Get boring. YouTube thrives on drama. Hot words, sharp comebacks, or losing control gets airplay. Cool professionalism doesn’t.
Remember your job description.In your job description: Professionalism, adherence to rules, explaining, educating the public. Not in your job description: Arguing, giving in to frustration or exasperation.
Turn it into an explainer video. Explain the permit process, tax allocation, or steps of paving a roadway. Make it a dry, practical public service explanation. Sketch details and have the camera focus there. The more you stick to facts, the less you’ll be tempted to say something rash.
Slow it down. Hot words come quickly. Instead, set a thoughtful pace. See if you can get the other person to slow down as well.
Appear and be sincere. Your manner and tone of voice demonstrate a respect- or not. Saying good words and then rolling your eyes is like asking to turn up in a troll feed.
Be more polite than the other guy. In fact, be boringly polite. If you are calm and polite while the other person is quick tempered and rude, you look good in contrast. Keep your head and remind yourself: “This guy is making me look great.”
Be firm, fair and consistent. You can’t be one without the other two. These three form a base that can steady you.
Have a pre-set signal if your partner gets hot. We’ve all worked with people who get a little reactive. Have a signal that says, “Joe, I got this.”
Bystanders who are watching your every move can be unnerving when you’re already dealing with a tense situation. Take a moment to gather yourself. Say, “Let me catch my breath a minute.” Don’t complain. Let them see you’re working hard.
Get boring. YouTube thrives on drama. Hot words, sharp comebacks, or losing control gets airplay. Cool professionalism doesn’t.