We are living in unprecedented times. And everyone seems to have an opinion. That makes it a great time to talk about our First Amendment right to the freedom of speech. How much do we really know about our rights when it comes to freedom of speech? And what is our role as communicators when it comes to this liberty?
I’m no expert, but I believe it is just as simple and as difficult as this: practice it responsibly and protect it fiercely. Not just for ourselves or for our political party, but for everyone. University of Minnesota Professor of Media Ethics and Law Jane Kirtley says, “Speech is such a powerful weapon . . . We all need to be First Amendment warriors believing that freedom of speech applies to everyone because if it doesn’t apply to everyone it applies to no one.”
Here are 3 ways we can take Kirtley’s advice to become First Amendment warriors and more responsible communicators.
Find Common Ground
Unless you are living under a rock, you’ll eventually find yourself in a conversation with someone who has views which differ greatly from yours. This can be frustrating. But it might help to curb your frustration just a bit if you can remember that you are both standing on a solid, fundamental freedom. While it might not seem like it at first, you have a patch of beautiful common ground under your feet. We call it the First Amendment. You can de-escalate disagreements by expressing gratitude that you both have the right to express your opinions.
Keep an Open Mind
In one of my favorite speeches called “The Dying Art of Disagreement,” Bret Stephens reminds us of this: “For free societies to function, the idea of open-mindedness can’t simply be a catchphrase or a dogma. It needs to be a personal habit, most of all when it comes to preserving an open mind toward those with whom we disagree.” Maintaining an open mind is increasingly difficult in this world of divisive and divided rhetoric and opinions. But that’s why we need it all the more. Our communication and posture changes when we enter into discussions with the knowledge that there is a chance we could be wrong or that we could learn something new.
Listen to Understand
In his best-selling book, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Stephen R. Covey says, “The biggest communication problem is we do not listen to understand. We listen to reply.” When we think about our right to freedom of speech, we have to remember that freedom has a prerequisite. It’s the responsibility to listen. Only after we practice active listening skills like making good eye contact, avoiding interrupting, and asking questions, should we take our turn to speak.
The First Amendment is foundational for our nation. Any time you take the floor as a presenter and every time you enter into discussion, you are standing on that solid freedom. Let’s fight together to protect it.
Come back on Friday when we take a look at some specific situations that the First Amendment protects. Until then, check out our presentation design and training resources at Ethos3.com.
