Having a Word

Communication

Navigate the 3 'Minefield' Conversation Types in One Piece

Equips leaders and teams to confidently navigate the three most common types of challenging conversations – checking-in, negotiable and non-negotiable – without conflict, blame or miscommunication.

What this session covers

The three most common types of challenging conversations (checking-in, negotiable and non-negotiable) how they're different, why their differences demand a different response and how to prepare for either conversation.
The most common biases which undermine effective conversations, from halo effect, affinity bias, hindsight bias and recency bias, to planning fallacy.
Boundaries: why they're at the heart of effective conversations, the 3 types of boundaries to look out for and how to master your boundaries to create better outcomes.
Language: how to avoid the most obstructive language habits, so that your delivery of a challenging conversation is free of subconscious, inflammatory language.
How to effectively set up a challenging conversation, whilst avoiding the fateful phrase: "can I have a word please?"
How to manage your state and take the heat out of a conversation, when things are getting tense and you're struggling to think clearly.
The difference between focussed and unfocussed listening and the powerful steps to take, in order to ensure your listening is focussed.

What your people leave with

Understand the three types of challenging conversations and how to prepare for each.
Recognise the cognitive biases that sabotage effective conversations.
Set and maintain boundaries to create better outcomes.
Eliminate inflammatory language habits from your communication.
Set up challenging conversations without triggering defensiveness.
Manage your emotional state when conversations get heated.
Apply focussed listening techniques to stay present and effective.

Who it's for

Leaders, managers and teams who need to hold honest, high-stakes conversations at work

Formats & logistics

Talk length: Keynotes usually run 45 minutes to an hour, sometimes 90. Around two hours it becomes a workshop; longer than that is rare.
Audience size: From an intimate group of 8–12 to a main-stage audience of 200–250. Interactive workshops usually sit around 40–70.
AV & tech: Andrew works with whatever setup you have. And if the tech fails, the show still goes on – he'll present without slides.
In-person or virtual: Delivered on-site or online, on the platform you already use – most often Teams or Zoom.