Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Step1
Heated arguments tend to develop when the two people involved are passionate about the issue they are arguing over. Neither party is likely to lessen their enthusiasm, so the best approach is to gently stop it in its tracks until both parties have had a chance to calm their emotions.
Step2
When you notice a discussion getting slightly heated, gently suggest to the person you are speaking to that perhaps it is best that you both just drop it for now and return to it at another time. Say nothing more after that.
Step3
If he is unwilling to let it go and you are having this discussion on the telephone, simply say that you prefer to either agree to disagree or to pick up the discussion at another time. Then simply offer a friendly “goodbye” and hang up.
Step4
If you are having this discussion in person, do the same thing, but if appropriate, diffuse it even further by gently hugging the person goodbye and leave. If this is not possible, simply go into another room.
Step5
Another way to diffuse an argument is to simply let the other person express her anger without any kind of retaliation from you. Simply tell the person that you’ve heard what she had to say and you’re choosing not to respond at this time. Often, acknowledging their point of view will be enough to stop the argument in its tracks.
Step6
Diffusing an argument can also happen by refraining from hitting someone’s hot buttons. While it’s tempting to get your point across, if you know that you’re treading on shaky grounds because this subject has caused problems before, then you have the power to prevent the argument by changing the subject.
Step7
If one person remains calm and even approaches the other with kindness and understanding during a disagreement, a bigger argument can often be avoided. It’s hard for someone to remain angry and have a fight if the other person is not a participant. And softness can go a long way in counteracting your opponent’s zealousness.
Novice 
