Quotes about Directness

Jesus did not stand as a prophet and utter judgements; wherever He went the unerring directness of His presence located men.

Straightforwardness, without the rules of propriety, becomes rudeness.

The key here is to be direct. You don't want to be passive, because being passive communicates weakness. In this e-mail you are clearly making an offer. The formula might look like this:

In my neighborhood, when you've got something to say to a guy, you look him in the eye and you say it to him.

Anybody who has ever been around me knows I'll give you my opinion.

Only fools imply compliments. The wise man comes right out with it, point-blank. Imply criticism--unless the criticized isn't within earshot.

If there's something bothering me in the business end of things with people I work with, I just say it right out.

You want me to tell me the truth or do you want me to stroke you?

I often marveled that the interior peace of the woman was reflected so faithfully in her surroundings. Even the selection and arrangements of her possessions gave an aura of uncluttered calm. In addition, there was a directness in her approach to all of life--including housekeeping--that never failed to fascinate me. Miss Alice was a person to whom color, symmetry of line and contrast of texture were important.

I find in my poetry and prose the rhythms and imagery of the best - I mean, when I'm at my best - of the good Southern black preachers. The lyricism of the spirituals and the directness of gospel songs and the mystery of blues are in my music or in my poetry and prose, or I missed everything.

If you have an important point to make, don't try to be subtle or clever. Use a pile-driver. Hit the point once. Then come back and hit it again. Then hit it a third time - a tremendous whack!

As for dialogue, I think it keeps things moving to cut to the chase.