Which of the following is an example of disagreeing diplomatically?

• A. Yelling to be heard
• B. Demanding compliance
• C. Using I-statements
• D. Ignoring concerns

Answer: (C)

Disagreeing diplomatically means expressing a different viewpoint in a respectful, non-threatening way that keeps the conversation collaborative. Using I-statements fits this best because it focuses on your own feelings and observations rather than blaming the other person, which reduces defensiveness and invites dialogue. For example, you might say, “I feel frustrated when meetings run over because I can’t finish my point, and I’d like us to set a time limit or revisit it later.” In contrast, yelling to be heard is confrontational and raises tension, demanding compliance is coercive rather than collaborative, and ignoring concerns dismisses the other person’s perspective, making productive discussion unlikely. So the I-statement approach is the most diplomatic way to disagree.