How to deliver sensitive information when the stakes are high

From time to time, we get into conversations where what we say will determine whether we win big or lose, regrettably. As we continue to live, grow in our careers and do business, we are faced with situations where we cannot avoid having difficult conversations. This may be a conversation with a friend, a lover, a funder or vendor, a job interview or performance appraisal, an election campaign or a media interview on a delicate or controversial issue. Because the stakes are high, our emotions can run wild and get ahead of our thinking—making the difficult conversations even more difficult to handle.