One of the ways we protect
ourselves from getting caught saying something is by using
categorical statements. When we mean, 'I find that
objectionable,' we often say, 'Some people might object to
that.' If you mean, 'We ought to buy John an Edsel,'
don't say, 'Could we consider purchasing a car for this
salesman?' 'Car' is categorical, 'Edsel' is more
specific; 'salesman' is categorical, 'John' is more specific.
Much of our communication is
good money after bad. We're going back to clarify and
repair things we've already said. A lot of repair work
comes from John thinking he was getting a new sports car when
the sales division planned to give him a museum piece.
it is both more efficient and fairer to speak in specifics
than in categories.
