Hmm... You're right about the audience not knowing whether it is an opinion or if it's factual sometimes, therefore the need for verbal cues. (Edit, add: In that case, I guess the verbal cues are needed.)
I was saying that if it is an opinion, it's a waste of mental energy having to be polite when we can just understand that the person is voicing his/her opinion, like we do with our close friends. I confess that I find it way easier to talk to close friends because we don't need verbal cues. We respect each other's opinions, and we already know whether it is an opinion or if it's factual. No need for verbal cues.
I wish the whole world were more trusting, more understanding or discerning about things being opinions or facts, or telepathic (but that's a dream). But until then, I guess finding better ways of stating one's opinion is really necessary, to avoid fights among people who are just too sensitive.
For me, I've never felt that my opinions were being attacked whenever someone else voices their opinion without the verbal cues. My opinion is my own and only I can change it or not. So, no need to get aggravated.
I just wish everyone felt the same. I'm tired of verbal cues.
Sigh...
