BEING TACTFUL

Andrea: Did you see the article Gabriel wrote?

Cynthia: Yes, if you don´t mind me saying so, but your article was potentially offensive.

Gabriel: I beg to differ. My article was rather clever. I think it is one of the most interesting
articles I´ve ever wrote.

Andrea: Don´t take this personally Gabriel, but I´m trying to be constructive. You need to be
more tactful when you write about controversial themes.

Cynthia: I see where you´re coming from, but some people could take what you were saying
as if you were criticizing them.

Gabriel: Maybe you´re right. I would be more careful the next time.

After the reunion

Andrea: If you don´t mind me saying so, I think I handled the meeting quite well. It was
difficult to make Gabriel notice what other people were feeling about his article, even though it was
pretty interesting but it could hurt people´s sensitivity.

Cynthia: That´s not the way I see it, sorry but I think you let Gabriel to talk for too long about
why he thought the article should be published.

Andrea: No offence intended, but if you think so you could have interrupted him and helped
me out.

Cynthia: I´m afraid I have to say it but it was your job to chair the meeting.

Andrea: Yes, I know it but instead of criticizing I hope next time you help me out.

Cynthia: Sorry, you´re right. I would help you more next time.