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The TESS Group

Training Event Safety Solutions

Half Day Workshop
Face-to-Face · Virtual Available

Difficult Conversations

Handle Challenging Conversations With Confidence

Master practical frameworks for handling difficult workplace conversations with confidence — performance issues, grievances, redundancy communications, change announcements, and sensitive feedback. Learn how to prepare, manage emotions, stay assertive, and reach constructive outcomes.
Per Person £170 + VAT minimum 10 delegates
Framework Included • Certificate
Who Is It For?
  • Managers and team leaders handling performance issues and conduct conversations
  • HR professionals managing grievances and disciplinary processes
  • Anyone communicating change, redundancy, or other sensitive topics
  • Leaders needing to deliver critical feedback without damaging relationships
  • Managers wanting to move from avoidance to confident, assertive conversations
Programme Structure
FormatHalf-day workshop (4 hours)
DelegatesMinimum 10 per session (up to 18 face-to-face)
DeliveryFace-to-face at your premises or live virtual via Teams/Zoom
Hands-OnPractice scenarios reflecting real workplace situations
FrameworkStep-by-step conversation model with checklists
TakeawayPersonal planning workbook with scenario templates
Key Modules
Preparing for Difficult Conversations

Planning, outcome clarification, and mental preparation techniques.

The Feedback Model

A structured framework (opening, impact, expectation, close) that lands the message.

Managing Emotions

Staying calm and assertive when conversations become emotional or defensive.

Practice Scenarios

Role-play real situations: performance issues, grievances, redundancy, feedback.

What’s Included
  • Half-day facilitation by experienced conversation coach
  • The Conversation Framework — step-by-step model
  • Scenario-based learning with real workplace examples
  • Practice role-plays with structured feedback
  • Conversation checklist for preparation
  • Personal planning workbook for upcoming conversations
  • Certificate of completion for all delegates
  • 4-week post-course email support and tips
Why TESS Group?

Trusted Quality

  • Ofsted Good rating
  • 4.9/5 learner rating
  • 10,000+ learners trained
  • Certified coaches

Practical Skills

  • Reduced avoidance
  • Better outcomes
  • Improved relationships
  • Confidence in tough moments

Programme Options

Half Day£170 + VAT per person
Virtual DeliverySame price; practice via webcam role-play
Group Coaching£200 half-day follow-up debrief (4-6 weeks post-training)
Min Delegates10 per session (up to 18 face-to-face)
Book a Discovery Call

Avoidance Costs — Confidence Pays

Managers who avoid difficult conversations lose productivity, damage team morale, and escalate simple issues into major HR problems. At just £170 per person, this half-day workshop teaches you a proven framework so you can address issues early, clearly, and compassionately. The result: better performance, stronger relationships, and fewer escalations to HR.

What Delegates Say

“I’ve been avoiding a performance conversation for months. After this training, I finally had it—and it went so much better than I expected. The framework made all the difference.”

— Workshop Delegate • Department Manager

“The role-play practice was invaluable. I felt nervous going in but left feeling genuinely confident about handling redundancy conversations coming up.”

— Workshop Delegate • HR Manager

“The conversation checklist has become my go-to tool. I pull it out before any tough meeting and it just makes the conversation clearer, calmer, and more professional.”

— Workshop Delegate • Operations Manager