There are as many reasons to speak out as there are reasons to keep quiet. Most of us spend our lifetimes learning when to speak and when to keep quiet. Often it is distressingly hard to know the difference. What, then, are the main reasons to speak out?

 When you know the truth that would put an end to controversy

Not to tell the truth would be a crime in itself if the evidence you withhold would put an end to controversy and would permit those involved to get on with the work ahead.  Examples of this would be  scientists’ withholding important information on a diseased conditions in favor of a pending patent that would allow only them to benefit monetarily.

Withholding information that would put others at risk of death or injury.

At a gathering or an seminar where a speaker is putting out false information that you personally know to be not only libelous but potentially harmful to others you should not remain quiet. Neither should you take the risk of making a fool out of yourself by contradicting the speaker, nor should you quietly tell your conscience to take a hike?

What probably should happen is that you, not being a disruptive person, will put the matter on hold until a later time when you can research and be sure of your facts. Then, you can directly call the speaker and ask for a few minutes of their time. If this is granted, explain your findings while being nice about it. It may be simply ignorance and if the speaker was not aware of the untruths, they will be glad to correct them.  

If, however, they persist, and are adamant that you are the one in the wrong, you must speak out. Get the message out someway that false information is being spread and it has to be stopped. Get other in this with you, preferably the state’s attorney general.

When you are good conversationalist talk on. 

To sit rigid like a knot on a log when the rest of the crowd is enjoying themselves, for some slight grievance that will soon pass away, is not the right thing to do. It will not only enliven the conversation and make the occasion more entertaining, it will show others what a good sport you are. You did not let the unkindness of another, for whatever reason, put a damper on your good nature.   

When you meet someone on the street, at the store, wherever, say something nice

Sometimes this may hard to do, but do make the effort. As an example, you notice how bright and pretty some old lady looks, find a way of telling her. Believe me, they will enjoy it, since age does many thing to ladies, and one of the worse one is to take away their good looks. To be told that they look younger than their age, are especially trim or what other truth that suddenly appears in your eyes, will make their day.

Of course, lying will get you nowhere and they will know the difference. But truthful compliments will be well received. The ability to speak and to convey messages to others is best done when the speaker can get across words with meanings that are spoken for no other reason than they are true. Now, mind you, as in the case of the mild flattery, they don’t have to be one hundred percent true, but eighty or ninety percent will do.