Watch for Dynamics of Escalation and De-escalation.
We have all seen it happen. An even toned conversation all of a sudden goes out of control. Tempers flare, people leave the room. Often these scenarios can be altered if the participants are aware of the factors escalating tensions as they arise. Points are made, counterpoints asserted, one-upmanship takes place, voice tone changes, expressions change, the pace of speech accelerates. If one sees this happening, there is no loss in taking a break, changing tone, slowing things down. Much can be said for the pause that refreshes. Silence is a gift.