Don’t fool yourself that your voice is not important. It makes a difference! And it’s easy to assume someone else will speak up, but your perspective is unique and your silence is noticeable.

Whether you’re asking a question or showing support, your words matter, and speaking up has a domino effect. You never know who might be listening, and inspired by your words.

Productive conversations occur when people feel they won’t be punished for being honest.

This is called psychological safety, and it’s essential for real dialogue. Whether it’s with your boss, or your friends and family, it’s ok to say: “Can we talk about this topic that’s been weighing on me, and without judgement?”.

This way, you’ll set the tone and make sure the conditions are right.

Awkwardness is normal. And British people are particularly awkward! But ignoring issues always makes them worse.

Addressing the elephant in the room, and naming it, for example “This might feel weird, but…” or “I don’t want this to sound confrontational, but…” lowers anxiety and builds trust. If something’s unsaid and obvious, say it.

You don’t need to be an expert to have an opinion. Intellectual humility - the willingness to say “I’m still learning” - actually makes you more persuasive.

People should admit to this more, so that conversations don’t descend into ego battles. Try: “I don’t have all the answers, but I’ve been thinking about this lately...”.

Good conversations shouldn’t feel like a competition of who is the most educated.

Emotions are valid, and important - especially when we’re angry over human rights violations - but express them wisely. Leading with facts makes you more credible, and the internet is filled with so much disinformation that working with facts first can remove the extremes from a conversation.

“Here’s what we know, and here’s how it affects real people.” Avoid slogans or soundbites, and search for true stories. Encourage others to do the same.

Challenge ideas, not identities. Throwing accusations at someone (especially if it’s in social media and especially if it’s a stranger!) will never see positive outcomes.

If you’re entering a disagreement with positive intent, ask questions. Asking “How did you come to that view?” or “have you thought about this other perspective” invites explanation over defensiveness. It’s also a subtle way to disrupt confirmation bias, when people only search for perspectives they already agree with.

You don’t need to have lived an experience to support it. Quote people. Share their posts. Reference their stories. Use your platform to pass the mic. Share those stories in everyday conversations, too.

The most powerful allyship often sounds like: “This isn’t my story, but I want you to hear it.” In meetings, if someone’s silent, ask if they want to contribute. In a group conversation if someone’s looking distressed, ask them why. Even if this is all you do, it’s something.

For God’s Sake don’t end a difficult conversation with a passive aggressive signoff. You’re better than that!

If you end well, you won’t regret it. Something like “I want to think more about this, can we come back to it?” isn't a sign of weakness or that you’ve lost!

According to negotiation research, people are more likely to reflect and shift their stance after the conversation than during it.

We know that algorithms reward outrage. We know that endless scrolling can drive apathy. Too much social media will hurt your brain and mess up your nervous system. Plus, is 5 hours a day really worth it?

Overexposure to online arguments can lead to opinion fatigue, where everything starts to feel exhausting and you’re no good to anyone. Log off. Speak when you’re ready. And if someone’s upsetting you, block them. When it comes to social media, you don’t owe anybody anything.