Grenache

I was sitting with someone recently, as we were trying various bottles of wine.  Upon tasting the wine he immediately turned up his nose and stated that the wine had turned.  However, to a normal person the wine may well have been fine to drink.  I sat there without the knowledge to argue and although I thought he was being a rude, arrogant chop, I was not able to challenge his view because I did not have the expertise or the confidence to express an opinion.  The difference lies in the knowledge of a subject and how sure we are through experience, skill and knowledge of our opinion relating to a specific topic or relationship.  If we have the skill and knowledge then we need to share this, through our opinion or actions, but the key is the manner or attitude with which we deliver the message.  For no matter how much of an expert we are on a topic, the recipient will only really accept and take note of the facts you have expressed if the way in which you express the opinion, is well received.  Take my example, the manner in which the guy announced that the wine was turned was loud and arrogant and as a consequence he may very well have been correct, but no one liked him and thus probably discounted his announcement.  Had he however managed to get the message across with the right attitude he may well have not only convinced us at the table, but also we may have asked when the next bottle was served, what his opinion of the wine would be.  Sometimes we get frustrated because we know the answer to something clearly and we just want to blurt it out.  We are absolutely sure of the answer and that what we would suggest would definitely work and potentially make ourselves and others far happier, but unless we find the right words and the recipient receives the message with a manner of clear understanding, it may well be that we will have to repeat the story a number of times. However, most people simply give up because the reaction they get is not what they expected or wanted, and they simply doubt their ability to package a view or words, in such a way, that can be understood, so they simply back out of the conversation or relationship opportunity because their confidence has been broken.  Don't be the loud opinionated idiot that shouts the odds above all, but also, don't be afraid to voice a humble opinion, when you know you can contribute.  And above all have another glass of wine.