Techniques for Difficult Conversations – Advanced Conversation Skills

Master the language, mindset and advanced skills required to lead difficult conversations with clarity, confidence and professionalism.

Difficult conversations are an unavoidable part of leadership — whether addressing behaviour, navigating emotion, discussing performance, or resetting expectations. Many leaders either avoid these conversations altogether or enter them without the frameworks, confidence or emotional steadiness required for a constructive outcome.

This session builds on foundational communication skills and focuses on advanced techniques for navigating high-stakes conversations. Participants will learn how to diagnose what makes a conversation difficult, identify behavioural patterns, and use sophisticated communication skills that de-escalate tension and create forward momentum.

We explore conversational tools that increase clarity, reduce defensiveness and enable leaders to remain grounded when emotions rise. These methods ensure conversations stay purposeful, respectful and aligned with organisational values and performance expectations.

The skills to lead difficult conversations effectively can be learned. This practical session includes case studies, examples and strategies that leaders can apply immediately.

Learning Outcomes:

Attendees will learn to:

• Understand the deeper dynamics that make conversations difficult
• Learn advanced communication techniques that reduce defensiveness
• Hold difficult conversations with clarity, steadiness and authority
• Recognise and interrupt unhelpful behavioural patterns in themselves and others
• Use high-quality framing, sequencing and inquiry techniques
• Maintain professional boundaries while staying calm and emotionally regulated
• Move conversations from tension to resolution with confidence

Suited to:

Leaders, Managers, Senior Professionals, HR Practitioners and anyone required to navigate complex or emotionally charged conversations as part of their leadership responsibilities.

Highly relevant for financial, legal and professional services professionals operating in high-pressure environments.

This On Demand recording Includes: 

• Recording of the Live Webinar, which can be viewed multiple times, for as long as required 
• Presenters contact details for follow up questions 
• CPD Quiz
• CPD Certificate 
• CPD Report – Logged automatically 
• PowerPoint Presentation
• Verbatim Transcript, with Searchability
• Supporting Documentation