In both face-to-face and online conversation, I try to make my points clearly, whether I am making a serious point or making a joke. I try to word things in ways that will not have unintended interpretations and I try not to say things that that would offend a reasonable person. I expect my ideas to be challenged, but not attacked.

In both, I try to understand what the other person is really trying to say and try to avoid being offended, whether or not I think that was their intention. If I need clarification, I will ask follow up questions. If I think something being said is in error and is important enough to be corrected, I will respond.

I am not always successful in not offending or being offended unnecessarily, but I try. I am not alone in this.