How to Deal with an Angry Person

While you may be able to successfully manage your own anger, you cannot control an angry person's response. If another person gets mad at you, even if you want to resolve the issue, it's usually a losing battle if you're unprepared to deal with their anger. Here are five steps you can take to deal with an angry person.

Instructions

• 1

  Remain calm. Remember that anger is an emotional defense mechanism we use when we feel vulnerable. The other person has to come to terms with his or her anger; so you don't need to add yours to the situation.

• 2

  Watch the words, tone and inflection you use when discussing the situation. Avoid saying things you know will elicit an angry response. Refuse to engage in name-calling and put-downs.

• 3

  Repeatedly try to get the person to focus on the facts and details of the issue and help him or her identify the root cause of the anger.

• 4

  Demonstrate the behavior you want the angry person to mirror. If you continue to act calm, relaxed and focused usually within a few moments, the angry person will begin to settle down and start to share his or her feelings in a rational manner.

• 5

  If the angry person is out of control, take a time out to clear the air. Take the initiative to call the time out and follow through on any plans to resume discussion at a time when the other person has had a chance to calm down.