If you live or work in a high-stress environment, personal frustrations may block effective communication.

• Recognize the impact of frustration or stress on effective communication.
  
  
  
• Control your frustration level when surrounded by shouting, yelling, and screaming (for example, in a restaurant where several employees who are trying to be responsive to each other, and to the customers, get into shouting match)
  
  
  
• Guard against being curt, impatient, or defensive.
  
  
  
• When people around you seem to lose control, be the "eye of the storm", and attempt to remain calm.