I'm starting to get irritated when anyone, of any view, uses the words "to be clear...", or "let us be clear...". It seems to me to be used more for reassuring one's own in group rather than presenting reasoning, evidence, or observation.
I think it's a sure sign of when there is more talking than listening going on a space.
I would much prefer if I had to wait a moment while someone crafted something in their head.

