Use mirroring - It’s one of the simplest, most invisible, easiest ways to deal with insanely aggressive-assertive people. It builds a connection. You don't have to agree or disagree with people. You can physically match their body language / position and say the magic phrase, which is >>> "It sounds like you have a good reason for saying that."<<< This is an important signal for the other side. When you say that, the other person then feels like they have got your attention. They also really want to be heard as they've thought a lot about what they want to say. It shifts to a collaborative relationship.