Mastering Difficult Conversations
Practical communication training for managers, leaders and professionals.
Difficult conversations are part of every workplace.
Giving feedback. Addressing a problem. Managing conflict. Saying something that needs to be said.
These conversations aren't always easy , but they can be practised.
Workshop Snapshot: “Mastering Difficult Work Conversations”
Our approach
We begin by understanding the kinds of difficult conversations your people are facing. Working with your HR team, we can develop realistic scenarios based on the situations they encounter at work.
The workshop is led by an experienced coach/facilitator and professional actors. Through practical exercises and discussion, we explore what can make difficult conversations challenging – including emotions, assumptions, listening, tone and body language.
We then bring the real-life scenarios to the room through Forum Theatre – an interactive approach where participants can pause the action, question what is happening, suggest different approaches and direct the actors to try things differently.
With guidance from the coach, participants can explore what works, what doesn't and why.
There’s no pressure to role-play. Participants can observe, contribute and direct the actors
The group experience is an important part of the learning. Participants can try different approaches, learn from each other and build confidence.
What participants take away
Practical tools and greater confidence to:
Prepare for difficult conversations
Give clear and constructive feedback
Listen and respond effectively
Manage emotion and disagreement
Communicate with greater clarity and empathy
Adapt when a conversation doesn't go to plan
Tailored to your organisation
We can shape the workshop around the challenges your organisation is facing, from performance conversations and giving feedback to managing conflict, change and difficult stakeholder relationships.
We usually recommend 12–20 participants to allow for plenty of interaction and discussion.
Workshops are delivered in person at your workplace or an external venue, with virtual delivery also possible.
The aim is simple: to give people a safe space to explore, practise and learn before they have to have the conversation for real.
