Written by: Vickie Sullivan  |  July 06, 2023

How to Be the Voice of Reason in Hotly Debated Issues

Where I live—Tempe, Arizona—we’ve been dealing with a hotly debated issue involving the development of a big entertainment/shopping/residential development. People have extremely strong feelings: both sides pitched their views hard, meanwhile misinformation and rumors ran rampant.

Then, the Grand Canyon Institute released its analysis on the economic impact, refuting the findings of two other studies and changing the game. The group also demonstrated how you can present bombshell information and stay above the fray.

Here are some lessons we thought leaders can use when presenting information about a controversial issue:

Answer big questions: In this example, the report answers three big questions on the voter’s mind: How does the money work? Will our town benefit? What about other options? Focusing on what really matters makes the report relevant and increases the value.

Be even handed: The report authors gave credit where it was due, and they even estimated “high” in some of their findings to give the benefit of the doubt. This approach paved a credible path when pointing out specific assumptions and omissions. (Example: Check out the explanation of the word “nominal.”)

Listen: 2 Ways to Stay Above the Fray 

The report from the Grand Canyon Institute did two things: 1) provided facts in an even-handed way and 2) stayed above the fray. Both tactics boosted the credibility of the organization, allowing them to stay in their “nonprofit, bipartisan think tank” lane.

With hotly debated issues, there is power in being the voice of reason. Sometimes not taking a side is the best message strategy.

Now Read This:

• Thought Leaders: Use this Strategy to Position High-Drama Issues
• Brand and Message Strategy for Thought Leaders