How to Have Successful Difficult Conversations

Drawing from insights shared by successful leaders as reported in the Harvard Business Review, “How to Have Successful, Difficult Conversations” explores the significance of effective communication through the lens of types of conversations and the importance of having a dialogue versus a monologue. Participants will delve into three distinct levels of conversation, understanding their appropriate usage and underlying rationale. Additionally, attendees will gain insight into the importance of dialogues, active listening, and perspective-taking, recognizing how these practices foster productive conversations, build relationships and alliances, and can significantly influence the discussion’s trajectory.

The seminar will provide an in-depth understanding of David Angel’s four types of conversations: diatribe, discourse, debate and dialogue and Judith Glaser’s three levels of conversations: transactional, positional and transformational. Using hands-on activities like paper-folding, participants will experience the value of active listening and the transformative power of words. This interactive session aims to equip attendees with practical skills they can immediately apply to navigate difficult conversations with confidence and effectiveness.

Peggy Bud, Founder of Speaking Skillfully, is a distinguished communication expert, accomplished author, and TEDx speaker. She is passionate about fostering effective communication and offers coaching and training sessions to business professionals and consultative support to families of children with special needs. Drawing from over 30 years of experience as a licensed speech-language pathologist and school administrator, Peggy serves as a facilitator for collaboration within special education teams, empowering families to advocate for their children. Peggy holds a B.S. from Indiana University and an M.S. and 6th-year Certificate in Educational Leadership from Southern Connecticut State University. Her guiding principle is, “It is more than what you say; it is how you say it.”