Having Difficult Conversations

Challenging conversations can be uncomfortable, but when handled well they can lead to stronger relationships and better outcomes.

In this course, you’ll learn how to approach difficult discussions with confidence and empathy. You’ll explore practical techniques to stay calm under pressure, address issues directly and work toward solutions that maintain trust and respect.

Location

Date

Duration

1 Day

Time (AWST)

Address

Participants

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What to expect

Every workplace has moments when conversations feel uncomfortable or high-stakes.

This course equips you with the awareness, confidence and tools to handle those discussions effectively. You will learn how to recognise your own stress responses, prepare for challenging topics and communicate with empathy and composure.

Through practical strategies and reflection, you’ll develop the skills to resolve issues respectfully and reach productive outcomes.

Is this course for you

This course is designed for individuals who need to address challenging situations directly with colleagues, suppliers, clients, or customers. It is suited to leaders, managers, and team members who want to build confidence in managing difficult discussions while maintaining positive and productive working relationships.

This course is suited to individuals who want to:

approach difficult conversations with confidence and professionalism
address challenging issues clearly and constructively
manage emotions and responses in high-pressure discussions
maintain positive working relationships while resolving issues

What you will explore

During this training course, you will build the skills and confidence to navigate difficult conversations with calm, clarity and empathy. The course focuses on recognising emotional triggers, managing stress responses and applying practical communication techniques to address challenging issues constructively while maintaining respect and positive working relationships.

By the end of this training course, you should be able to:

Recognise the key elements of a difficult conversation and identify your own stress signals
Use techniques to stay calm and composed under pressure
Initiate challenging conversations positively and focus on shared outcomes
Address difficult issues directly while respecting other viewpoints
Manage emotions and demonstrate empathy through active listening and questioning

Where this course can take you

During this training course, you will explore how to prepare for and engage in challenging conversations with purpose and composure. You will learn to recognise when workplace dynamics call for intentional dialogue, understand the impact of stress on communication and behaviour, and develop strategies to remain clear and grounded in difficult interactions.

The course also focuses on separating facts from personal assumptions and emotional reactions. You will build skills in focused listening and thoughtful inquiry, and apply structured methods that support more productive, respectful, and effective conversations.