Ben Franklin, a diplomatic genious, expressed his convictions and opinions (which he avoiding making in the first place) in the following ways. I believe we could all benefit on the Mudcat from adopting just a few of his protocals.

For example, when forced to express an opinion that his friends might not agree with him on, he did the following:

It appears to me (at present) to be this way.
Although I agree with you argument of (such and such) I think (such and such) should also be taken into account.

Notice he used the words "At present" When Conversing, This Accomplished 2 objectives.

1. It forced him to have an open-mind and empathy toward the other person and his views. (necessary when learning anything of benefit and maintaining a friend)


2. It also lead to the perfect realization that his views
   could be wrong and offensive to someone else.

Notice also that he acknowledged the points to which he agreed with his adversaries, Finding a spirit of agreement promoted cooperation and friendship, This qwelled the anger of his advisaries, and made them more open to hearing what HE had to say. (i.e. it lowered his advesary's defenses)

Dewey