At Radiant, we’ve spent nearly three decades walking alongside some of the most thoughtful, mission-driven organizations you can imagine — helping them navigate the highs, the lows and the moments when the world suddenly expects a statement. Here’s one thing we’ve learned: knowing when to speak is just as important as knowing what to say. In a culture that demands instant reaction, discernment is a rare and valuable virtue.
Whether you’re leading a small ministry, managing a growing team or steering a national non-profit brand, the pressure to comment on every cultural flashpoint is real and often overwhelming. But not every moment calls for a microphone. Some call for presence. Others call for listening. And a few call for bold, gracious clarity.
That’s why we created this quick, scenario-based quiz — to help you pause, reflect and find clarity before stepping into the noise. It won’t give you all the answers, but it will help you ask better questions — the kind that build trust, not just impressions.
Take the quiz below and see where your brand lands.
QUIZ: Should Your Brand Speak Up?
When controversy strikes or headlines heat up, should your brand make a statement? Use this quiz to test your discernment. Choose the response that best matches your situation.
1. Does this issue directly intersect with your ministry’s mission or values?
A. Yes, it’s core to who we are.
B. Sort of — we’ve referenced similar topics in the past.
C. Not really — it’s not relevant to what we do or stand for.
If A: You may have a responsibility to speak.
If B: Tread carefully; clarity and consistency matter.
If C: Silence may be wiser than performative noise.
2. Is your leadership team aligned and ready to back the message internally?
A. 100% aligned — we’ve already discussed our stance.
B. Somewhat — there are mixed feelings, but we could reach consensus.
C. No — we’d likely stir internal tension or confusion.
If A: Proceed with confidence.
If B: Delay until you're unified.
If C: Don’t say externally what you can’t support internally.
3. Have you said something similar before — and backed it up with action?
A. Yes, this would be a continuation of past efforts.
B. We’ve said something but didn’t do much afterward.
C. This would be the first time — and we’re unsure what follow-through looks like.
If A: You’ve earned credibility.
If B: Acknowledge that gap before you speak again.
If C: Wait. Integrity matters more than immediacy.
4. Who are you trying to help by speaking?
A. A group we serve, employ or represent — we want to support them.
B. Our broader audience — to show solidarity or thought leadership.
C. Ourselves — to avoid backlash or appear “on trend”.
If A: That’s a solid reason to speak.
If B: Be clear it's not self-serving.
If C: Reconsider your motives.
5. Could silence harm your people, customers or reputation?
A. Yes — silence would feel like complicity.
B. Maybe — but it’s not clear.
C. No — our audience isn’t expecting a statement from us.
If A: Silence is a statement. Say something.
If B: Consider listening and engaging privately.
If C: No statement might be the best statement.
RESULTS:
- Mostly A’s: Speak up — thoughtfully, clearly and aligned with your ministry’s values.
- Mostly B’s: Pause. Clarify your position internally and decide whether speaking or listening better serves your mission.
- Mostly C’s: Stay quiet. Focus on internal learning or private support — not public performance.
BONUS TIP:
Before hitting publish, ask: "Are we adding clarity or compassion, or are we just adding noise?"
