Is that why people lose their nerve in a face-to-face and don't say what needs to be said? In one-on-one interaction, conflict still exists, it just remains secret and this creates an illusion of unanimity around a mainstream view. Standing behind a pulpit or writing an essay gives a distance that allows a prepared work of thought not relying on, or interfered with by, immediate feedback. It's a trade-off. There are things in this world that need to be said, but when you say them to a person's face, you are taking a side against a person and truth becomes more difficult. I recently heard someone suggest that everyone should state an idea without declaring themselves to be for or against the idea. But that would be disingenuous.