There is as much eloquence in the tone of voice, in the eyes, and in the air of a speaker, as in his choice of words.

The words are the smaller part of what gets across. Tone, face and bearing carry at least as much, which is why a perfectly worded apology can land as an insult and a clumsy sentence from someone who plainly means it can settle a whole argument. People hear the manner first and interpret the content through it. Preparing only the wording means preparing the smaller half.

For the conversation you are dreading, rehearse how you want to sound rather than what you want to say. Slow down, unclench your jaw, and get your face and your sentence pointing in the same direction before you start.