After serious events impact the public, people begin to take sides. Some rally together for reform, while others push to keep things the same. Following the tragedy at Stoneman Marjorie Douglas High School in Parkland, it became evident that the second amendment and gun control have caused a clear divide in opinion.

Since Feb. 14, we have seen cries for help for and against gun control. The question is whether or not arming more people will be the solution, or lead to more deadly situations. The talk has been inevitable; on the news, around coffee pots in break rooms and at family dinners. But how do politics play with clients? The honest answer is, not well. So what do you do with your opinions and your views when you are on the clock?

Know your comfort level. Meetings and conference calls tend to kick off with talk discussing recent events. If you do not feel comfortable expressing your opinion, don't. You are not obligated to say how you feel.

Loud and proud. This does not mean you have to stay silent about how you feel. Sometimes exposing a different point of view to someone can open their eyes to something they did not realize before. At the same time, you must be open to hearing from the opposing side.

Tastefully disagree. Whether it is a debate about sports teams or gun control, what you have to say might go against the feeling in the room, and it is OK. It could, however, backfire and put you in a corner. If you do want to give your side, do so in a tasteful way. Avoid harsh words, finger pointing and accusations. Instead, offer solutions to the problem at hand and stick to the facts.

Think ahead. Avoid making statements that you cannot take back. You never know if or how someone is impacted by an event, even if it was not directly. Conversations can get passionate, but avoid offensive and threatening remarks. It could result in a strained relationship, or worse, the loss of a client or a job.

Out of the office. What you do outside of the office can impact your job status. While no one can infringe on your right to rally or free speech, be careful with your actions. Even out of the office, you are a representation of your company. Review your contract and community standards. If you have any questions, ask someone in your human resources department.

Beware online. Be careful with what you put on social media. With today's technology, once something is out there, it is out there forever, even if it is deleted. In the heat of the moment, your emotions might bring you to post something you normally would not.

Silent support. If you are concerned about your level of involvement impacting your professional relationships, there are other ways to support causes. Consider sharing online forums on your social media pages. Contribute ideas by commenting on group posts.

Through it all, stay positive. No one will ever see eye to eye but that doesn't mean you cannot work together.

Julie Talenfeld is the president of BoardroomPR, an integrated marketing and PR firm based in South Florida. She can be reached at [email protected]