From challenge comes change: managing difficult conversations

It takes courage and confidence to express an opposing opinion or have a challenging discussion, whether in-person or through a virtual meeting.

Here, RADA Business tutor Kath Burlinson shares some simple advice to help you feel empowered to make your voice heard, even in challenging situations.

When we talk about preparing ourselves, we don’t just mean mentally, but physically as well – we call this the embodied process.

Shake your body out before you start your meeting, so that it feels loose and relaxed.

Sit upright in your chair, shoulders open, with your legs uncrossed and feet planted firmly on the floor. This will help to ground you and help prepare you for the conversation, giving you a strong base to operate from. This stance also allows your lungs to have full capacity, so you can breathe deeply and set your voice free. If you are communicating virtually, these techniques will help you portray confidence through a video screen as well – remember the space you take up in the real world.

Mentally rehearse the situation and the outcome you are hoping to achieve, this will help you to keep your goal in mind.

When we feel nervous, we can forget to breath properly. Breathe slowly and rhythmically throughout your meeting, so that your mind and body feel connected.

By using our body, breath and voice, we can manage the situation, stay calm and help to assert authority.

When taking part in a challenging conversation, we may often feel the need to fill silence. However, before speaking, remember to pause and breath out, as it buys you time to develop a thought. Then use "one breath, one thought" as opposed to blurting out a flustered response in a difficult or pressured situation.

If someone tries to interrupt, be clear and direct. You can simply say ‘I’m speaking’, with a polite smile and continue as you were.

Finally, use your voice to establish your authority. Vary your pitch and tone to keep people engaged and remember to end your sentences on a full stop, so that they are making statements and not asking constant questions. Take your time when speaking. After all, what you have to say is important.