In collaboration with the University of Michigan, the Difficult Dialogue National Resource Center is hosting a 3-part "Meeting the Moment" virtual series, providing research-backed advice in productively managing contentious conversations within higher education. Part 1 of our Meeting the Moment series discusses the Center, Listen, Affirm, Receive, Add ((C)LARA) method as a way to de-escalate challenging discussions. We also review the concept of "communication blockers," and how certain actions/phrases may prevent effective communication. Presenters include Roger Fisher from the University of Michigan, Kelly Maxwell Ph.D from the University of Michigan, and Jen Ball Ph.D from Clarkson University.