Using proximity to neutralize hostility
It sounds like we’re telling you to confront a hostile person to get them to back down. We’re not. by using proximity to neutralize hostility, we mean sitting next to a person before their temper flares up. This “preemptive strike” can make people less willing to let their tempers get the better of them.
If you’re sitting next to a person who has a tendency to go berserk at business meetings, there’s a smaller chance that their anger will be directed at you. Even though you might now show any intimidation, the other person will be less willing to raise their voice if you’re sitting right next to you. We can’t say that the guy across the table won’t get an earful, though.