When countries agree on the goal but not on how to get there — what do they actually say?
Today: Analysing how countries respond when their allies do something controversial — so you can discuss world events with nuance, read between the lines of official statements, and express complex opinions using diplomatic language strategies.
Review — What's Already in Your Head?
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Think of a recent international crisis or conflict — anything you've seen in the news. Tell me what you know about it. Who was involved? How did other countries react? Don't worry if it's vague.
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Now — when you hear "European countries react to a military conflict," what do you expect them to say? Think about it: do they usually support it? Condemn it? Call for calm? Give me the "standard European response" — the phrases you'd expect to hear.
The Case Study
Tap to reveal the caseclick anywhere on the blurred area
In February 2026, the US and Israel launched major military strikes on Iran. European leaders responded — but their statements were carefully worded and deliberately ambiguous.
France's president called it "an outbreak of war" — but also told Iran to negotiate. The EU called for "maximum restraint" — but didn't condemn the strikes directly. Nobody said "we support this." Nobody said "we oppose this."
This pattern happens every time a major ally does something controversial. We're going to use this crisis as a case study to understand HOW and WHY leaders choose their words so carefully — and to practise doing it yourself.
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First reaction — is it possible to agree with what someone is TRYING to achieve but still be worried about HOW they're doing it? For example: a friend wants to lose weight (good goal) but starts skipping meals (risky method). Or a company wants to cut costs (fair enough) but fires half the staff overnight (questionable approach). Can you think of a situation — personal, professional, political — where you agreed with the goal but not the method?
The Background
February 2026 — what happened and why it matters.
1. The Strikestap to reveal
1. The Strikes
5+
cities hit across Iran including Tehran
2
countries involved: US + Israel
2 days
after nuclear talks in Geneva collapsed
The US and Israel launched joint airstrikes on multiple targets in Iran, including the capital Tehran, Isfahan, and other cities. The US described this as "major combat operations."
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In your own words — what's significant about the timing? Think about it from different angles: does the fact that talks JUST failed make the strikes more justifiable ("we tried diplomacy, it didn't work")? Or does it look like the US was never serious about negotiating? Or is it somewhere in between — maybe the talks failed AND the US was already planning this?
2. Iran's Responsetap to reveal
2. Iran's Response
Iran launched retaliatory attacks on Israel and on US military bases across the Gulf — in Qatar, the UAE, Bahrain, and Kuwait. Reports say Iran also moved to close the Strait of Hormuz to shipping.
⅓
of the world's seaborne oil passes through the Strait of Hormuz
14M+
barrels of oil per day flow through it
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Why do you think Iran targeted the Strait of Hormuz specifically? Consider: is it a military move (trying to win the war), an economic move (hurting the countries that attacked them by raising oil prices worldwide), or a political move (forcing other countries like China and Europe to pressure the US to stop, because THEIR economies are suffering too)? Which do you think is the main reason — or is it all three?
3. Europe's Reactiontap to reveal
3. Europe's Complicated Position
Important context: European governments have spent years trying to stop Iran's nuclear programme through diplomacy. Many may not be unhappy about the RESULT of the strikes — but they have serious concerns about the METHOD, the risks, and the fact they weren't consulted.
🇫🇷
Emmanuel Macron, France
Called the strikes an "outbreak of war." Said France was "neither warned nor involved." Demanded an emergency UN Security Council meeting — but also told Iran to negotiate on its nuclear programme. Notice: he's criticising the process AND still pressuring Iran.
🇪🇺
EU Leadership (von der Leyen & Costa)
Called the situation "greatly concerning." Called for "maximum restraint" and protection of civilians. Did not directly condemn the US or Israel — but did not endorse the strikes either.
🇬🇧
Keir Starmer, UK
Said "The United Kingdom played no role in these strikes" — but then called the Iranian regime "utterly abhorrent" and said "Iran can end this now" by giving up its weapons programmes. Also deployed British planes for "defensive operations" in the region. Notice: he distanced the UK from the strikes AND effectively sided with the goal — in the same statement.
🇪🇺
France, Germany & UK — Joint Statement
Expressed "commitment to regional stability" and called for a "resumption of negotiations." Their concern seems focused on: what happens NEXT? Will this lead to a wider war? Will it actually work?
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Look at these three responses. None of them say "we support this" and none say "we oppose this." So what ARE they saying? Here are some possible readings — which feels closest to you?
a) "We think this was wrong but we can't say it directly because the US is our ally." b) "We're not against the result, but we're angry we weren't consulted and worried about what happens next." c) "We genuinely don't know yet if this was the right call, so we're buying time." d) Something else — what do YOU think?
The Language of Diplomacy
European leaders are very careful about word choice. Let's look at WHY certain expressions are used — and practise using them yourself, one strategy at a time.
What Are They Actually Doing?
Listen to these real quotes. Before I explain anything — what do you think each one is trying to achieve?
"The situation is greatly concerning."
— EU Leadership, February 28
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What does this actually mean? Think about what they COULD have said instead. They could have gone stronger: "This was wrong." "We condemn this." Or they could have gone the other way: "We support our ally's decision." They chose "concerning" — a word that sits right in the middle. Why? Some possibilities:
a) They genuinely have mixed feelings — worried about method and consequences, but not necessarily opposed to the goal
b) They're buying time while they figure out their actual position
c) They need a word that works for multiple audiences (their own voters, the US, Iran, the UN)
d) Something else you've noticed?
HEDGING
"greatly concerning" — this word does a lot of work. It communicates genuine worry (about escalation, about consequences, about not being consulted) without having to declare whether the action itself was right or wrong. Maybe they think regime change is the right goal but the method is reckless. Maybe they're not sure yet. "Concerning" holds all of those positions at once.
The pattern: Use evaluative language that expresses feeling without requiring a verdict → concerning, troubling, deeply worrying, regrettable, alarming
What this lets you avoid: Having to choose between "This was wrong" and "We support this." You can be worried about HOW something happened and WHAT might follow without opposing the thing itself.
"France was neither warned nor involved in this operation."
— Emmanuel Macron, February 28
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Why does Macron specifically mention that France wasn't warned? Think about the AUDIENCE — is he talking to the French public ("don't blame us"), to the US ("you should have asked us"), to Iran ("this wasn't our choice"), or to all three at the same time? And notice what he does NOT say — he doesn't say "we disagree" or "we oppose this." Why not?
DISTANCING
"neither warned nor involved" — Macron is saying: this wasn't our decision. We are not responsible for the consequences.
The pattern: Make clear you had no role → We were not consulted... / This decision was taken without... / We had no part in... / This does not reflect our position...
Why this matters: If things go well, you weren't involved — so no one can blame you for not helping. If things go badly, you weren't involved — so no one can blame you for the consequences. Either way, you've protected your position without having to say whether you agree or disagree.
"We call for maximum restraint from all parties and urge Iran to return to negotiations."
— EU Joint Statement, February 28
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Notice the structure: "restraint from all parties" (= directed at the US/Israel) AND "urge Iran to return to negotiations" (= directed at Iran). They put both demands in ONE sentence. Why not just pick a side? Think about what would happen if they ONLY criticised the US — or if they ONLY criticised Iran. What would each version cost them politically?
BALANCING
"calls for restraint... AND urges Iran to negotiate" — criticising both sides equally. Nobody can accuse you of taking sides.
The pattern: Criticise/request from BOTH sides in one statement → While [X] must..., [Y] should also... / We call on all parties to... / Both sides need to...
Why this works: You might actually think one side bears more responsibility than the other — but by addressing both, you keep your relationships intact and your future options open. It also reflects the reality that most international situations involve shared responsibility, even if unequally.
"We remain committed to regional stability and the resumption of negotiations."
— France, Germany & UK Joint Statement
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Try to translate this into plain, honest English. If a friend said "I remain committed to regional stability and the resumption of negotiations" — you'd say "what do you ACTUALLY mean?" So what do they actually mean? Something like "please stop fighting"? Or "we want talks, not war"? Or "we're not going to do anything but we want to sound constructive"? What's the plain version?
SOFTENING
"commitment to regional stability" — says "we want peace" without saying "stop the war." Sounds constructive without making demands.
The pattern: State what you support rather than what you oppose → We are committed to... / We support the path of... / Our priority remains... / We believe in...
Why this works: Everyone can agree on "stability" — even people who disagree about how to get there. By framing your position around a shared goal, you avoid the accusation of taking sides while still signalling what outcome you want.
"The United Kingdom played no role in these strikes. But we have long been clear — the regime in Iran is utterly abhorrent."
— Keir Starmer, February 28
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This one is different from the others. Read those two sentences again — what's happening between them? The first sentence distances the UK from the strikes. The second sentence attacks Iran. He's doing two things at once. What effect does this combination create? Some options:
a) "We didn't do it — but we're not sorry it happened"
b) "We're staying out of this — but just so you know, we're not on Iran's side"
c) "We want to look neutral — but we're actually closer to the US position than we're admitting"
d) Something else?
COMBINING
DISTANCING + implicit support — Starmer distances the UK from the METHOD ("played no role") while signalling agreement with the GOAL ("utterly abhorrent" regime). He then goes further: "Iran can end this now" — putting the responsibility entirely on Iran, not on the US. This is the most sophisticated version of the goal-vs-method split we've seen. He never says "we support the strikes." He never says "we oppose them." But the overall message leans clearly in one direction.
The pattern: Combine distancing from the action with strong language about the target → you separate yourself from HOW it was done while making clear you understand WHY.
Why this is worth studying: This is the clearest example of a leader holding two positions simultaneously — and it's the pattern that best illustrates the difference between opposing an action and opposing a goal.
Translate Direct → Diplomatic
The Direct → Diplomatic Machine
Here are four things someone might WANT to say. Together, let's transform each one using a specific strategy. I'll do the first one, then you try.
Direct: "We're worried this could spiral out of control and nobody asked us first."
Strategy: HEDGING →
"The recent military developments are deeply troubling and raise serious questions about the path forward."
Notice: the worry is real and genuine — but the diplomatic version doesn't force you to say who's to blame or whether the action was justified. You can hold that concern while still leaving room for the possibility that the outcome might be one you wanted.
Direct: "Nobody told us this was happening and we want everyone to know that."
Strategy: DISTANCING →
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Transform this using the distancing pattern. Make clear you had no role in the decision — without saying whether you agree or disagree with it. Try starting with something like: "This operation was conducted..." or "Our government was not..." — focus on what you DIDN'T do rather than what you think.
"This operation was conducted without our knowledge or consultation. Our government was not party to this decision."
Key move: focus on PROCESS (we weren't consulted) rather than JUDGMENT (we support/oppose). You leave your actual opinion open.
Direct: "Everyone needs to calm down — both sides are making this worse."
Strategy: BALANCING →
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Transform this using the balancing pattern. Address BOTH sides equally in one or two sentences. Try starting with "We urge all parties to..." or use the structure "While [X] must..., [Y] should also..." — the key is: nobody gets singled out.
"We urge all parties to exercise maximum restraint and return to the negotiating table. Military de-escalation and a credible commitment to non-proliferation must go hand in hand."
Key move: "all parties" — no names. "Must go hand in hand" — both obligations are equal.
Direct: "Stop the war now."
Strategy: SOFTENING →
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Transform this using the softening pattern. Instead of saying what you're AGAINST ("stop the war"), say what you're FOR. Try starting with "We remain committed to..." or "Our priority is..." — then add a positive noun like "peace," "stability," "dialogue," or "a diplomatic resolution."
"We remain firmly committed to a diplomatic resolution and the restoration of regional stability."
Key move: "committed to" + positive noun (resolution, stability). Zero criticism, zero demands.
Spot the Strategy
Here are three things a European leader COULD say about the situation. For each one — which strategy is it using? And rank them from most diplomatic to most direct:
"This military action was an unjustified act of aggression."
"We urge all parties to exercise maximum restraint."
"While we understand the security concerns, we believe diplomacy should have been given more time."
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First: label each one — which strategy (hedging, distancing, balancing, softening) is each using? Then rank them most diplomatic → most direct. Explain your reasoning.
Labels: #1 = NONE — this is direct criticism (no diplomatic strategy). #2 = BALANCING ("all parties" = both sides). #3 = a mix of HEDGING ("we understand...") and SOFTENING ("we believe diplomacy should...").
Most diplomatic → Most direct: 2 → 3 → 1
#2 is pure diplomatic balancing — no blame, no judgement. #3 acknowledges the other side before disagreeing (the classic "while..." concession structure). #1 is a direct accusation — almost never used in diplomacy between allies.
European leaders used language closest to #2 — careful, balanced, non-confrontational.
Build Your Own Diplomatic Statement
Imagine you're a European leader. You have mixed feelings about the strikes — you understand the security argument, but you're concerned about the risks and the fact your country wasn't consulted. You need to say SOMETHING publicly.
We were not consulted... / conducted without our knowledge... / not party to this decision...
BALANCING
all parties must... / While [X] should..., [Y] must also... / Both sides need to...
SOFTENING
We are committed to... / We support the path of... / Our priority remains...
SPEAK — 90 seconds
Give a brief press statement (4-5 sentences) responding to the strikes. Use at least TWO of the four strategies. Try to sound like a real leader — official, measured, deliberate.
1:30
SPEAK — SELF-CHECK
After your statement: which two strategies did you use? Can you point to the exact words? Was there a moment where you almost said something too direct and had to soften it?
Three Perspectives
In any international crisis, the same event looks completely different depending on where you're standing. Three positions, three sets of logic.
🇺🇸 The US Position
"Major combat operations" — framed as a necessary action against a nuclear threat. The argument: diplomacy was tried (Geneva talks failed), so force is the next step.
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What's the strongest version of this argument? Even if you disagree — try to make the BEST case for it. You could think about it from angles like: "Iran was developing nuclear weapons and that's dangerous for everyone," or "the US tried diplomacy for years and it didn't work," or "sometimes military action prevents a worse outcome later." Which of these feels strongest to you? Can you add anything?
🇮🇷 Iran's Position
Accused the US and Israel of violating the UN Charter. Launched retaliatory strikes and closed the Strait of Hormuz to shipping — a move that directly affects global energy supply.
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From Iran's point of view, closing the Strait of Hormuz is... what? Here are some possible readings — pick one and argue for it, or combine them:
a) Self-defence — "you attacked us, so we're using the tools we have to fight back" b) A bargaining chip — "stop the strikes and we'll reopen the Strait" c) An attempt to drag other countries in — "now China and Europe are losing money too, so they'll pressure the US to stop" d) A desperate act — "we can't match US military power, so this is the only leverage we have"
🇪🇺 Europe's Complicated Position
This isn't simple opposition. Consider what European leaders are juggling:
They've spent years trying to stop Iran's nuclear programme — so the GOAL may not be the problem
But they weren't consulted — their ally made a massive decision without them
They worry about escalation — what if this doesn't work? What if it triggers a wider war?
They depend on Middle Eastern energy — the Strait of Hormuz closure hits Europe directly
They want to uphold international law and the principle that diplomacy comes first
But they also need the US as an ally and don't want to damage that relationship
Their concern may be less "this was wrong" and more "this is risky, and we had no say in it."
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Which of these concerns do you think is the REAL driving force behind Europe's careful language? Try to pick ONE as the main driver and explain why:
a) Principle — "we believe in international law and diplomacy, full stop" b) Pride — "our ally made a massive decision without even calling us" c) Fear — "what if this escalates into a wider war that reaches Europe?" d) Economics — "oil prices are about to destroy our economies" e) Uncertainty — "we don't actually know yet if this will work or backfire, so we're buying time"
Or is it a combination? Which two matter most?
Hypothesis Testing
Here are two competing hypotheses. Which one fits the evidence better?
Hypothesis A:"European leaders oppose what the US did and are criticising it without saying so directly."
Hypothesis B:"European leaders don't necessarily oppose the outcome — but they're worried about the method, the risks, and the fact they were excluded from the decision."
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Which hypothesis fits better? To help you decide, think about these specific clues:
— Macron called it an "outbreak of war" → does that sound like someone who secretly agrees with the outcome?
— But Macron ALSO told Iran to negotiate → does that sound like someone who opposes the goal?
— Starmer said "played no role" BUT called Iran "utterly abhorrent" and said "Iran can end this now" → which hypothesis does THAT fit?
— The EU said "greatly concerning" not "wrong" or "illegal" → why choose such a weak word if you genuinely oppose something?
— The joint statement focused on "what next" not "this shouldn't have happened" → what does that tell you?
Use these clues to build your argument. Or tell me why BOTH hypotheses are partly right.
Evidence for Hypothesis A (they oppose it): Macron called it an "outbreak of war." Calling for a UN Security Council meeting publicly challenges the US. No European leader endorsed the strikes.
Evidence for Hypothesis B (they're worried, not opposed): Macron ALSO pressured Iran to negotiate — if he opposed the goal, why do that? Starmer called Iran "utterly abhorrent" and said "Iran can end this now" — that's closer to supporting the US position than opposing it. The EU said "greatly concerning" — not "wrong" or "illegal." The joint statement focused on "what next" (resumption of negotiations), not "this shouldn't have happened." Nobody condemned the strikes directly.
The nuance: European reactions seem to focus more on process (we weren't consulted), risk (this could escalate), and consequences (energy, wider war) than on opposing the objective itself. Different European leaders likely sit at different points on this spectrum — and their public statements are designed to avoid committing to either position clearly.
Your Position — Extended Speaking
Two options — pick one to do first.
OPTION A — THE PRESS CONFERENCE
You're a European foreign minister. You've just come out of an emergency meeting. Journalists are waiting. Give a 2-minute statement. Here's a structure to help:
Opening: Acknowledge the gravity — try a hedging or softening opener. E.g., "The events of the past 48 hours are deeply..."
Your position: Explain where your country stands — are you distancing? Balancing? Be clear but measured. E.g., "Our government was not consulted on..." or "While we recognise the threat posed by..."
The human cost: Mention what this means for ordinary people — energy prices, security, uncertainty. This is where you can be more direct.
Your call to action: End with a specific demand — ceasefire? Emergency summit? Return to talks? Humanitarian corridors? Pick one and commit to it.
OPTION B — THE PODCAST ANALYSIS
You're a political analyst on a podcast. The host asks you: "So, is Europe basically powerless here, or do they actually have influence?"
Give a 2-minute answer. Think about these angles:
What Europe CAN'T do: they can't match US military power, they weren't consulted, they depend on the US as an ally
What Europe CAN do: economic sanctions, energy policy, UN voting power, diplomatic mediation, public opinion pressure, controlling the narrative
A specific example: use something from today — Macron's UN Security Council move, the joint statement, the energy crisis angle
Your verdict: powerless, influential, or somewhere in between? Say it clearly at the end.
2:00
Elaboration — Teach It Back
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Imagine a friend asks: "What happened between the US, Iran, and Europe?" Explain it in 60 seconds. Try to cover these three things in order:
1. What happened — (who attacked whom, and why) 2. How Europe reacted — (what they said and what they carefully DIDN'T say) 3. Why it's complicated — (the goal vs. method tension)
Keep it simple — no jargon, no diplomatic language. Just clear, honest explanation. Go.
1:00
Discussion Cards — Pick 2
Choose any two cards. Speak for about 90 seconds on each one.
CARD 1
"Calling for restraint is the same as doing nothing."
Do you agree? Think about what Europe ACTUALLY has: economic sanctions, diplomatic pressure (UN votes), energy policy, trade agreements, public opinion. Are any of these more powerful than "calling for restraint"? Or is that genuinely the strongest card they have?
CARD 2
Oil prices could hit $100/barrel. Energy bills rise. Inflation spikes.
Should economic consequences influence how governments respond to military conflicts? Think about it from TWO angles: a government leader thinking about their citizens' heating bills this winter, AND a human rights campaigner thinking about civilians in Iran. Can both be right? Where's the line?
CARD 3
"If your ally does something risky without consulting you, you should say so publicly — even if you partly agree with what they're trying to achieve."
Where's the line between honest public criticism and damaging an alliance? Can you criticise the method without opposing the goal?
CARD 4
The nuclear talks in Geneva failed just two days before the strikes.
Think about what "diplomacy failed" means. Did it fail because both sides genuinely couldn't agree? Or because one side was never negotiating in good faith? Or because someone ran out of patience? Does "failed" mean "impossible" or just "hasn't worked YET"? When is it fair to give up on talking?
CARD 5
Macron said France was "neither warned nor involved."
Think about why the US might NOT have consulted Europe: speed? Secrecy? They knew Europe would disagree? They didn't think Europe's opinion mattered? Each reason sends a different message about the alliance. Which explanation do you think is most likely — and what does that tell us about the relationship between the US and Europe right now?
Quick Written Reflection
After speaking, write 2-3 sentences answering ONE of these:
"In a situation like this, the most urgent priority is... because..."
"The biggest risk when allies disagree publicly is... because..."
"The most effective diplomatic tool Europe has is... because..."
Quick Review — From Previous Lessons
Without looking anything up:
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1. What are three ways to express a strong opinion in English while still sounding respectful? (e.g., hedging, softening, conceding)
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2. Think of a topic you discussed in a recent English lesson. What was the most interesting thing you learned? Can you explain it now from memory?
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3. What's the difference between "I think..." and "It could be argued that..."? When would you use each one?
Final Review — From Today
Close or scroll away from the other tabs. From memory:
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1. What happened between the US, Israel, and Iran in February 2026?
2. Name two specific things European leaders said in response.
3. What are the four diplomatic language strategies we looked at today? Can you give an example of each?
4. Why is the Strait of Hormuz important in this conflict?
Key facts: US and Israel launched joint strikes on Iran (Tehran, Isfahan, other cities). Iran retaliated and closed the Strait of Hormuz.
European responses: Macron called it "an outbreak of war," said France wasn't warned. Starmer said UK "played no role" but called Iran "utterly abhorrent." EU called for "maximum restraint." France/Germany/UK joint statement called for "resumption of negotiations."
Four strategies + combining: Hedging (e.g., "greatly concerning"), Distancing (e.g., "neither warned nor involved"), Balancing (criticise both sides equally), Softening (e.g., "commitment to stability" instead of "stop the war"), and Combining (Starmer: distancing from the method while signalling support for the goal).
Strait of Hormuz: ⅓ of world's seaborne oil passes through it. Closing it = massive economic leverage. Affects oil prices, energy supply, and European economies directly.
Reflect
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Which part of today's lesson helped you learn the most — the facts, the language analysis, the perspectives, or the speaking tasks? Why do you think that one worked best for you?
"I can..."
...analyse how countries use diplomatic language to navigate disagreements, identify strategies like hedging, distancing, balancing, and softening in real statements, and use these strategies myself to express complex opinions with nuance.