Easing conflicts in meeting situations

Lately I have been exposed to potential meetings where conflict may arise.  At a minimum people who participate are dissatisfied or have a beef to voice.  They may have legitimate concerns and being prepared to listen and work with the conflict is important as the meeting facilitator.

I plan to write more on this and would like to learn more about handling difficult conversations.  In the meantime, I am going to try some tactics that I know about. For example, today I plan to bring stress balls for the five folks who may need to squeeze something in the moment.  If it doesn’t quite ease the conflict, I hope it will ease the vibe in the room.  Nothing beats naming the issue and laughing together in a group meeting.

Anyone else have tips for addressing conflicts and difficult conversations?