Don’t drop the mic.

How often have we seen people on social media pursue the ultimate “mic drop” moment when you can prove someone wrong and roast them in the process? Or maybe we have felt compelled to pursue those opportunities ourselves. Let’s be honest, it feels good…for a moment.

Easy to do when we’re sitting behind a screen.

However, as we see the public discourse play out before us, I can’t help but consider what example we are setting for our kids. Is it any surprise we hear more and more stories of our youth talking back to teachers, ignoring coaches, and disrespecting authority? We are consistently showing them how to do it…and we are somehow proud of it.

We’ve sacrificed our basic human decency on the altar of being right.

Here’s the thing, when we “drop the mic” there are consequences. Think about what happens when we literally drop the mic.

1. It’s Loud

If you’ve ever heard someone actually drop a microphone while it was on, or maybe you have done it yourself, what happens? A very loud noise!! It gets attention very quickly. Whatever is happening, it escalates the situation and momentarily puts people on edge.

For some reason it seems like my kids believe the car is the best place to be loud. How do you respond when you’re driving down the road and one of your kids unexpectedly screams out? For me, it escalates quickly, and I get loud right back! I guess I’m still working on being sanctified.

But really, is that what we want to do with a figurative mic drop moment? What long term purpose does that serve?

2. It’s Startling

When someone drops a microphone, it’s not only loud, it’s startling! You might be in a completely unrelated conversation, but it catches you off guard. What happens when we are caught off guard and startled? Our fight or flight response kicks in. We get jumpy and emotional.

Are you in your most reasoned and rational state of mind when you get startled? I know I’m not. And how is a conversation with someone who’s been startled going to end? I will tell you, not good. Again, what long-term benefit does startling someone with a mic drop moment have if we are trying to illuminate the truth and be a positive influence and example for our kids? Do you want someone to react defensively or with discussion?

3. It’s Damaging

When you literally drop a microphone it will be damaged. Whether it is a scratch, dent, or irreparably broken, there will be damage. When you figuratively drop your mic, you are damaging your ability to communicate with your audience. And I’m not just talking about your online audience. Your audience could be your family, children, friends, coworkers, and others in your circle.

If you drop the mic often enough, people will begin to bristle when they see you coming because they know they need to be prepared for something loud, startling, and damaging. Is that really what we want?

Instead of dropping the mic why don’t we try passing the mic instead?

You can still be strong in your convictions and steadfast in your beliefs. But when we pass the mic instead of drop the mic, more people will want to engage in conversation and listen to our perspectives, and our kids will learn how to steward their voices and share their beliefs in a respectful way.

That’s an outcome we can all support.

#daddylessons #passthemic