectful and non-judgmental.

5. Be open to feedback and criticism

Effective communication is a two-way street. It’s important to be open to feedback and criticism from the other person. When we are defensive or dismissive of the other person’s opinion, we shut down the possibility of productive dialogue.

Be open to hearing the other person’s perspective, and acknowledge any valid points they make. This creates a space for honest communication and creates the opportunity for both parties to learn from each other.

In conclusion

Effective communication is essential for building healthy relationships and creating a better world. Being able to express our opinions in a way that is respectful and mindful of others’ emotions is a powerful skill to develop. By starting with empathy, focusing on understanding, acknowledging emotions, choosing our words carefully, and being open to feedback, we can effectively communicate our opinions and create meaningful dialogue. So, let’s try emotional correctness and move forward towards better communication.