Page 72 - The Voice of Authority

Granted, there are exceptions: Movies, TV sitcoms, and
jokes. Before the network takes you to commercial, the
teaser plunges you into the middle of the action. Then for
the next half hour, you wind your way out of the dilemma.
But for those information sessions where amusement is
not the primary focus, start with the punch line.
Whether delivering a presentation, writing an e-mail, or
briefing somebody in the hallway, make the opening line
the punch line.

Specifics—or Just Semantics?

How many times have you heard this comment inter-
jected in a heated discussion: “Well, I think it’s just a
matter of semantics.” Of course it is! Words mean some-
thing. And therein lies the problem. For example, take
the controversy swirling around the issue of illegal im-
migration in our country. One politician refers to the
“amnesty” issue and outlines a plan whereby a person al-
ready in the country illegally can earn legal status. An-
other politician contradicts the first politician’s concept
and plan altogether by saying that amnesty means “for-
giveness”; therefore, any plan to “earn” citizenship isn’t
an amnesty plan at all. The amnesty dialogue is but one
example of the point.
Words have meanings, and those meanings are not just a
simple matter of semantics. Brushing them aside with “I
think we’re really saying the
same thing; it’s just a matter
Words carry the crux of of semantics,” creates a dan-
conversation. Selection gerous intersection if people
is central to understand- intend to arrive at agreement
ing and agreement. somewhere down the road.
Words carry the crux of

60 The Voice of Authority