Zig Ziglar? Charles Thompkins? Dana Robbins? Bob Talbert? Choupique? Bill Copeland? Anonymous?

Question for Quote Investigator: There is a fun definition of “tact” that employs a pun which contrasts the terms “be big” and “belittle”. I saw this humorous statement in a book by the prominent motivational author Zig Ziglar. Would you please explore this topic?
Reply from Quote Investigator: A similar pun appeared in a Tucson, Arizona. newspaper in 1958 although “tact” was not mentioned. The paper described a PTA forum held at a local high school in Catalina. Emphasis added to excerpts by QI:1
The first panel on family living will have the topic “How Can Our Children Be Big When We Belittle Them?” Dr. Charles Thompkins, a pediatrician who writes for Parents Magazine, will act as moderator.
In September 1970 the definition of “tact” appeared within a column published in a Jackson, Mississippi newspaper:2
PUN FUN
Tact, says Dana Robbins, is the art of recognizing when to be big and when not to belittle.
Dana Robbins may have been a local resident. QI does not know.
Below are additional selected citations in chronological order.
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