Conflict De-escalation
In-the-moment scripts for heated situations
Emotional flooding kills communication. These scripts provide guardrails when you need them most.
Take 3 deep breaths
Activates parasympathetic nervous system
Feel your feet on the floor
Grounds you in the present moment
Unclench your jaw
Releases physical tension
Lower your voice and slow down
Calm is contagious
Open your posture
Crossed arms signal defensiveness
Things are getting heated
"I can feel the tension rising. Can we take a 5-minute break and come back to this?"
Tip: Physical breaks reset the nervous system
You need time to think
"I want to give this the attention it deserves. Can I have a moment to collect my thoughts?"
Tip: Buys time without dismissing the other person
Conversation is going in circles
"I notice we keep coming back to the same point. What if we pause and write down our main concerns?"
Tip: Writing forces clarity and slows the pace