This document discusses a communication technique called "checking it out" as a way to defuse potentially confrontational situations. It encourages making the switch from assuming you know what is happening to assuming you don't know and checking it out by asking questions. Some examples of checking it out include asking "is there a problem?", "what seems to be the problem?", and making statements like "that feels like a threat." By checking it out instead of making assumptions, you can have a more constructive discussion and prevent escalation. The technique is presented as one of the top 20 communication tools.