It is helpful to:
Maintain a posture that is poised, ready to move quickly but not fearful
Maintain a tone of voice that is matter of fact, a monotone
Use clear, assertive statements of consequences and repeat as necessary
Use eye contact sparingly or only to emphasize a point
Avoid gestures, if possible, as they may be interpreted as signs of weakness
Avoid physical contact or only have contact if you need to defend yourself
Place yourself behind a table or near an exit
Leave an unobstructed exit for the person who is threatening
It is not helpful to:
Get into an argument or shouting match
Become hostile or punitive yourself or make threats or dares
Press for explanations of behavior
Ignore warning signs such as clenched fists
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It is helpful to:
Maintain a posture that is poised, ready to move quickly but not fearful
Maintain a tone of voice that is matter of fact, a monotone
Use clear, assertive statements of consequences and repeat as necessary
Use eye contact sparingly or only to emphasize a point
Avoid gestures, if possible, as they may be interpreted as signs of weakness
Avoid physical contact or only have contact if you need to defend yourself
Place yourself behind a table or near an exit
Leave an unobstructed exit for the person who is threatening
It is not helpful to:
Get into an argument or shouting match
Become hostile or punitive yourself or make threats or dares
Press for explanations of behavior
Ignore warning signs such as clenched fists
Back to pamphlet