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Stay Calm and Composed: Keep Emotions in Check

June 1, 2024 Mediation - Diplomacy No Comments

By staying calm and composed, diplomats and negotiators can navigate challenging situations more effectively, fostering a more constructive and cooperative atmosphere.

Remaining calm and composed is crucial in any challenging diplomatic situation. It helps manage difficult scenarios and prevents escalation.

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BEFORE TAKING THIS IN, PLEASE FIRST READ ‘TEN TIPS FOR GOOD DIPLOMACY’!

This is the third tip of the series.

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Key Aspects

Prepare mentally and emotionally

• Before entering a challenging situation, mentally prepare yourself to stay calm.
• Example: Remind yourself of past situations where you successfully maintained composure and use those experiences as a guide.

Practice self-control

• Maintain control over your emotions, even when provoked.
• Avoid reacting impulsively to inflammatory comments or actions.

Focus on breathing and relaxation techniques

• Use deep breathing exercises or mindfulness techniques to stay centered.
• Example: Take a few deep breaths before responding to a provocative statement.

Pause before responding

• Take a moment to think before you speak.
• This helps ensure your response is measured and thoughtful.

Use positive self-talk

• Encourage yourself with positive affirmations.
• Example: “I can handle this calmly and professionally.”

Maintain neutral body language

• Use open, relaxed body language.
• Avoid crossing your arms, clenching your fists, or displaying other signs of tension.

Speak in a steady, even tone

• Keep your voice calm and steady.
• Avoid raising your voice or using an aggressive tone.

Take breaks if needed

• If the situation becomes overwhelming, request a short break to regroup.
• Example: “Let’s take a five-minute break to gather our thoughts and then continue.”

Focus on the issue, not the person

• Address the problem at hand without attacking or blaming the other party.
• Stay objective and solution-oriented.

Examples

High-stakes negotiations: During a high-stakes negotiation, one party makes a provocative statement intended to unsettle you. A calm response could be

• “I understand your frustration. Let’s take a step back and look at the facts to find a way forward that benefits both sides.”

Handling criticism: In a meeting, you receive unexpected criticism from the other party. Staying composed, you might respond

• “Thank you for your feedback. I’d like to understand more about your concerns and how we can address them together.”

Dealing with emotional outbursts: During a community discussion, a participant becomes visibly upset and emotional. A composed response might be

• “I see that this issue is very important to you. Let’s take a moment to calm down, and then we can discuss how to address your concerns effectively.”