When referring to any condition in the world, i.e. the weather, a political outcome, a popular movie, etc., cease using the terms “It is…,” “It was…,” or “It will be.. .”
Despite a certain covert attempt at cache, which alludes to your being on intimate terms with the weatherman, your congressman or the movie’s star, this speech pattern actually removes you entirely from the information you are relaying. And, although some misguided teacher from your far past would have you believe this is the proper way of reportage, it is definitely not the way to feel yourself the star of your life, which, like it or not, you are and cannot abdicate.
This manner of storytelling is also weighted with the desire to make your statements “facts”. However, across the full spectrum of life’s topics, your observations, knowledge and opinions are probably no more true or accurate than whatever anyone else says on average.
Instead, dare to say what your perceptions and experiences are. For example, of the weather, it is so much more accurate to say that you find the day warm and pleasant than to say that it is warm and pleasant. First of all, this sort of sharing elevates your statement above criticism and argument, for only the supremely foolish argue matters of taste and personal experience. Second, any statement clearly identified as your experience leaves plenty of room in the conversation for the other person to enjoy and share his or her own experience as equally valid. And, most significant, as you speak from the authority of your own life, its experiences and perceptions, you will be in the delightful company of a vitally alive and self-aware person who values you.