You’re not always going to agree with everyone you meet. There are frequent instances where we find ourselves in situations where we simply cannot bring ourselves to share the perspective of another person. In such a case, how must one effectively deal with this difference of opinion? The first step would be to identify the difference between a healthy debate and an unfriendly argument. A debate is a sensible discussion that takes place to encourage another person to accept your perspective. The intention is to convince, rather than condescend. An argument, on the other hand, is often a battle of egos that usually only takes place with the intention of belittling the views of the person we are speaking to. Debates usually look something like this: Calm tone of voice. It is normal to get a little passionate when discussing something we feel strongly about, but it is crucial to always ensure

A frequent barrier in effective communication is the way we deliver an apology after an altercation. Whether in personal or professional situations, we have all managed to find ourselves in a position where we are expected to apologise for certain behaviours. Regardless of whether we feel that this apology is warranted or not, the way we handle such a situation ultimately becomes the difference between diffusing the situation at hand or further aggravating it. There are two main areas that require attention when apologising, in order to avoid miscommunication. Tone It is crucial to ensure that the apology is conveyed genuinely. A common mistake we sometimes tend to make is to adopt a harsh, sarcastic or condescending tone. By doing so, all we manage to achieve is to antagonise the person we are dealing with, and further upsetting them, rather than resolving the situation. Using a gentle and reassuring tone