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You may not be able to stop someone from becoming violent but you can certainly try.

Rule number one: Don’t forget about when you should NOT try to de-escalate someone. Remember, sometimes there’s nothing you can do that’s going to be safe.

Next make sure you know when to use these tips by reading: 14 Warning Signs of Potentially Violent Individuals at the Office

6 tips to help you de-escalate an individual: 

1. Be the calm in the room. Project relaxation; even if you feel terrified or angry inside. Do this by speaking in a confident, calm and quiet voice.
2. Use your body correctly: Maintain a relaxed stance, stand at a right angle towards the individual, and avoid too much eye contact (no staring contest) or physical contact.
   
3. Use empathy. Keep the individual talking and really listen. Encourage them to discuss the situation.
4. Take criticism in stride. Be sure that you remain positive and if the person is right to blame you that you use direct statements like, “I did mess up” or, “It does appear to be my fault.” If there really is no reason to blame you; still keep it positive. Ask the individual to explain it to you or ask direct clarifying questions about the problem.
5. Detour the individual: If you can, calm them down by suggesting a walk (in a populated area) or drink of water or coffee. These tactics may stop violence by giving the individual another focus for at least a minute or two. Sometimes, that’s all it takes.
6. Always acknowledge their feelings: They may seem whacked out crazy to you but don’t treat them as such; you’ll only make them angrier. Indicate that you understand that they’re feeling upset or angry.

To read about more ways to prevent workplace violence take a look at:   

What Can the Juanita Bynum Assault Teach Office Workers 

The Upcoming Week: Workplace Violence Prevention & More