Soft skills, etiquette, and image consulting can go a long way. The spectrum of interpersonal skill gaps are huge and so are the scopes to fill the gap by getting an in-depth consultation from an image consultant or a soft skills trainer. 

This has always been a topic of debate amongst those who have the strength of character to pursue their paths. There is a difference between being opinionated and having a strong opinion, although very thin, yet it’s there. In short, being opinionated is about how you express your views (often forcefully or without much consideration for other perspectives), while having strong opinions is more about your conviction in your beliefs, regardless of how you express them.

Our clients at The Melhor Consultation often come with a confusion as to why they have friends and social life. However, they always feel that their friends do not find them approachable. At times, they feel disheartened that they are not the go-to person in their social circle. 

• Opinionated is a term, generally refers to someone assertive or even stubborn about their views. These types of people often speak their mind, sometimes in a way that feels forceful or unwilling to consider other perspectives. They’re not necessarily passionate, but they’re known for their firm stances. It can sometimes have a negative connotation, as if someone is unwilling to listen or be flexible. Extreme dogmatism rules their thought process which can be difficult to change.
  
• Strong Opinion refers to having firm, well-formed beliefs about something, often with a high level of conviction. A person with strong opinions doesn’t necessarily need to impose those opinions on others; they simply hold those views firmly. Strong opinions can be expressed thoughtfully, and the person may still be open to discussion or new information. It doesn’t have to come off as aggressive or dismissive like “opinionated” can. This is generally a positive straight as opposed to “opinionated” being negative in nature. 

Being opinionated definitely has its pros and cons. Here’s a breakdown of both:

Pros of Being Opinionated:

• Clarity of Beliefs: Opinionated people are typically clear about where they stand on issues. This can be empowering because it helps them make decisions more easily and stay consistent with their values.
• Confidence: Being able to express your views without hesitation can be a sign of confidence. It often commands respect, especially in discussions where strong leadership or clear direction is needed.
• Influence: People who are opinionated can often sway others or rally support for causes they believe in. Their strong stance can spark action or inspire others to think more critically.
• Authenticity: Opinionated individuals usually don’t hide their beliefs or try to please everyone. This can come across as being more authentic and true to oneself, which can build stronger, more genuine connections with like-minded people.

Cons of Being Opinionated:

• Narrow-mindedness: Opinionated people can sometimes be so convinced they’re right that they shut down others’ viewpoints. This can hinder growth, learning, and compromise, which are important in both personal and professional relationships.
• Conflict: Strong opinions, especially when expressed forcefully, can lead to arguments or create tension in social or work settings. Not everyone appreciates someone constantly voicing their beliefs, especially if they feel it’s done dismissively or negatively.
• Perceived as Intolerant: People might perceive opinionated individuals as rigid or unwilling to see other perspectives. This can alienate others or create division, especially in diverse environments where different viewpoints are valued.
• Limited Perspective: By being overly focused on your own opinions, it can be easy to miss out on new ideas or broader perspectives. In certain situations, being too opinionated can close you off to valuable information.

Pros of Having a Strong Opinion:

• Clear Vision: Mostly you are aware of your stand on most issues, which can help in making quick decisions and staying focused.
  
• Confidence: When you have strong opinions, it often reflects a level of confidence that can inspire others to trust you. This is key in developing relations in both personal and professional fields.
  
• Leadership: People with strong opinions tend to stand out in group settings. Their decisiveness helps to promote them to leadership roles.
  
• Advocacy: Strong opinions can help drive change. If you feel strongly about a cause or an issue, you’re more likely to advocate for it. Your propaganda and your strong channeling of the matter at hand can create the momentum needed for change to be brought in.
  
• Authenticity: Strong opinions are often looked upon as an immediate cause of deep knowledge of a certain matter. It can signal to others that your knowledge is true and genuine and not easily swayed, which can build respect.

Cons of Having Strong Opinion:

• Bigotry: Sometimes, strong opinions can lead to being unwilling to consider other perspectives, which might limit growth or understanding.
  
• Conflict: Being outspoken about your beliefs can create tension or conflict, especially if others disagree. It can limit one’s perspective of new knowledge.
  
• Isolation: If your opinions are polarizing, you may find it hard to connect with people who don’t share the same views.  At times this is even paralysing as you will be encaged in your own quicksand of opinion, unable to bend your views to a new perspective due to your own rigidity.

In short, opinionated can come across as rigid and dismissive, while strong opinions are more about having conviction without being overly dismissive of others.  Both are entirely different perspectives but strongly advised to use in moderation.

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