Communicating Difficult Messages

Everyone is required to communicate a difficult message at some point in their career. How this message is received is dependent on several factors and the outcome of a poorly delivered message can be catastrophic for a business.

This course will ensure attendees are equipped to deliver difficult messages effectively while coping with awkward behaviours within the team.

Topics covered:

• Methods of Communication and How Best to Use Them – This interactive session looks at the different messages that the participants might be required to deliver. The participants are then encouraged to consider the best method of communicating that message.
• Preparing to Communicate:

– What People Want – The five elements that the receiver of a difficult message needs satisfied and how to meet them.

– Structuring Your Message – Reviewing a set structure for delivering a message and how it works in practice.

– Internal Statements – Examining our internal statements and how our thoughts affect our actions. What to do to overcome this.

– Awkward Behaviours – Identifying why people act the way they do and establishing methods of managing difficult personalities.

• Facilitation Skills – Playing the role of facilitator as opposed to simply ‘presenting’ information to your team. The effectiveness of this approach.
• Preparation for Communication – A chance to use the skills learnt to prepare for communicating a difficult message.
• Communication Practice & Review – Practicing communicating a difficult message with peer review.