How to Control Your Emotions During a Difficult Conversation: The Harvard Business Review Guide

Harvard Business Review · Oct 16, 2026 · 9m

How to Control Your Emotions During a Difficult Conversation: The Harvard Business Review Guide

Uploaded 02-03-22

2 Mar 2022

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When you’re in the middle of a conflict, it’s common to automatically enter a “fight or flight” mentality. But it’s possible to interrupt this response and clear a path towards a more productive discussion.

00:00 Have you ever lost control during a heated argument at work?

00:28 Emotions are a chemical response to a difficult situation.

01:35 To stay calm, first acknowledge and label your feelings.

02:25 Next, focus on your body.

03:32 Use visualizations.

04:19…