Speaking Straight and Smooth: Speaking well leads to success, speaking skillfully suffices for social interaction.

Author: Dongfang Ming
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-03-09
Features:
Talking every day doesn’t necessarily mean one can speak well. A person’s speaking ability represents their level of competence in doing things and determines the height of their achievements. The combination of (square) and (round) embodies the two poles of heaven and earth, also symbolizing the two highest realms of yin and yang, as well as softness and firmness. In terms of speaking, (square) means being direct and confrontational, backed by logic and evidence, while (round) means being flexible and adaptable, smooth and charming. The interplay of (square) and (round) allows one to make friends widely in small matters and win popularity. On a grand scale, it can move heaven and earth and move ghosts to tears.
Law 1: The ability to be (square) in speech stems from being (square) in mind. Speaking (square) helps to defuse hostility and break free from entanglements, making others feel embarrassed and unsettled. The (square) aspect is shown through sharp and confrontational speaking skills, but its foundation lies in being (square) in mind—superior insight and demeanor.
Law 2: Find the (round) center to draw the (round). The (round) aspect of speaking is reflected in being smooth and tactful, leaving no room for error. It means being adaptable and flexible in both high and low situations, with its core being the word "" (through). "" (through) is both the purpose and means of (round) speaking. Once one firmly grasps this (round) center with one foot, the other foot can draw an impenetrable (round).
Law 3: No clear boundary between (square) and (round). While the (square) and (round) aspects of speaking can be discussed separately, they cannot be used in isolation. (square) and (round) are an integral whole— (round) contains (square), and (square) contains (round). Without (round), there is no (square), and without (square), there is no (round). The complexity of interpersonal relationships determines that speaking cannot achieve results through a single, unchanging approach. Understanding the principle of (square) and (round) integration, you will realize that your speaking skills have reached the realm of "suddenly turning back, only to find that the person is at the dimly lit corner of the lanterns."