Communicating With Difficult People: 5 Tips To Make Peace With Difficult People
Communicating with difficult people certainly poses a challenge, but that shouldnt keep you from trying anyway. In fact, breaking through these peoples barriers can be quite rewarding if you go about it the right way!
Find out how to start communicating with difficult people using the 5 tips below:
Tip # 1: Break the Ice.
Dont expect difficult people to break the ice first. Thats your territory. One of the easiest ways to do this is to smile.
A smile gives out a feeling of friendliness and openness. Even if said person isnt ready to dive into a conversation, it will at least assure him that you mean well.
Tip # 2: Dont Judge.
Difficult people arent exactly the most fun to talk with, but thats only because you havent gotten to know them yet. As the famous adage goes, Dont judge a book by its cover!
Youll never know how much you have in common with another person until you get to know each other. Who knows? He just might be the only other person in your neighborhood or office who shares your enthusiasm for the same hobbies!
Tip # 3: Talk About Safe Topics.
When communicating with difficult people, its best that you start with topics that wont make them run away.
If you two are in the same team, talk about how your project is going. If you two are in the same event, talk about how the food is or how the music is. Theyll probably have an opinion about these things one way or another.
Tip # 4: Dont Take Things Personally.
A harsh word or two doesnt always mean that a person is out to get you. When communicating with difficult people, keep in mind that they dont always mean what they say; or if they do, they dont always want to hurt your feelings.
Walking out on a person or lashing back out will only reinforce their barrier back into place.
Tip # 5: Do It on the Home Turf.
A person who is out of his element isnt as likely to pose a problem as a person in familiar ground. If you want to have control over what happens, arrange a meeting on your home turf.
That doesnt mean you should take the person home with you. It only means that you should choose from the places youre comfortable at, like your favorite restaurant or your own office.
Communicating with difficult people may be tough, but not impossible. As long as you play your cards right, youll be able to come out on top.
Find out how to start communicating with difficult people using the 5 tips below:
Tip # 1: Break the Ice.
Dont expect difficult people to break the ice first. Thats your territory. One of the easiest ways to do this is to smile.
A smile gives out a feeling of friendliness and openness. Even if said person isnt ready to dive into a conversation, it will at least assure him that you mean well.
Tip # 2: Dont Judge.
Difficult people arent exactly the most fun to talk with, but thats only because you havent gotten to know them yet. As the famous adage goes, Dont judge a book by its cover!
Youll never know how much you have in common with another person until you get to know each other. Who knows? He just might be the only other person in your neighborhood or office who shares your enthusiasm for the same hobbies!
Tip # 3: Talk About Safe Topics.
When communicating with difficult people, its best that you start with topics that wont make them run away.
If you two are in the same team, talk about how your project is going. If you two are in the same event, talk about how the food is or how the music is. Theyll probably have an opinion about these things one way or another.
Tip # 4: Dont Take Things Personally.
A harsh word or two doesnt always mean that a person is out to get you. When communicating with difficult people, keep in mind that they dont always mean what they say; or if they do, they dont always want to hurt your feelings.
Walking out on a person or lashing back out will only reinforce their barrier back into place.
Tip # 5: Do It on the Home Turf.
A person who is out of his element isnt as likely to pose a problem as a person in familiar ground. If you want to have control over what happens, arrange a meeting on your home turf.
That doesnt mean you should take the person home with you. It only means that you should choose from the places youre comfortable at, like your favorite restaurant or your own office.
Communicating with difficult people may be tough, but not impossible. As long as you play your cards right, youll be able to come out on top.
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