Speak Your Truth Quietly and Clearly

In my mother's home hung a framed quotation by Max Ehrmann--a 1927 poem called "Desiderata." Recently I was reminded of a portion that goes like this: "Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story."

What reminded me of this quotation was a friend in my book club. In our last meeting, we discussed a book that several women in the group did not like, and they were harsh in their criticism. My friend sat quietly, listening to their comments. Then she said, "I had a different experience from many of you. Here's what I liked and appreciated about this book." She explained without arguing. She didn't try to convince anyone or justify her position. She spoke her truth clearly, simply and quietly and then went silent.

Powerful.

You write it:  What do you do when you are in the presence of people who are strongly expressing opinions you disagree with?