Speak Freely

by Scott Harper

“I will speak ill of no man and speak all the good I know of everybody”

Benjamin Franklin

January 21, 2026

That quote by ol’ Benji is a motto I wish I could say I have lived my life by. But the truth is, I’ve spoken poorly about a lot of people—and I haven’t spoken nearly enough good about anyone.

I would much rather be known for speaking well of others than for sharing the latest gossip. Unfortunately, chances are that if we’ve had a conversation, you’ve probably heard me make a negative remark about someone or something.  

The Triple Filter Test, often attributed to Socrates, challenges us to ask these questions before speaking:

1. Is it true?

2. Is it kind?

3. Is it necessary?

In full transparency, those are filters I could afford to use far more often.

With all the negativity in the world, we often focus on what we shouldn’t say about people. But examining the second half of Franklin’s quote offers an equally beneficial challenge. Keeping the negative stuff to ourselves is a great habit—but intentionally sharing the positive can be life-giving.

If you’re going to be known for something, how would you like to be constantly accused of saying genuinely kind things about others?

Sharper Leader:

1.      How often do you “speak all the good” of others?

o      Action Step: This week, pick the person closest to you and try to speak all the good about them.   

 

2.      Are you known for not criticizing or actively complimenting?

o      Action Step: It’s great not to be critical, but challenge yourself to be more complimentary.

 

3.      Do you wish others would compliment you more often?

o      Action Step: Be genuinely complimentary over the next couple of weeks and notice how people begin to respond to you differently. 

 

Recommended book: Benjamin Franklin: An American Life by Walter Isaacson

 

Before next week’s The Sharper Minute: While practicing, don’t fixate on the negative things you say or think. Instead, continue making intentional, positive comments until encouragement becomes your new habit.

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