Learning to recognize crucial conversations

- Learning to recognize crucial conversations. So, how do you know when a crucial conversation is looming? How do you stop the flow of emotions that can derail the process of engaging in dialogue? To invoke the dialogue process successfully, learn to know when your safety is at risk. This reaction is a form of social first-aid that you use when you see that a conversation is becoming unhealthy. Respond quickly before your emotions mount, to avoid trouble. Avoid having a high-stakes exchange that turns into an argument. Three key signs will tell you that it is time to act before the conversation becomes a problem. First, the conversation has become crucial. That is, it already involves high-stakes, emotions and differing opinions. Look for physical signals such as, your stomach tightening up. For emotional signals such as, feeling scared, hurt, or angry. Or for behavior cues such as, raising your voice or pointing your…