What is Tact?
Everyone has been taught that honesty is the best policy. However, the truth is not always pretty and sometimes the blunt truth can be extremely hurtful. Tact is a manner in which the truth can be carefully worded in order to have consideration for others’ feelings. In other words, if you need to say something that could upset a person, use tact to express yourself in the least hurtful way. Tact also means avoiding insults and rude replies when speaking to others.
As a Martial Artist, you should use tact as a natural part of your everyday manners. The responsibility of a Martial Artist includes protecting others, including others’ feelings. Feelings are extremely valuable to people, and it is important that we protect those feelings by using the art of tact.
Do you use tact when speaking to others? There are tactful ways of dealing with most situations. Here are a few examples of how you can use tact:
Example 1: Your classmate invites you to his birthday party.
A rude reply: “I don’t like you, so I am not going.”
A tactful reply: “I won’t be able to make it, but thank you for the invitation.”
Example 2: Your friend asks you “Do you like my new shoes?”
A rude reply: “Those shoes are ugly.”
A tactful reply: “They’re not my style, but they look good on you.”
Example 3: You are visiting a friend’s house and his mom serves meatloaf, which you do not like.
A rude comment: “I hate meatloaf.”
A tactful reply: “I do not usually eat meatloaf, but thank you for offering me dinner.”
In each situation above, there is the potential to hurt the other person’s feelings. By making a tactful reply, you demonstrate good character. You should choose the tactful way to respond all of the time.
Remember, using tact does not mean that you need to lie; it simply means that you care enough about others’ feelings to avoid hurting or offending them. People who use tact tend to have more friends and they are better leaders. They attract people because they make others feel good. If you want to be a great friend and leader, you should always think about using tact when speaking to others.
