Difficult Conversations Made Easier Course
A Practical Programme for Clearer, Kinder Conversations When It Matters Most
0.5-Day Virtual Open Course
Also available for company group bookings
Upcoming Course Dates
Course Details
Facilitator
Ciara
Duration
0.5 Day Virtual Open Course
Delivery
Virtual
1 x 0.5 Day
DATES
Course Details
About This Course
Have you been dreading that tough conversation?
Have you been putting it off for ages because you’re not sure how to have it?
Then this is the course for you.
How to Have a Difficult Conversation is a practical, interactive half-day virtual programme designed to help professionals address sensitive issues with clarity and respect.
You’ll learn how to prepare, say what needs to be said, manage emotions (yours and theirs), and reach an outcome without damaging trust.
This programme focuses on real workplace conversations: performance and standards, feedback, behaviour, broken agreements, boundaries, conflict, and challenging stakeholders.
Who This Course Is For
This programme is ideal if you are:
- A manager or team leader needing to address performance, behaviour, or attitude
- A professional who avoids conflict and wants more confidence speaking up
- Working with colleagues or stakeholders who are defensive, dismissive, or resistant
- Leading projects cross-functionally and needing to challenge expectations or priorities
- Handling sensitive topics (e.g., workload, boundaries, communication style, missed deadlines)
No HR expertise is required. The focus is on practical, respectful communication that supports better outcomes.
What You’ll Learn and Be Able to Do
By the end of the session, participants will be able to:
- Prepare for difficult conversations with a clear purpose and desired outcome
- Use language that is direct and respectful (without apologising for the message)
- Manage emotions in the moment and keep the conversation on track
- Respond confidently to defensiveness, denial, blame-shifting or silence
- Listen effectively and ask questions that de-escalate and clarify
- Set boundaries and expectations clearly, including consequences where appropriate
- Close the conversation with agreements, next steps and accountability
- Build a personal script and action plan for a real conversation you need to have
How the Course Works
This is a focused half-day virtual programme built around practice and real work.
You can expect:
- Short teaching inputs with practical frameworks
- Realistic scenarios and guided role practice (supportive and structured)
- Breakout discussions to explore approaches and language
- Tools you can use immediately
- Time to plan a conversation you’re currently avoiding
As an Individual
You will leave with:
- More confidence starting and steering challenging conversations
- Clearer, more direct language that still protects relationships
- Practical techniques to manage emotional reactions
- Stronger boundary-setting and expectation clarity
- A ready-to-use plan for a real conversation
For Organisations
Organisations see:
- Faster resolution of issues that otherwise linger
- Improved feedback culture and clearer standards
- Reduced conflict escalation and fewer misunderstandings
- Stronger manager capability and healthier team dynamics
Course Options
Open Course – For Individual Professionals
Join our scheduled live virtual programme and learn alongside professionals from other organisations.
Format: 0.5-day live virtual session
Best for: Individuals and small teams who want practical tools quickly
Group Booking – For Organisations
Bring this programme in-house for your people. We can tailor scenarios and scripts to match your culture, leadership expectations and HR processes.
Best for:
- People managers and team leaders
- Project leads influencing without authority
- Customer-facing teams handling challenging conversations
- Organisations strengthening feedback, accountability and psychological safety
Optional add-ons include a follow-up practise clinic, manager toolkits, or a short ‘difficult conversations in performance reviews’ booster session.
Why WorkJuggle
WorkJuggle programmes are practical, human and designed for your real office life. We focus on clear tools, supportive practice and immediate application.
Difficult conversations are a leadership skill at any level. When you can speak clearly and respectfully, you reduce stress, improve standards, and strengthen trust.
Course Facilitator
Ciara Garvan is an experienced facilitator and founder of WorkJuggle, known for creating practical, human-centred learning that translates directly into real workplace impact. She works with professionals and organisations to build confidence, clarity and capability in the conversations and decisions that matter most. Ciara’s style is supportive, structured and grounded in real-world experience, helping participants leave with tools they can use immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this programme only for managers?
No. It’s useful for anyone who needs to address issues directly, give feedback, or manage conflict with colleagues and stakeholders.
Will we have to role-play?
Practice is encouraged because it builds confidence quickly, but it’s always supportive and structured. You can choose your level of involvement.
Does this cover HR and formal performance processes?
The programme focuses on communication skills. For group bookings we can align examples to your internal processes and escalation routes.
Will participants receive materials?
Yes. Participants receive practical templates, scripts and a personal action plan to support immediate real-world application.
Ready to take the next step?
Stop avoiding that tough conversation. Act now and you will feel all the better for it.
Ready to have the conversation you’ve been avoiding?