What are the 3 types of difficult conversations?

According to Douglas Stone in his book Difficult Conversations: How To Discuss What Matters Most, difficult conversations are actually three different conversations in one: A “What Happened?” conversation, A “Feelings” conversation, and. An “Identity” conversation.

What are some difficult topics to talk about?

Tough topics for children include divorce, illness, death, sex and natural disasters. Talking about tough topics reassures children, helps them understand and lets you explain family values. The way you talk about tough topics depends on children’s age and ability to understand.

What are difficult conversations at work?

Examples of Difficult Conversations –

Types of difficult conversations at work include: Turning down an employee’s idea. Encouraging an employee to improve their performance. Resolving conflict between team members.

What defines a difficult conversation?

A difficult conversation is a planned discussion about an uncomfortable topic or a negative experience where the goal is to share different perspectives, build mutual understanding, and develop respect (not to persuade or win”).

How do you start a difficult conversation?

Here are six tips to help you get a difficult conversation off on the right foot.
  1. Listen up. …
  2. Be clear about how you feel and what you want. …
  3. Look at the issue from their perspective. …
  4. If things aren’t going to plan, take a break. …
  5. Agree to disagree. …
  6. Look after yourself.

What is the best opening for a difficult conversation?

“I am trying to see things from your perspective. Help me understand how you think about . . ..” “I am committed to having this conversation until we can come up with a solution that works for both of us. I would like to start by really trying to understand your concerns.”

What are tough conversations in relationships?

In any long-term relationship, there are going to be difficult conversations—the times when you feel polarized about an issue, when your partner’s point of view threatens yours, when you feel defensive, angry, or frightened of what they are bringing up or when your point of view has changed.

Why are difficult conversations so hard?

Difficult conversations are often characterized by emotions such as fear, anger, frustration, conflict, and other strong dividing — not unifying — emotions. The emotion is often pent up and can be released rather strongly. Because emotions can run high on both sides, the conversation may become quite heated.

What to talk about when it’s awkward?

If a conversation has become awkward, consider doing something to lighten the mood. You can do this by telling a funny joke or story, poking fun at yourself, or finding the humor in your current situation. Keeping the mood light will help to break the ice and move the conversation forward.

How do you make awkward topics?

  1. Eliminate distractions. Turn off any music, TV, computers and telephones, Karmin said. …
  2. Use an “I” statement. “[C]ome right to the point and use an ‘I’ statement,” he said. …
  3. Communicate what you’d like to happen. …
  4. Identify what they’re feeling. …
  5. Build on the talk. …
  6. Acknowledge that pain is individual. …
  7. Use active listening.

What to say to break the silence?

Phrases to Break the Silence
  1. Hey, we haven’t really been talking lately. I have been feeling X and just haven’t known how to bring it up.
  2. Can we check in? I know I’ve gone radio silent and shut down. …
  3. I’m not sure what’s going here but I feel like we haven’t really spoken in X amount of time. …
  4. I miss you.

What should be avoided during small talk?

Never ask people about finances (wage or salary), politics, religion, death, age and appearance. Avoid offensive jokes to break the ice, narrow topics, past relationships, serial killers and illnesses as you could easily offend someone or be viewed as a negative person.