Why Pressure Sometimes Makes a Conversation More Difficult—and Better

Why Pressure Sometimes Makes a Conversation More Difficult—and Better

Pressure doesn’t have to derail a conversation. Explore how conflicts work and try techniques, games, and questions that reveal new possibilities for reaching agreement.

You may be surprised that the same situation can lead either to an argument or to useful clarification. What makes the difference is not only the issue itself, but also the timing, the tone you choose, and your willingness to question your own assumptions. This page offers prompts that encourage you to examine common reactions without rushing to judgment. Through role-playing exercises and communication techniques, you can discover what changes the course of a conversation when pressure arises unexpectedly.

Interested in this topic? Read more: Coping with Pressure: The Key to Effective Conflict Resolution in Personal and Professional Life Want to find out where you stand personally? Take a short test at the end of the page and gain a better understanding.

How does this apply to you? Choose the answers that describe you best:

Imagine that someone at work is unfairly criticizing your work in front of others. How do you react?

Choose the answer that best describes you.

In a conflict with a close friend, you find out that you have completely different perspectives on the issue. What will you do?

Choose the answer that best describes you.

You find yourself in a situation where two colleagues are having a heated argument and the tension is rising. How do you behave?

Choose the answer that best describes you.

You are in a discussion with someone who is provoking you and trying to unsettle you. How do you respond?

Choose the answer that best describes you.

Your supervisor gives you unfair feedback. How do you respond?

Choose the answer that best describes you.

When you have a disagreement with a close person and realize that your words have hurt them deeply, what will you do?

Choose the answer that best describes you.

How do you react when you see someone in your vicinity behaving aggressively towards another person?

Choose the answer that best describes you.

When you get into a disagreement with someone who has authority (e.g. a boss, teacher, older family member), how do you react?

Choose the answer that best describes you.

What is your first impulse when someone unexpectedly questions your competence or abilities?

Choose the answer that best describes you.

Imagine that you are part of a group where two people get into a heated argument. What will you do?

Choose the answer that best describes you.

Conflict resolution

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