Both speakers emphasize the importance of remaining calm in high-pressure situations, demonstrating how composure can lead to better outcomes during conflicts. In both experiences, intense emotions from opponents—whether it be an aggressive player in a soccer game or another rider during a mountain bike race—threaten to derail the speaker's focus and performance. The first speaker describes how staying calm allows for clearer thinking and more effective communication when advocating for their team, similar to how the second speaker recognizes that responding to aggression with anger could escalate tensions and distract from their goals. Instead of reacting impulsively, both individuals channel their energy into constructive actions: one into encouraging teammates and maintaining team morale, and the other into regaining focus on the race. Additionally, both experiences reinforce the idea that by staying composed, the speakers not only improve their own performance but also set an example for those around them, demonstrating that calmness can ultimately lead to a more rational and respectful exchange of ideas.
The quote from Robert Greene means that it is important to stay calm, especially during arguments or intense discussions/situations. Being calm helps you think clearly, make better choices, and communicate more effectively. When facing challenges, strong emotions can make it hard to think clearly and follow logic. So, by staying calm, you can respond thoughtfully instead of reacting impulsively, which improves chances of sharing ideas successfully. Another important point is that being calm can unsettle an opponent, making it harder for them to argue back successfully. To stay calm when under pressure I would use deep-breathing exercises and mindfulness techniques. I would also take moment to breathe deeply to help slow my heart rate which gives me time to think of a response instead of reacting emotionally. Another useful technique I use is to maintain a positive inner voice, I remind myself that staying calm will make me more trustworthy. Lastly I use the visualization of positive outcomes to help me stay focused. For example, when I was in a challenging soccer game where my team was losing, the other team’s players were taunting us. Instead of getting upset or retaliating, I used that energy to play better and support my teammates, concentrating on the next goal instead of the distractions. By staying calm, I not only performed better but also inspired confidence in my teammates, creating a more unified team despite the situation. In the heated soccer game, I recall a moment when I was arguing about a controversial referee call that could've greatly affected my team's strategy. The opponent was fired up and trying to get a reaction from me. I knew that staying calm in this situation was very important; if I lose my temper, I could lose my focus and affect my teammates' spirits. By keeping my cool, I can expressed my concerns to the referee without making the situation worse, showing respect to the official while keeping my authority as a player. When I stayed composed, I was more easily able to gather my thoughts and present a clear argument about how the call was incorrect. This calm approach not only helps me advocate for my team effectively but it also set a good example for my teammates, showing them that we should stay focused on winning instead of getting sidetracked by arguments.
1. Describe how the speakers experience in the paragraph below is similar to the speakers experience in the paragraph above.(Answer in 5-7 sentences)
“Always remember your calmness under fire is your best defense in any argument or discussion”-Robert Greene. The purpose of discussion or argument is to share ideas or viewpoints. To have a good discussion, both parties need to remain civil. Robert Greene is saying that the person who remains calm has the best defense against the person who becomes belligerent. The person who rises above an angry, aggressive opponent has the upper hand. They seem more rational and in control. In the middle of a class discussion one student angrily and aggressively disagrees with another student. That student’s first reaction was to quickly yell back in response to his sudden outburst. He stopped himself and realized a discussion is for sharing ideas. The person who is aggressively trying to make their point isn’t going to get their point across by just being angry. That person is unable to even hear the other person’s arguments. The person who is remaining calm is better able to rationally explain themselves. Because the point of discussion is to share ideas, maintaining polite conversation makes it easier to remain open to other’s opinions. During a mountain bike race, when I was trying to pass another rider, he shoved me causing me to veer off the trail. Obviously it is against the rules to shove another participant and I was very angry. But I realized my anger and an aggressive response would only escalate the situation. My energy should go to getting back on the trail and making up the lost time rather than uselessly getting even. My remaining calm would diffuse the situation the other rider caused and being clear headed could make up for the lost time.
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