Dante said the hottest places in hell are reserved for those who maintain their neutrality in times of great crisis.

Dante also describes hell as a cold place. And he obviously never worked in the realm of public relations.

The fact of the matter is this: When you speak publicly, you represent any organization with which you are associated.

I’ve been struggling to write this column. I spent hours staring at a blank page, checking and rechecking Facebook – maybe a new poke or post would spark my creativity. But I’ve come to accept that my writer’s block isn’t due to a lack of opinions. It’s due to the fact that having a desk, a title and a responsibility to the entire student body makes it tough to express a stern opinion.

I promise, when I’m not wearing my organizational cap, I’m a person of strong opinions. I’m even given to ranting. But I find more and more as I grow that being diplomatic as a figure of authority often takes precedent over promoting your personal agenda. Perhaps this paints me as a sellout, but since I’m studying advertising, I’m used to it.

Prudence. Consideration of audience. Generally being ‘likable.’ As much as I prefer to pretend these things are unimportant, it just isn’t the case. When you aren’t perceived as likeable or when your ethos is shot, you lose credibility. I hate admitting it, because I prefer to believe the general public is more discerning than that, but I see it time and time again. I even see it in myself.

For example, I had a professor guest-lecture in one of my major classes. He belonged to a different Loyola college than my major. He started by saying that no one in the class knew anything about his program of study because the “people” in a certain “building” weren’t doing their jobs. I was immediately turned off. I had studied in a variety of majors before settling on one, and having him assume that I was totally ignorant of issues outside of my program of study, especially at a Jesuit university, made me angry. I had a hard time after that accepting him as a figure of authority on any subject he discussed.

I realize now, taking a step back, that the poor guy was really very intelligent and quite the expert. He just wasn’t a very good communicator. I shouldn’t have been upset. After all, if it weren’t for people like him, there would be no job for people like me.

So where do you draw the line? When do you stop limiting yourself from holding a public opinion and start being yourself?

The fact of the matter is, it’s hard to draw a straight line. If you remain constantly vigilant, you’re going to wind up driving yourself crazy. Taking it so seriously that every word is crafted with the utmost care is too much. However, assuming that you’re just an individual and that associations mean nothing can result in a bias that will damage the reputation and credibility of groups you are a member of for years, even after you’re gone.

Identify the perspective from which you are speaking. It’s okay to modify a statement with, “It is my personal opinion that …” Depending on the audience, most people will understand the difference.

I find the best plan is to keep your agenda (for lack of a word without negative connotations) and your role in the back of your mind. When speaking as a figure of authority, don’t hide your personal opinions.

You’re a human being. You don’t want to come across as a robot.

Summer Zeimetz is a mass

communication senior.