Communication

Difficult Conversations

Stop Avoiding Hard Conversations. Start Having Better Ones.

12 lessons4 modules9h 0m durationbeginner level

Instructor: StretchLearn Faculty

About this course

Difficult conversations — giving critical feedback, setting limits, addressing conflict, or delivering bad news — are inevitable in any organization. Most people avoid them, which makes problems worse. This course teaches a research-grounded framework (drawing on the Harvard Negotiation Project, Nonviolent Communication, and Crucial Conversations research) so you can enter any sensitive dialogue with clarity, empathy, and a plan. You will practice with realistic scripts, learn to de-escalate defensiveness, and leave with templates you can use the next day.

Curriculum

Module 1: Understanding What Makes Conversations Difficult3 lessons

The Three Conversations Happening at OncePreview45m
The Truth About Blame and Contribution🔒45m
Diagnosing Your Avoidance Patterns🔒45m

Module 2: Preparing for the Conversation3 lessons

Setting Your Intent Before You Speak🔒45m
Drafting Your Opening with the SBI Model🔒45m
Anticipating Reactions and Choosing the Right Setting🔒45m

Module 3: Navigating the Conversation in Real Time3 lessons

Active Listening That Actually Works🔒45m
Managing Your Own Emotional Reactivity🔒45m
De-escalating Defensiveness and Staying on Track🔒45m

Module 4: Closing Well and Following Through3 lessons

From Conversation to Agreement🔒45m
Repairing the Relationship After a Hard Conversation🔒45m
Building a Difficult Conversations Practice Over Time🔒45m