Key Learning Points:
- Learn to employ a range of communication skills to manage difficult conversations more effectively
- Discover how to prepare effectively for difficult conversations
- Learn to employ a range of verbal communication skills
- Discover how to employ a range of non-verbal communication skills








Course Overview
In our working lives, we will all need to have difficult conversations sometimes. These require a range of communication skills: verbal (e.g. using different types of questions), non-verbal (e.g. body language) and conversation management (e.g. preparing for the conversation and remaining objective).
This course focuses on verbal and non-verbal communication skills, the associated planning, and the preparation a manager should do before a challenging conversation with an employee. It follows the scenario of a manager meeting with an employee to discuss a performance issue. Learners must choose the best responses to the employee to progress.
Course Details
- Course duration: 20 minutes
- Part of our Performance suite
- Skills-based performance management eLearning
- Certificate on completion
Who Should Take This Course?
This course is suitable for everyone who manages people, works in a supervisory role or works in a function such as HR.
- Line managers
- Supervisors
- HR representatives
- Heads of department
- Senior leaders
The Assessment
This course will provide continuous formative assessment via decision points in the roleplay to fill knowledge gaps. It is not a pass/fail course but is instead focused on skills building.
2 Ways of Purchasing
You can purchase our courses individually or for even better value you can purchase the complete range of Compliance, Health and Safety or Performance Management courses in one neat bundle.
1. Individual Licenses
If you buy courses on an individual bases you pay a price per learner, per course per year. You can run these courses on your own LMS if Xapi/SCORM compliant or you can take them.
2. Complete Bundle
Buy all of the Compliance, Health and Safety or Performance Training courses in one great value package and receive unlimited benefits.
1. Individual Pricing
Number of Learners | Cost (per year)
|
---|---|
1 - 10 | 29 / per learner |
11 - 20 | 25 / per learner |
21 - 50 | 20 / per learner |
51 - 100 | 15 / per learner |
101 - 150 | 10 / per learner |
150+ | POA |
Exchange rates are updated regularly but are only intended as a guide.
2. Complete Bundle Pricing
If you buy all the Compliance, Health & Safety or Performance Training in a complete bundle, all features come as standard, no matter the size of your organisation!
Number of Learners | Cost (per year)
|
---|---|
1 - 100 | 30 / per learner |
101 - 200 | 25 / per learner |
201 - 300 | 21 / per learner |
301 - 400 | 18 / per learner |
401 - 500 | 15 / per learner |
501 - 750 | 12.50 / per learner |
751 - 1000 | 10 / per learner |
1001 - 2500 | 8 / per learner |
2501 - 5000 | 6 / per learner |
5000 - 10,000 | 5 / per learner |
10,000 + | POA |
- All courses in our catalogue
- New courses added regularly
- Branded, downloadable posters
- Customise Course Content for Your Team
- Astute eLearning Platform
- Regular course updates
- Dedicated Account Manager
- Unlimited help desk support
Exchange rates are updated regularly but are only intended as a guide. Prices are based on a 2 year contract.
Get a QuoteThe Importance of Challenging Conversations Training
Conversations that managers and employees find difficult can be about many different subjects. They may involve a difference of opinion, a performance issue or include bad news.
Management training in handling difficult conversations is a key way of making sure these conversations go smoothly and generate a successful outcome for all involved. It is important for managers to remain calm and composed and prepare well for the conversation. Training can help them to do this efficiently. Courses that help with this are an investment in employee/manager relations.

FAQ's
If you have any questions that are not covered here, please get in touch.