We all encounter angry people in every walk of life. Some will confront them, others avoid them like the plague. There are times when either approach is acceptable. I do not like drama. However, I am concerned about others when they appear upset. And I am very knowledgeable as to how to help them. After all, I've been doing this professionally for twenty years. So my choice as to whether or not I become involved has to do with several factors including how well I know the person, if I'm mentally prepared to assist them at that time, if I feel they are open to my help, and if this is a serious issue.

Here are a few tips should you decide to reach out with a thoughtful heart:

1. Make a non-judgmental observation. "You seem upset."
2. Avoid using the term angry as it can actually increase their anger.
3. Validate their feelings. One of our most basic human needs is to be acknowledged.
4. Express genuine concern.
5. Ask them to sit down rather than calm down so that you may better understand what they have to say.
6. Set boundaries if their behavior is out of control.
7. Listen empathetically. Understand their feelings, not simply their situation.
8. Ask questions to better understand their situation.
9. Ask if they are happy with their current situation and/or how they feel about it or if they would like things to be different.
10. Inquire as to how you can best help them.
11. Reassure them that you have faith in their ability to move beyond this.
12. Interject humor only if appropriate.

To that list, I'd like to add a few "do not's":

~Be wary of incendiary statements such as "What's your problem?" "You shouldn't feel that way."
~Do not get caught up in their drama, anger, rage, etc. Remain calm.
~Stay focused on them and their issue. Don't make this about you.
~Don't personalize or take offense to what they are saying or doing. Their emotions and actions are about themselves, not you.
~Never allow them to direct their anger at you.
They may express it to you but not at you.
We all have issues with anger. Sometimes we have to address our own and sometimes we need to offer assistance to others. When safe to do so, be a vessel of healing to another. One person at a time and we can heal our angry planet. Peace.

To order a copy of The Secret Side of Anger or The Great Truth visit http://www.pfeifferpowerseminars.com/pps1-products.html

Author's Bio: 

Janet Pfeiffer, international inspirational speaker and award-winning author has appeared on CNN, Lifetime, ABC News, The 700 Club, NBC News, Fox News, The Harvest Show, Celebration, TruTV and many others. She’s been a guest on over 100 top radio shows (including Fox News Radio), is a contributor to Ebru Today TV and hosts her own radio show, Anger 911, on www.Anger911.net.
Janet's spoken at the United Nations, Notre Dame University, was a keynote speaker for the YWCA National Week Without Violence Campaign, and is a past board member for the World Addiction Foundation.
She's a former columnist for the Daily Record and contributing writer to Woman’s World Magazine, Living Solo, Prime Woman Magazine, and N.J. Family. Her name has appeared in print more than 100 million times, including The Wall Street Journal, Huffington Post, Alaska Business Monthly and more than 50 other publications.
A consultant to corporations including AT&T, U.S. Army, U.S. Postal Service, and Hoffman-LaRoche, Janet is N.J. State certified in domestic violence, an instructor at a battered women's shelter, and founder of The Antidote to Anger Group. She specializes in healing anger and conflict and creating inner peace and writes a weekly blog and bi-monthly newsletter.
Janet has authored 8 books, including the highly acclaimed The Secret Side of Anger (endorsed by NY Times bestselling author, Dr. Bernie Siegel).
Read what Marci Shimoff, New York Times bestselling author, says of Janet's latest book, The Great Truth; Shattering Life's Most Insidious Lies That Sabotage Your Happiness Along With the Revelation of Life's Sole Purpose:
"Janet dispels the lies and misconceptions many people have lived by and outlines a practical path to an extraordinary life beyond suffering. Written with honesty, clarity, sincerity, and humor, this book serves as a wonderful guide for anyone seeking a more enriching and fulfilling life.”
Dr. Bernie Siegel says, "All books of wisdom are meant to be read more than once. The Great Truth is one such book."