What is one of the five steps to diffuse a situation?

Staying calm is a crucial step in diffusing a situation effectively. When emotions run high, maintaining a level-headed demeanor can help to de-escalate tension and create an environment conducive to constructive dialogue. By exhibiting calmness, you not only model the behavior you wish to see in others but also help to minimize stress and anxiety, both for yourself and the person you're interacting with. This approach fosters a sense of safety and opens the door to resolving conflicts in a more rational manner.

Raising your voice would likely escalate the situation rather than calm it. Ignoring the issue does not address the underlying problem and can lead to further frustration. Leaving the room might be perceived as avoidance, which could also worsen the conflict rather than resolving it. Each of these alternatives does not contribute to creating a supportive atmosphere for discussion and resolution, making calmness the most effective step in de-escalating confrontations.