Difficult Conversations – How to Have Them When Needed and Best Ways to Avoid Them in the Future

Description:
Perhaps it’s telling a client something they don’t want to hear, or giving feedback when a colleague made a mistake. That knot in your stomach when you know you need to say something uncomfortable … we’ve all been there.

Difficult conversations typically happen when issues have been sidestepped and have escalated. Emotions can complicate things—but with the right mindset and preparation, you can lead with clarity and empathy.

In this session, participants will:

• Learn how to separate a difficult conversation from a difficult person
• Discover how to emotionally and strategically prepare
• Build confidence and readiness for future conversations
• Explore what to do if things escalate
• Understand the importance of timing and location
• Learn effective ways to wrap up conversations and recover after

  ---

About our Speaker

Diane Darling is a consultant, keynote speaker, instructor, and leadership coach with over 20 years of experience in professional networking and communications. She is the author of The Networking Survival Guide and Networking for Career Success, both published by McGraw-Hill and translated into nine languages. Diane’s work combines practical advice with real-world insight to help individuals lead with connection, clarity, and purpose.