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Words That Alarm vs Actions That Harm
Understanding the red flags that turn a heated moment into a real danger.
Spencer Coursen
August 28, 2025
Express vs Pose: The Threat You Shouldn’t Ignore
BLUF: Actions Speak Louder Than Words
Not all threats are created equal. And the ones you hear aren’t always the ones you need to fear.
There’s an important distinction between someone who expresses a threat and someone who poses a threat. Understanding that difference can make the line between discomfort and danger crystal clear.
Expressed Threats: Loud but Limited
An expressed threat is disruptive, but often fleeting. Picture the driver you accidentally cut off in traffic. They slam on their horn, scream profanities, flip you off, and then speed away.
Their intent is emotional release. They want to intimidate you in the moment, but their anger usually fades as quickly as it appeared. Expressed threats compromise your peace, but not necessarily your safety.
Posed Threats: Silent but Serious
A posed threat is different. It’s calculated, deliberate, and predatory.
Let’s use the same scenario as before: you cut someone off in traffic, except this time the driver says nothing. But as you look in your rear-view mirror, you notice him staring at you. He grips the wheel white-knuckled, pulls in behind, and begins to follow you. He eventually pulls off. Later that day, you realize the same driver has viewed your profile on LinkedIn.
That’s not frustration. That’s intent.
Posed threats are about pursuit, not release. They’re not trying to scare you in the moment. They’re planning for what comes next. And a known grievance, coupled with a potentially harmful ideation, makes them infinitely more dangerous and may even signify them being on a behavioral continuum known as “the pathway to violence.”
The Pathway to Violence
Grievance – The individual feels wronged, rejected, or humiliated.
Ideation – They start fantasizing about revenge or harming others.
Research & Planning – They gather information, select targets, or map out logistics.
Preparation – They acquire the tools, weapons, or access required to carry out their act.
Breach – They test boundaries, probe defenses, conduct surveillance, or stage “dry runs.”
Attack – The violent act itself.
Why Understanding the Difference Matters
Expressed threats want to shake your nerves.
Posed threats want to compromise your safety.
One is a warning sign. The other is a red flag you can’t afford to ignore.
Because words can alarm you, but it’s actions that can truly harm you.
Bottom Line
If someone expresses a threat, stay cautious. But if someone poses a threat, take it seriously. That’s not paranoia; it’s protection. And it’s one distinction that could save your life.
Five Protective Strategies You Can Employ Today:
1. Don’t Judge by Volume, Judge by Behavior
Loud words may grab attention, but it’s sustained, silent behavior that signals danger. Always pay more attention to what someone does than what they say. Actions speak louder than words.
2. Trust Your Gut on “Off” Behavior
If someone’s actions feel out of sync—following you, showing up where they shouldn’t, or checking your online profiles—don’t dismiss it. Intuition is often early detection.
3. Document and Report Patterns
Keep notes, screenshots, or timestamps of concerning behavior. Expressed threats may be bluster, but repeated or escalated actions provide evidence if law enforcement needs to step in.
4. Create Distance and Control the Environment
If you sense someone is posing a threat, change your routine. Don’t drive straight home if you’re being followed. Go to a public, well-lit place—or directly to a police station.
5. Act Early, Not Late
Don’t wait for proof of danger before taking protective steps. Lock down your social profiles, strengthen physical security at home, and alert trusted friends or family when something feels wrong.
Disagree with anything? Hit reply—I always read your responses.
Live Smart. Stay Safe.
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