STRAIGHT TALK
MARK BARNES: Being honest with investors and laying it on the line remains the best policy
The consequence of the deferred truth, inevitably found out later, is always higher than the price for reality
I feel less comfortable in the company of people who use the word "frickin" than I do with those who choose the less socially acceptable, but more robust, honest alternative. We all know what you mean, so why not just come out and say it? Words, all of them, are just people inventions designed to enable communication between people. Surely then, the most easily understood, accurate description of the message is the most efficient use of the medium. Perhaps swearing is, after all, the crutch of the vocabulary cripple, but its coarse substitution isn’t the answer. At some point, overly excusing or disguising the real point, with this language of the well-mannered, departs from politeness and borders on deceit. Besides, swearing is more fun.I was glancing through a corporate announcement in this newspaper last week, as one does, when it occurred to me how much caution we’ve had to introduce into what we say, in order not to get into trouble with someone, no matter how virtuous the stat...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.