Learning Corner: Your First Sentence: Starting a Hard Conversation
Estimated Time to Complete: 15 minutes
Objective:
To plan a clear, kind opening for a conversation you have been putting off, and to practice it out loud before the real thing.
Materials Needed:
A conversation you have been avoiding
A trusted colleague, or your phone's voice recorder
Activity Steps:
1. Name the conversation (3 minutes)
Write down who it is with and what you need to talk about. Keep it to one topic.
2. Write your first sentence (5 minutes)
Use three parts: what you want to talk about, why it matters to you, and an invitation. For example: "I want to talk about how deadlines have been going, because I care about how this team works together. Can we find 20 minutes this week?"
3. Say it out loud (5 minutes)
Say your sentence to a colleague or into your phone. Listen back. Does it sound like you? Is it calm and clear? Adjust the words until it does.
4. Set the time (2 minutes)
Send the invitation or put the conversation on the calendar today, while your courage is fresh.
Key Takeaways:
Planning the opening lowers the pressure of the whole conversation.
Saying it out loud first makes the real conversation feel easier.
Clear and kind can live in the same sentence.
Reflection Prompt:
Think about the last hard conversation that went well. What did you say at the start that helped?
Want help bringing this to your team? Book a free 30-minute conversation with Tony.
