Have you ever had a conversation like this one?
“You bought the wrong kind.”
“I did not.”
(louder) “You did too. You never listen to me.”
(even louder)”Yes I do.”
“No you don’t……”
A conversation like this one can easily escalate into an argument that can leave you feeling like you are stuck in mud – going nowhere fast. Rather than working to communicate clearly the conversation resorted to being, well, lazy. You are left feeling both frustrated and angry,
The result of lazy communication is usually misunderstandings, disagreement, and arguing. It certainly doesn’t serve as an effective way to communicate and resolve issues.
Here are some quick and easy tips that you can use when you feel a conversation is heading toward a full-blown argument:
1. Slow down
Raising your voice is a very quick way to escalate an argument. Slow down, breath deeply and consciously lower the tone of your voice.
2. Pause
If you find yourself repeating the same thing over and over, stop talking. Pause and listen more than you talk . Repeating yourself isn’t productive. You end up talking at someone instead of having a real dialogue..
3. Use positive words
Our brains have a built-in “negativity bias” that makes us default to focusing more on the negative than the positive. Be aware of that and work to minimize the negative impact of your words. Instead of saying “You’ are so lazy!” say how the actions specifically affect you. Try, “I am tired of planning the entire trip and wish you help me with some of it.”
4. Stay on topic
It is easy to drag other issues in to the conversation to prove your point. That will only serve to bring in a variety of emotions and complexity causing the discussion can get off track quickly.
5. Use “we” instead of “you”
Try to make the goal achieving resolution, rather than winning. Think about how you solve can the issue so that you will both be happy. Make is a team problem, not an individual one (theirs).
6. Be accountable
Acknowledge your role and your part in the argument,. Show that you are willing to work on a resolution by saying you are sorry for your part in the situation.. Remember, there are always two sides to every story.
7. Don’t leave
Leaving, or shutting down and going quiet, will keep the issue from getting resolved. Take a break if you need to, but demonstrate that you care about the person and the issue by working through it together.
Next time you feel like your conversation is getting stuck or heading toward an argument- try a few of these strategies. You’ll be on the road to communicating together again in no time.
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