Conversations consistently grind to a halt when people dig in to mutually exclusive positions, because alternatives, compromises, or concessions—the very things that can move a contentious discussion along—are no longer considered viable.
When positions harden and dialogue breaks down, three communication tactics can help you restart the stalled conversation.
Take a break. Breaks are perhaps the most effective way to clear a conversational logjam and restart a discussion. Pausing a conversation often provides the needed time and space for one or both people to consider the larger context and open up to the possibility of compromise or concession.
Change topics. Changing the conversational scenery can reduce the intensity of a discussion, which allows people to return to the sticking point later for a shot at resolving it on better terms. If you get bogged down negotiating the financial details of a work contract, for example, move on to a more agreeable topic, like defining the overall scope of work, instead. Positive momentum in one area can translate into an easier second attempt to resolve a more challenging issue.
Ask for help. Reaching out to a third party for help is often an effective way to restart stalled discussions because alternatives, compromises, and concessions proposed by third parties are frequently more palatable to conversational participants. Don’t be reluctant to ask for assistance. Call in a trusted third party to help you and your conversational partner move off of your fixed positions.
Stalled conversations prevent alternatives, compromises, or concessions from lubricating dialogue and fostering meaningful communication. Thaw out a frozen conversation by taking a break, by changing topics, or by asking a trusted third party to help you get the conversation going again.
Originally posted on mouthpeaceconsulting.com.