How to Have Difficult Conversations

The Challenges of Difficult Conversations 

In life, it’s all too easy to avoid difficult conversations until we’re forced to confront them. 

When that happens, we find ourselves feeling uncomfortable, out of place and rushed as we’re sprung into making decisions at what can seem to be the worst possible time.

So, shouldn’t we plan on avoiding this?

Today we’re going to discuss the ways in which you can develop your skills in holding difficult conversations to make not only your life easier but for those around you too.

How to Tackle Difficult Conversations

Identify What You’re Trying to Achieve 

What am I trying to do? 

Why am I even doing this? 

How much easier will life be after I’ve finished? 

These are the questions you should be asking yourself before you’ve even started speaking to the person you intend to have a difficult conversation with. 

You don’t want to waste their time, or yours, so preparation in advance really benefits everyone? 

Having a clear set of objectives for the discussion is beneficial for both parties involved. 

This allows the conversation to have structure, helps guide the discussion towards topics which matter most, and overall helps the conversation flow more easily throughout. 

Have a list of what you’d like to achieve and show to the person involved.

Difficult Conversations Require More Listening 

Communicating effectively means less talking and more listening. 

When you listen to people, you’ll start to see things from their perspective.  

People just want to be heard, 

when was the last time you got something off your chest?  

Felt good, didn’t it? 

Listening to the other person is a fantastic way to build trust and create a common ground. 

Most of the time, if you let them, they can often answer the difficult questions themselves! 

Letting people speak freely also allows them to think freely, 

and by thinking freely, allows for positive and meaningful conversations to take place. 

Let the person express their thoughts without interruption. 

When the time is right, you can add what you’re thinking to the discussion, 

you can both take turns listening to each other as you navigate through what is often perceived as a difficult conversation, but embarking can actually become a fascinating topic.  

Taking Action 

Another way to help you start those conversations – with a little fun  – is by using our End of Life Planning Cards and Workbook Bundle. Check it out here for a really unusual way of bringing attention to this subject

End of Life Planning Cards and Workbook Bundle