Difficult Conversations and How to Turn Them Around
Many of us have run into a difficult conversation. Some people
even like difficult conversations. Arguments are necessary and
are going to happen, but this difficulty shouldn't stop you from
communicating.
Nobody agrees 100% of the time, so arguing is a natural part of
the conversation. However, some arguments are unproductive and
lead to hard feelings and can even ruin relationships. Knowing
how to deal with difficult conversations can ensure that your
argument will not turn out too bad.
The following tips will help you to argue more effectively. You
will see how you can learn from an argument and what is
necessary to make sure an argument ends on the right foot.
Tip#1 Communicate effectively.
You should not use yelling and harsh words to get your point
across. Instead speak calmly and be cautious of words you use.
Use sentences that say "I" instead of blaming sentences that use
"You". You should always be aware that you have a point and try
to explain it while also taking in the other persons point.
Tip#2 Remember the other person.
There are two sides to any argument. You should give the other
person respect and listen to their side. Do not shut them out.
Do not stray from the topic at hand. Most often people start
bringing up past fights or other things that are completely
unrelated to the current argument. Doing his can cause the other
person to shut down and not even want to speak to you.
Tip#3 Focus.
You should be really trying to work out the problem. Keep
feelings out of the mix. Do not try to make the other person
feel bad because they disagree with you. Watch their body
language to see if they are tense or starting to feel relaxed.
Arguments go better when people can relax a little. This helps
them to listen better. Be specific with what you think and what
you want the outcome to be. Avoid using the phrase 'I don't
know'.
Tip#4 Resolution.
The ultimate goal with difficult conversations is to resolve the
issue. Try to work out a compromise. Perhaps someone will have
changed their mind by the end. You need to resolve any negative
feelings that may have cropped up as a result of the argument.
You want everything to return to as it was before the argument.
Nobody should hold any resentment or the argument was never
really resolved.
These four tips offer some great insight into how to argue
effectively. You do not have to fight to get things done. You
can use these tips in almost any atmosphere where difficult
conversations may crop up.
It doesn't even matter if the other person is not reacting this
way, as long as you use the tips the other person should calm
down as well. You are not only arguing effectively, but teaching
others by example how to argue better.