Retaining moral authority is critical in writing. Without moral authority, you cannot convince your readers of your point, nor can you effectively achieve your goals. Moral authority comes from standing over the melee and being aware of the current debates in your field. It comes from offering a clear, objective view of other positions while making the case for your own view. Moral authority is as much about rhetoric as it is about demeanor. You not only need to know what you are talking about, but you need to project that you know what you are talking about and will not back down. Join The Word Leader Facebook Community to learn more about writing, connect with like-minded fellows, and get support in your writing journey.