Three Highlighters

Have you read the two interesting books of Edward de Bono : Six Thinking Hats, and Six Action Shoes?
They neatly categorise situations and thought processes and action modes, which in turn help you to deal with your responses to situations better.

I have thought of my own threesome : Three Highlighters.

Have you noticed that the major issue in human communication is the issue of mistaking the words to be facts when they are actually opinions, and rumours to be facts or opinions? And how information, which should be largely facts, is obfuscated? Take this gossipy news item:

But when will Ranbir REALLY open up about Kat? RK keeps his cards close to his chest!Our 'Besharam' lover boy Ranbir Kapoor is a man of virtue, at least his recent actions with regards to his lady love indicate that he is. Ranbir has allegedly spilled the beans on his chemistry with Katrina Kaif and their pictures with her in a bikini while holidaying in Ibiza. He doesn’t deny seeing Kat, but has kept mum about their marriage prospects. However, he recently mentioned that he wants his children to play football. Does this mean family is on Ranbir Kapoor's mind?
However, it is possible that Daddy Rishi Kapoor will interfere in Ranbir's decision to get married. He has said, “My son can date anyone till he gets married!” It looks like RK is caught in a tug-of-war between his parents and his lady love.
Rumour has it that mommy Neetu Kapoor allegedly frowns upon her son’s relationship. An insider alleges she is suspicious of Kat’s somewhat questionable past in London and her initial struggling days in the industry. Will this relationship survive the scrutiny? Only time will tell.

Now this whole thing seems to be a factual scoop and makes exciting reading for people stuck in beauty parlours or dentist offices.

But if I were to highlight these words with pink for rumour, yellow for fact and green for the writer's opinion, here is how it will read:

Our 'Besharam' lover boy Ranbir Kapoor is a man of virtue, at least his recent actions with regards to his lady love indicate that he is. Ranbir has allegedly spilled the beans on his chemistry with Katrina Kaif and their pictures with her in a bikini while holidaying in Ibiza. He doesn’t deny seeing Kat, but has kept mum about their marriage prospects. However, he recently mentioned that he wants his children to play football. Does this mean family is on Ranbir Kapoor's mind?

However, it is possible that Daddy Rishi Kapoor will interfere in Ranbir's decision to get married. He has said, “My son can date anyone till he gets married!” It looks like RK is caught in a tug-of-war between his parents and his lady love. 

Rumour has it that mommy Neetu Kapoor allegedly frowns upon her son’s relationship. An insider alleges she is suspicious of Kat’s somewhat questionable past in London and her initial struggling days in the industry. Will this relationship survive the scrutiny? Only time will tell.

So whenever you read, or listen, use Three highlighters. That will help you to separate rumour, fact and opinion neatly!