SamTastic Weekly Tip: 1/12/26 - You Can Cool a Heated Discussion.

This week’s Tip: You can cool a heated discussion.

Hello from Fort Lauderdale!  The NSIP staff is in South Florida today preparing to welcome SAM teams from across the US at the 19th annual National SAM Conference.

If you’ve attended a National SAM Conference before, you know this is a valuable and inspirational experience. Plan to attend next year and benefit from the five keynote this year, available in HD video mid-February.

Heated conversations can be stressful.  Communications guru Jefferson Fisher has a way to cool it down.

You’re in the middle of a heated argument that’s spiraling out of control.

Emotions are high. Voices are raised. And neither side is willing to back down.

Here are 3 simple strategies to stop a heated argument:

#1. Ask, “Is this something we have to agree on?”

The answer is probably “no.” Just recognizing that agreement isn’t necessary can immediately reduce the tension.

It shifts the focus from trying to convince the other person to simply understanding them.

#2. Use the emergency brake phrase: “Well, maybe so.”

This phrase is like an emergency brake in an argument.

It defuses the situation by suggesting that there’s a possibility the other person could be right. And often, that’s all they need to hear to start calming down.

#3. Lower your voice and slow down your words.

It’s not always about what you say, but how you say it. When someone starts raising their voice, resist the temptation to match their volume.

Instead, lower your voice and slow down your words. They’ll naturally start to mirror your lower tone, bringing the intensity of the argument down with it.

Use these 3 strategies the next time you find yourself in a heated argument.

They’ll help you keep your cool and bring the conversation back to a productive place.

The calmest voice in the room often has the most power. Stay cool and keep control.