Reflect on taking out "but"

When the word "but" is added to qualify a statement, the only thing the listener hears is what comes after the "but". When listening to statements containing the word "but", I believe that I have identified the cause for people to naturally pay closer attention to the statement after following the "but." The statement following the word "but" is typically the part of the statement requiring action or correction. Here are a few examples, "you wrote an excellent paper, but you need to correct the second paragraph." The second part of the statement is the part that captures the listeners attention because it requires action. Another example is, "you played a great game, but you should have tried harder in the second half." The correction required by the listener is again subsequent to the term "but."

I feel that adding a positive statement is not necessarily a bad thing before giving bad news. Under those circumstances utilizing the word "but" is appropriate. However, if the objective is to give a compliment, leave the "but" out.