WHAT YOU SAY COUNTS in handling an argument, but so does how loudly you say it.

Said in a loud voice, even a sincere offer of compromise is likely to fail.

Communications consultant Jo Condrill suggests focusing on vocal volume instead of content alone.

As a conversation heats up, listen:

Are you and your opponent talking louder and louder?

If you are, consciously keep your voice from following the upward trend.

Relax the muscles around your jaw, neck and shoulders, and forget about outshouting your opponent.