Do You Have The “Authority” To Comment?

In this Garfield Cartoon, Garfield points and says, “ Here comes Santa Claus!” Then Santa comes up to him and says, “Boy, are you fat!” To which Garfield replies, “Coming from him that hurts.”
Sometimes we hear or even say comments that although true enough, do not carry any real weight or influence, because we have not earnt or gained the right to speak authoritatively on the subject. Thus the message never gets through to those who need to hear it. But when we speak with some acknowledged authority behind us, the message gets through even if not always appreciated. Yes, like with this cartoon, someone who is obviously authoritative on the subject, will be listened too with acknowledgement even if not with appreciation.
So before you try to be authoritative on subjects you don’t know or are not really authoritative on, please either keep quiet or make yourself an authority on the subject, if you really wish to be both taken seriously and to have your advice accepted by those who really need to hear it.
And while you are at it, perhaps you could be a little bit more diplomatic than this Santa and his, “Boy, are you fat!” comment. True as your comments may be, sometimes they too will be more acceptable if restated in a less offensive manner. Again, what say you?