Consider another view or update an opinion · D8.13

Try wording that leaves room for possibility

A belief closes off an option before you have considered its details.

Everyday practice

Try these steps

1. Write the limiting statement without requiring yourself to reject it.
2. Identify what is uncertain or context-dependent and add that qualification.
3. Name one option the qualified statement leaves open, if any.

An example

‘I cannot speak in groups’ could become ‘Large unfamiliar groups are hard; I could prepare one question for a smaller meeting.’

Reflect

Does the wording feel accurate, or too optimistic?

Next time

Use qualifications that fit the evidence rather than positive slogans.