The way we express our views can determine whether we're heard or dismissed, particularly in politically charged conversations.10 March 2026
A recent situation involving the Green Party highlights something I think about often in my work: the substance of what we're saying only gets a fair hearing if we say it well. This isn't about tone policing or demanding people be perpetually pleasant. It's about recognising that how we communicate genuinely affects whether our message lands.
When we're passionate about something, especially when it touches on identity, rights, or deeply held values, the intensity of feeling can sometimes overshadow the clarity of argument. That intensity is valid and often necessary, yet it can also become a reason for others to dismiss us entirely rather than engage with what we're actually saying.
I'm not suggesting we should soften legitimate concerns or apologise for taking up space. Rather, I'm inviting us to think about the difference between being heard and being right. Read the full piece to explore what this means in practice and why it matters.