I can wait

The person who speaks first loses.

I don't know how many times I have heard that line.

Let them speak.

Exhaust themselves.

Listen.

Maybe even take some notes.

It gives you a chance to control those pesky emotions.

You might find yourself agreeing with parts,

 but are unable to accept the whole.

Take your time.

Think.

Besides,

 you can play it off as a dramatic pause.

Words spoken in anger can go awry.

Words meant for peace,

 are easily tainted.

Meaning lost in a few seconds.

Speak.

Start quietly.

  Old trick.

   Make them try to hear your words.

Slowly add a touch of feeling,

  and also some volume.

Those listening are usually tired of being screamed at,

 and a soothing voice works wonders.

Raise your voice,

  but near the end,

    grow slowly quiet.

The quiet words will be remembered.

Reviews

[Lorry]

Some expert advice in my humble opinion Jon. I have exhausted most speech from my vocabulary in a vain attempt to leave people guessing as to what I think, as this is usually the case anyway, if what is being said isn't what they want to hear. It really does work a treat, as it gives the impression of thoughtfulness to what is being said, as opposed to the more usual response of thinking of what you want to say next instead of listening to what is actually being said.
And the proof of the pudding I find, is in thinking of the people I respect and listen to now, and finding that those who speak the quietest, usually have the most interesting things to hear.

[Jon Roggie]

Internet glitch. Second try to respond,
and the first one was brilliant!
I have a few preachers in the family tree,
also some salesmen.
You learn how to keep an audience's attention.

[Lorry]

Ah, the dreaded glitch that only occurs when you write a great comment, only to watch it vanish forever. My sympathies Jon.