By Drake Hunter | Commentary, NE CO Newsroom, Rocky Mountain Voice
“Dear Common Sense” is a no-nonsense advice column for those who still believe truth matters, leadership is earned, and common sense isn’t so common anymore.
Each issue tackles real questions from real people, offering grounded wisdom for speaking up, leading well, and living with integrity in a noisy world.
No shouting. No spin. Just clarity with character.
Let’s lean into our first entry. Shall we?
Dear Common Sense,
I care about this country, probably more than I let on. And I’m not one to sit on my hands when something needs to be said. But these days, it feels like speaking up just adds to the noise. I don’t want to keep my mouth shut, but I don’t want to add to the shouting match either.
How can I speak up and actually influence people, not just argue with them?
~ Frustrated but Not Finished
Dear Frustrated but Not Finished,
That’s a solid question, and one we’ve been hearing more and more.
As one of the Ambassadors for the Rocky Mountain Voice, I get the joy of connecting with readers from every corner of Colorado and beyond. We hear your questions in emails, events, coffee shops, and front porches. This one came through our founder, Heidi, who passed it along to our editor… who passed it along to me and asked if I would like to respond. And without hesitation, I said, “You bet. Let’s dig in.”
While I may not be anyone particularly special, I take pride in having honorably served for over 20 years in the U.S. Air Force and spent the last two decades in business and ministry as a recognized leader. My experiences have taken me from the battlefield to the boardroom and the pulpit, and through it all, one thing remains true:
Real influence isn’t about being the loudest voice in the room. It comes from being the clearest.
Let me offer five principles for speaking up without blowing up:
1. Anger Is Energy—Use It, Don’t Lose It
Being angry isn’t the problem. These days with all that’s happening in our culture, I’d be more worried if you weren’t.But here’s the key: anger must be aimed, not sprayed.
Unfocused anger burns bridges. Focused conviction builds them.
2. Reveal, Don’t Just React
When you speak, aim to reveal the truth, not just resist the other side.
The best influencers aren’t those who scream the truth—they’re the ones who help people see it for themselves.
That’s how you create clarity. And clarity changes minds.
3. Ask Before You Attack
Want to stop an argument before it starts? Ask a thoughtful question. Questions disarm defensiveness and invite reflection. Try: “What led you to that conclusion?” “Can I offer a different angle?” “Do you think there’s a better way?” A question well-asked is influence in disguise.
4. Stay Calm. Stay Credible. Stay Consistent.
Influence is built on trust, and trust is built on consistency.
No one follows a person who’s constantly reactive, condescending, or unhinged.
Speak with strength—but stay steady. That’s real power.
5. Speak Like Someone Who’s Still Listening
You don’t have to compromise your values to stay approachable.
When people feel heard, they’re more likely to hear you back.
This is the long game of leadership. And it works.
Final thoughts:
In a world of hot takes and hair triggers, speaking up with clarity, composure, and conviction is a countercultural form of leadership.
That’s how you shift the conversation. That’s how you stand your ground without becoming part of the shouting match.
You don’t have to yell. You just have to lead.
Keep the fire—but don’t lose your footing.
With Purpose and Respect,
Common Sense
Got a question for Common Sense?
Send your honest inquiry to [email protected], and we may feature it in a future column. No shouting. No spin. Just a little clarity in a confused world.
Editor’s note: Opinions expressed in commentary pieces are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the management of the Rocky Mountain Voice, but even so we support the constitutional right of the author to express those opinions.