Sunday 15 May 2011

Difficult Conversations 5: The Art of Listening

Conversation requires a talking AND listening, and these actions need to be shared by everyone involved. Some people may need help expressing themselves and other may need help in listening to others.  Usually, it is the listening that is more difficult.


Tuesday 10 May 2011

Difficult Conversations 4: Fierce Conversations - practical tips

The practical advice in this slideshow is very helpful. I particularly like the "Sixty second" technique for starting off the conversation.


Thursday 5 May 2011

Difficult Conversations 3: Tips from the psychology viewpoint

There's no one way to approach a difficult conversation. The short slideshow below covers some useful hints and tips - if the psychological viewpoint is interesting and useful to you.


Monday 2 May 2011

Difficult Conversations 2: Remembering Body Language

There's research (though controversial) that suggests more than half of our communication with an other comes through body language. We instinctively know this, however, when dealing with difficult situations and conversations we can easily forget this.

Body language is just that - a language. Complete with a syntax and grammar. It is not enough to think that someone who crosses their arms is being defensive. We need to understand the whole "paragraph" they are speaking with their body. They may in fact be cold or they may just be leaning back and relaxing. We need to look at the whole body and its cue.