When I am asked to write an essay or deliver a speech, I always consult another individual. It is my opinion that doing so is a positive move, as doing so ensures that I do not make obvious mistakes or overlook important details.

Anyone involved in making a presentation or writing an essay will agree that asking for a second opinion can help ensure that you do not overlook important details. This is true. However, it is my opinion that asking for a second opinion rarely makes the end product any better by altering its essence. One reason for this is that, in the majority of cases, the opinions of others do not matter, since they will be based on a false understanding of the original topic.

Another reason is that asking for a second opinion often leads the writer or speaker to have a particular opinion already, which renders the opinion less genuine. It is difficult to hear any point of view other than your own, as well as having a different view of the subject at hand. As a result, it is my opinion that asking for a second opinion does not result in better writing, but is instead a way of proving to others that you already have an opinion on the matter in question.

However, there are times when a second opinion can help in the process of writing or delivering a speech. Sometimes, a writer or speaker will disagree with his or her own opinion. This is often the case when he or she is first delving into a subject, and so seeking feedback from others is a good idea. The feedback will help the writer or speaker clarify his or her position on the subject. For example, when I was first asked to write an essay on the history of baseball, I had no idea what to write, and so I asked a colleague who had played the sport for a significant amount of time what he thought. He helped me understand the game’s origins and development, and this allowed me to write a much more insightful paper.

Second opinions can also help a speaker or writer avoid embarrassment or possible legal repercussions. For example, in a speech that I gave recently, I stated that I had eaten at a restaurant that served dishes that were very spicy. I did not mean to imply that the food was spicy in general, but only that one particular dish, which was spicy in a limited way. If I had been asked to give my speech again, I would have consulted my speechwriter, who would have told me that I had said what I had said. As a result, the speechwriter would have changed the wording of the sentence, thus preventing any misunderstandings.

Another major reason to ask for a second opinion is that thinking an issue through with another person can help a writer or speaker realize his or her own strengths and weaknesses. For example, when writing an essay on the history of baseball, I originally believed that the game was invented in the 19th century. However, after discussing it with my speechwriter, I realized that my understanding of what had transpired was based on popular stories, such as the legend of Abner Doubleday. As a result, I revised my belief, and this allowed me to write a much more complete essay.

One final point to make is that, when seeking a second opinion, it is important to consider that, while asking a friend or colleague for their input is a good idea, it is not essential. Sometimes, the opinions of others do matter, but in other cases, they do not. Thus, it is important to be open-minded and take into account the opinions of others, even if they go against your own.