Navigating difficult conversations

In this episode, we discuss strategies for navigating difficult conversations. Our guest, Dr. Jennifer Thompson, is a conflict resolution expert and helps us explore ways to communicate effectively and handle challenging situations.Show more

Host: Welcome to the "Communication Matters" podcast, where we explore the art of effective communication in all aspects of our lives. I'm your host, Rachel, and today we're talking about how to navigate difficult conversations.

Host: We're joined today by Dr. Jennifer Thompson, a conflict resolution expert and professor at the University of Michigan. Dr. Thompson, thanks for joining us today.

Dr. Thompson: Thanks for having me, Rachel.

Host: So, Dr. Thompson, we've all had difficult conversations that we've struggled to navigate. Can you share some tips for how to approach these types of conversations?

Dr. Thompson: Absolutely. The first thing I always recommend is to prepare in advance. Think about what you want to say, and try to anticipate any objections or challenges that might come up. It's also important to consider the other person's perspective and try to understand where they're coming from.

Host: That makes sense. It's always easier to have a difficult conversation when you know what you want to say and have a plan for how to say it.

Dr. Thompson: Exactly. And when you're in the midst of the conversation, it's important to stay calm and try to listen actively. It's easy to get defensive or reactive, but it's much more productive to really listen to what the other person is saying and try to see things from their perspective.

Host: That's great advice. It's so important to stay calm and not let our emotions get the best of us.

Dr. Thompson: Absolutely. And if the conversation becomes particularly heated or difficult, it's okay to take a break and come back to it later. It's better to take some time to cool off and regroup than to let the conversation spiral out of control.

Host: That's great advice, Dr. Thompson. Can you share any other tips for navigating difficult conversations?

Dr. Thompson: Sure. One thing I always recommend is to try to focus on the issue at hand, rather than getting personal. It's easy to make things personal in a difficult conversation, but it's important to stay focused on the specific issue and not let emotions or personal attacks take over.

Another thing to consider is finding common ground. Even if you disagree on certain things, try to find areas where you can agree and build from there. It's easier to find a resolution when you can find some common ground to start from.

Finally, it's important to be open to compromise. In any difficult conversation, it's unlikely that everyone will get exactly what they want. It's important to be willing to give and take and find a solution that works for everyone.

Host: Those are all great tips, Dr. Thompson. Thank you for sharing your insights with us today.

Dr. Thompson: You're welcome. I'm happy to help.

Host: That's all for today's episode of the "Communication Matters" podcast. Thanks for joining us, and we'll see you next time.