How do you manage touchy subjects in web writing?

Navigating touchy subjects in web writing requires finesse. It's like salsa dancing through a minefield of emotions. Honesty shouldn't morph into rudeness; choose words that mend bridges, not burn them. Feel the room's vibes before you type - gauge whether truth is crucial or if you're just gunning for shock value. Standing out is cool, but not at the expense of respect. Your words should tickle thoughts, not trigger tempers. Here's a hack: sprinkle empathy throughout your prose and season with a pinch of understanding. Remember, the internet's a global couch; let's make it comfy for everyone.

One thing I've found helpful is storytelling. Incorporating human experiences, whether real or fiction, helps break down walls and appeal more to one's emotions. As advertisers say, sell the feeling not the product.

Touchy subjects are to be written with a slightly different purpose than the rest of them. Typically, the purpose of writing is to either educate, inspire, sell, or inform. In case of touchy subjects, the purpose is also to generate empathy in the reader. It is to sensitize them to a new subject, to make them see another facet of the subject. When we remember this purpose, the tone will automatically reflect it.

Unless you're crafting an opinion piece, educate, rather than advocate. Offer all sides of the issue. Don't condescend. Utilize trusted sources and data to paint the picture.

Be concise and direct, without being cold or distant. Your audience is reading your work for a defined reason. Is it a Help page? If so, then help. Is it a resource? Then point them to the necessary sites or contact numbers. Remove the emotion, but find a sensitivity balance.

When conducting research for sensitive topics, here's what you must keep in check: - Source of information should not be outdated (try not to go back more than 3 years) - Source of information should be largely trusted by your target audience. If I'm writing on a local matter, it makes no sense to quote someone from a different land. - Source of information should be reputable. If you quote a Tweet (say from someone who's known well but often misinforms in one way or another), it will be misleading for your readers and will make you an unreliable source in the long run. Also, when sharing public's response to a sensitive matter - always show both positive and negative responses and an estimate of which side weighs more.

One of the key components of research around touchy subjects is also 'lived experience'. Specially when these subjects impact a larger number of people. To talk of data related to Covid for instance, is great. However, to talk of how deaths can impact different families adds an entirely different dimension. For instance, a single parent dying with a 5-year-old surviving them, is not just a number in the million deaths for that child. It's a personal tragedy of a devastating order. So, adding lived experience can add a significant dimension to the research around touchy subjects like death, relationships, sexuality, spirituality, poverty, etc.

While writing on extremely sensitive subjects, ensure that you conduct deep research. By deep research, I mean searching extensively on relevant materials. When you conduct deep research, you have access to a lot of information. Check for appropriate platforms where the target audience is gathered. You get information through platforms like comments' section, Amazon reviews, YouTube comments section, Reddit pages.

I use a sentiment analysis tool, like Comprehend, to help ensure balanced perspective. I also make sure to use bias plugins to make sure I don't risk offense.

On the customer part, you need to research the word they're using regularly to describe the sensitive/touchy subject. I would say no more than 5 years (source of information) if you can't find it in 3 years. Medically reviewed sources articles/journals can work well internationally (even in my place, Indonesia).

This takes me back to the second point. 1. Doing adequate research ensures that you're writing based on facts and not opinions. 2. Must you add your opinions, do so before the conclusion, and not at the beginning or in between your paragraphs. 3. Again, if you add your views on the touchy topic, don't assume that your readers will know what you think of "B" now that you support/don't support "A" Mention it.

While attempting touchy subjects, your opinion must be backed by a gentle tone so that you don't end up hurting someone's feelings. When a touchy subject is written, it's important to keep it restricted to facts. Also ethical considerations should be taken care of. Use of derogatory slang, stereotypes should be prevented. Most important way of writing a touchy subject is balancing opinions with neutralisers. Neutralisers mean you should play both sides. After writing 2-3 sentences, it's important to use some generic statements to calm down your content. 3 ways to touch sensitive topics - state facts - share your opinion - understand other's side

As discussed in my above two inputs, if you're cognizant of your purpose and the lived experiences of people, your tone will automatically change. You may still advocate a certain point of view on the basis of logic, but your attitude will automatically be respectful and empathetic. It will not invalidate others' experiences, and its impact as an argument will be better.

It's about "who" you're writing for. If your writing can provide value, connect and resonate with the audience's pain points, then your audience will become your loyal fans.

Don't assume you know how people think. Remember, you're biased too. Instead, always try to present the best arguments from both sides and encourage your readers to do more research and talk to people with differing world views to determine their stance — which they should hold tentatively, willing to accept new information that contradicts their position.

Use plain and simple language and discuss the subject head on. Chances are the person reading your content will appreciate clarity and a straightforward approach. Sometimes trying too hard to be sensitive can result in confusing copy and at worse, it can come across as manipulative.

That's why sourcing your article from CREDIBLE sources is very important. Another thing is NOT to be judgmental. If you're using clickbait and rude contradictory headlines/words as a hook for people to your article, the consequences will come back to you: - Reputation tarnished - Reported for internet violence, and probably - Lawsuits

Being honest and transparent when writing is simply liberating; it allows the writing to flow, and this is immensely appreciated by readers. An honest article is better, but nothing is worse than losing credibility as a writer.

Really touchy issues need to be recognized, differetiated from the bipartisan political touchiness and thus being honest can be explored further if necessary. Because it is best to avoid touchy topics unless there is a violaiton of law.

There's not much to add here besides that you'll often see other creators racking up hundreds of thousands or millions of views using dishonest or unethical means. They may get some hate for it but they'll still drive enough traffic to make money. I guess the biggest challenge isn't being honest and transparent, but staying honest and transparent. Especially when you're desperate to see your content perform. You're going to see lots of people who deserve less get more and fight that temptation every day. Get used to it.

Simply ask "This being a touchy issue, how do you want to proceed?" Thus it will help to avoid presumption and also dissatisfaction and feelings of touchiness in the other person.

Every article/writing, whether touchy or not, would always bring in different views and perspectives. Be open-minded and wise. Arguments can be necessary but in a healthy, positive way.

You should try to be as open and as responsive with your readers as you can, but do it wisely. Don't share anything about your personal life that you wouldn't want your neighbor or your boss to know. When you respond to a comment to be seen by everyone. Remember, it can be seen by anyone. If a conversation with one of your readers starts to get too close to home, it's best to take it to the dms. You don't have to respond to every comment, and you certainly shouldn't overshare in the comment section.

Taking constructive feedback and improving your writing on topics is a continuous process. Being engaging in conversations that add value or perspective to the touchy topic can be very meaningful to the writer as well as the society!

Learning is an ongoing process. We all should be open and responsive to feedback, especially with touchy subjects. It's good to stand firm in one's beliefs. However, it's also good to review from others, especially opposing sides because, as my mother used to say, "You just might learn something!"

Once you have the first draft, show it to a test group of readers. Even so, be prepared that whatever you do, someone will likely find your writing offensive. It's called "a touchy subject" for a reason.

Agree with Mick, but you can also ask the expert/professionals in that specific topic/niche to check/verify your draft (accuracy, style, legal reasons, etc). Double-checking the phrase and words are important to avoid future problems.

I always include trigger warnings in my content to caution readers in advance at the start of the article. This goes for video content too - a warning at the start that the content will include mention of said touchy subjects. And definitely approach these touchy subjects with empathy and sensitivity.

I like to finish by saying something like "Prove me wrong". It opens up the discussion and shows the reader that you are not short-sighted in your views. There is a possibility you might be wrong. In your writing, as in life - so embrace it.

Thank you for such a helpful common sence approach to what can often be a sticky situation. Well done! Of course much of this applies to any kind of writing. The only thing I would add is that one needs to develop a tough skin. No matter how factual, considerate and diplomatic you are in expressing your views, there will always be people who will use copious profanity in their criticism, engage in personal attacks, and sometimes make threats. This comes from my experience as a former newspaper reporter, and learning how to shake it off and move on falls under the category of selfcare