How to End a Bad Conversation

In our communicative lives, we all face bad conversations. At work, deals go sour. In personal relationships, tempers flare. With strangers, differences escalate. When bad conversations threaten to derail business deals, sour personal relationships or cause conflict with strangers, we need to end them. Use these strategies to end bad conversations and salvage relationships.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Take the high road when a conversation takes a turn for the worse. If someone attacks your character, don't let this tactic draw you in. Decide that you are better than this and simply walk away.
2. Give the other person the benefit of the doubt. If your discussion is degenerating into an argument about which person is right, consider that even if the other person is not "right," parts of her argument may be valid. Also, consider that ending the conversation is more important than being right at that moment.
3. Refer them to someone that can solve the problem. If your mother-in-law is using you as a sounding board to relay her dissatisfaction with her son, empathize and then reply, "That is a good point. You must tell him that tomorrow."
4. Nip it in the bud before it becomes inflammatory. The adage, "Never discuss politics or religion" exists for a reason. If these sore topics come up in conversation, say, "I'm sorry but I've decided not to discuss this matter anymore."
5. Make a date to continue the dialogue. If emotions are running high but the conversation is necessary, end the discussion but pledge to revisit the matter after a night's rest.
6. Use "I" phrases to de-escalate the conflict. Instead of saying, "You are behaving like a jerk," say, "I'm not happy with the tone of this conversation. We should end this discussion for now."