Introduction

By listening to the previous scene again, you can see how it was useful for Martha:

1. Establish contact
Often at the beginning of the talk, the relational aspect is more important than the subject of the conflict. A few ‘introductory’ words can help so that other parties will feel more relaxed and calm.

2. Declare the talk’s reasons and objectives
It is useful to get to the point early: after thanking the counter-party for their willingness to talk, it is necessary to summarize the reasons and the objectives of the talk.

3. Clarify the ‘rules of the game’
It may be useful to briefly propose a possible structure for the talk; if the atmosphere among people is already very tense, you may agree some general behaviour rules.