Learn more about communication with this collection
How to create a positive work environment
Conflict resolution strategies
Effective communication in the workplace
Use "I" Statements
Instead of casting blame and saying things like "you did this" and "you did that," try using "I" statements.
An 'I' statement stops people from becoming defensive when bringing up a topic of concern.
324
950 reads
MORE IDEAS ON THIS
Respect Their Point Of View
The best way to keep an argument calm is to be as kind as possible. Respectfully acknowledge the other person's viewpoint, even if you don't agree with it.
Say things like "I see what you're saying there," or "That's a good point."
321
794 reads
Make It All About Them
The key to successful persuasion is to show how and why something matters in relation to that person's life and experience.
365
1.2K reads
Don't Lose Your Cool
Losing your temper will only anger the other person, which will heighten the argument.
If you can keep things calm, you might even be able to stop the argument.
340
1.07K reads
Switch Perspective
Step into the mind of the person you are arguing with and see their view.
This allows you to figure out what is influencing them and you can come back with a powerful counter-argument.
326
993 reads
Try To Politely Disengage
If the other person is truly getting out of control, it's often best to disengage. A perfect phrase to drop is: 'If you say so.'
329
1.04K reads
Keep Your Facts Straight
Quoting incorrect information weakens your point, which is essentially an automatic loss.
Check your facts and avoid yelling about any old thing. If you aren't sure about something, you can always say, "I'd need to look into that."
329
930 reads
Try To Be More Persuasive
During an argument, think like a salesperson and try to be as persuasive as possible. Facts don't persuade, emotions do.
To pull on the other person's heartstrings, toss in some imagery or relate the story back to them. Hopefully, they'll calm down and see things your way.
343
971 reads
Validate Their Feelings
Saying things like 'I understand why you'd feel that way...' or 'Anyone would feel like that in the same situation' validates the other person's emotions and completely disarms them.
440
1.68K reads
Look At It As A Conversation
Go back to the concept of talking with someone rather than talking to someone.
It can help keep the other person cool, which pretty much always means you've won the argument.
318
1.27K reads
Avoid Using Exaggerations
Words like "everybody, always, never" are broad generalizations.
They make your point unbelievable, while also angering whoever you're talking to.
331
1.02K reads
CURATED FROM
CURATED BY
Related collections
More like this
Use “I” statements
Instead of telling others how awful they are, using ‘I statements’ expresses your own feelings and needs, especially related to the topic that is dividing you.
This creates a peaceful resolution based on meeting each other’s needs.
Use “I Messages”
A sentence starting with “You...” comes off as more of a judgment or an attack and puts people on the defensive.
If you start with “I,” the focus is more on how you are feeling and how you are affected by their behavior. Also, it shows more ownership of your reactions and less blame....
Reassurance
Statements like "Everything will be fine," or "It could be worse," rarely help.
Instead, try saying things like, "There's help available; we'll find it together," or “I’ve seen you get through extremely challenging times in the past, I believe in you.”
Read & Learn
20x Faster
without
deepstash
with
deepstash
with
deepstash
Access to 200,000+ ideas
—
Access to the mobile app
—
Unlimited idea saving & library
—
—
Unlimited history
—
—
Unlimited listening to ideas
—
—
Downloading & offline access
—
—
Personalized recommendations
—
—
Supercharge your mind with one idea per day
Enter your email and spend 1 minute every day to learn something new.
I agree to receive email updates