What is Tact ?

Most everyone has been taught honesty is the best policy. The truth is not always pretty, however. Sometimes the blunt truth can be extremely hurtful. Tact is the ability to know how to express the truth in carefully worded terms to avoid hurting others feelings. If you must make a statement that could upset another person, then use the skill of tact to say it in the least hurtful way. Tact will also help you to avoid insults and rude replies. 



 



As a martial artist, you should use tact as a natural part of your everyday manners. Its the responsibility of every martial artist to protect others, and that includes their feelings. Feelings are extremely valuable to people. It is important that you always protect those feelings by learning and using tact.



 



Let’s look at some examples of tact and how to use it correctly.



 



Example 1: One of your classmates invites you to his birthday party.



A rude reply: I dont like you, so I wont be there.



A tactful reply: I wont 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: Theyre not my style, but they look good on you.



 



Example 3: You are visiting a friends house and his mom serves meatloaf, which you do not like.



A rude comment: I hate meatloaf.



A tactful reply: I dont usually eat meatloaf, but thanks for offering me dinner.



 



 



In each situation above, there is the potential to hurt the other persons feelings. By making a tactful reply, you demonstrate good character. You should choose the tactful way to respond all of the time.



 



Remember, you need not lie to be tactful. You are tactful because you care about others feelings, and you want 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, then you should always think about using tact when speaking with others. NAPMA


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301 N Lillis Lane
Denison TX 75020
at the Parkside Recreation Center PO Box 1583
Denison TX 75021
Phone: 903 465 2227
Text: 903 465 2227
Private message us on Facebook Sam Perez, Chief Instructor
8th Degree Black Belt
With more than 30 years as a karate instructor, Mr Perez is a 8th degree black belt in American Tae Kwon Do. He received the 2004 award of "Instructor of the year" from A-kaTo, a credible five state Tae Kwon Do organization.
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