Understand the person's intentions

Rather than looking at it from a place of confusion and fear, try determining what you can learn about the situation at hand. This will help you slowly regain control of the situation, which will give you the confidence you need to face it.

• Assess the situation. Be clear about whom you need to influence and what you want to accomplish.
• Know your audience. Identify and understand your stakeholders and their needs. 
• Review your ability. What tactics do you use most often?  What new tactics cou...

Anything up close looks larger than when it is at a distance. This is true for both experiences and objects.

When you meet someone you know next to nothing about him. With very little effort however you can find out some trivial facts about his day. Questions about someone's last few hours ...