Your words can escalate or deescalate almost any situation and the goal is always to avoid escalating a situation and get away. Follow these steps:
- Listen!! Know who you’re are dealing with before speaking back
- Use short and concise replies to clearly state what you want
- Use this opportunity to create physical distance with the goal being to get away to safety. And where possible, place yourself between them and an object (such as a door, car or furniture).
Great verbal skills can get you out of most situations. Choosing the proper words and the right time will either escalate or de-escalate any situation. Think of how differently you speak to someone you like vs. someone you dislike. Your intent will be heard by what and how you speak.
