BK Blog Post
How to Quickly Diffuse an Argument
Posted by
Jeevan Sivasubramaniam,
Managing Director, Editorial,
Berrett-Koehler Publishers Inc.
Our body language often contributes to tension and animosity, and it can be especially bad when you are having an argument with someone. The way we traditionally have arguments is facing each other--head on. This is actually a highly antagonistic pose that alerts all those parts of your brain you aren't even aware of that you are being confronted by an enemy and must fight.
It may seem odd at first, but if you are having an argument with someone, shift your position so that you are standing next to them with your body facing in the same direction as them (even though your faces may be turned to face each other). Our minds interpret this stance as one of support, not antagonism, and the person you are arguing with will quickly cool down.
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