Scribd
Upload
106 views3 pages

WLRC CTD Difficult Conversations Helpful Phrases

The document provides helpful phrases for having difficult conversations organized into different categories: 1) Phrases for introducing or observing an issue respectfully like "I'd like to talk about..." or "I've noticed..." 2) Phrases for seeking input such as "What are your thoughts?" or "How could you have handled that differently?" 3) Phrases for accountability and support like "I expect you to change the behavior..." or "How can I best support you?" 4) Additional helpful phrases from other sources for different difficult conversation situations.

Uploaded by

farshidian
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
106 views3 pages

WLRC CTD Difficult Conversations Helpful Phrases

The document provides helpful phrases for having difficult conversations organized into different categories: 1) Phrases for introducing or observing an issue respectfully like "I'd like to talk about..." or "I've noticed..." 2) Phrases for seeking input such as "What are your thoughts?" or "How could you have handled that differently?" 3) Phrases for accountability and support like "I expect you to change the behavior..." or "How can I best support you?" 4) Additional helpful phrases from other sources for different difficult conversation situations.

Uploaded by

farshidian
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 3

Helpful Phrases for Difficult Conversations

Helpful phrases from 2016 Advisory Board

Action Phrase

Introduction + observation ● I’d like to talk with you about…


● I’ve noticed…
● I’m concerned about…
● I want to discuss…
● I have some thoughts about…
● I feel l need to let you know…

Seeking input ● What’s your view of this situation?


● What are your thoughts?
● Why do you think this happened?
● What do you think you can do to improve?
● How could you have handled that situation
differently?

Accountability + support ● I’d like to help you address this issue by…
● How can I best support you…?”
● I expect you to [change the behavior/action]...
● Let’s meet again [next week, month] to follow up
about…

1
Helpful phrases from Brene Brown “Dare to Lead”, Rumble Language

● The story I make up…


● I’m curious about…
● Tell me more…
● That’s not my experience
● I’m wondering…
● Help me understand…
● Walk me through that
● What’s your passion around this?
● Tell me why this doesn’t fit/work for you

Helpful phrases from Stone, Pantone, and Heen “Difficult Conversations”

Action Phrase

Describe your feelings It was really hard for me to bring this up, but I
felt we should talk about it…

Examine identity issues I probably feel so strongly about this because


I’ve always considered myself to be…

Explore the source of your story My reactions probably stemmed from a


similar incident when…

Share the impact on you I felt really uneasy when…

Take responsibility for your contribution I suspect I made things worse when…

2
Helpful phrases from Pumble.com

Situation Phrase

When a conversation gets heated Let’s take a break and get back to this issue
when we’ve thought about it and cooled down
a bit.

To gather more information Help me understand where you’re coming


from.

When receiving direct criticism Thank you for being honest with me.

When someone feels upset, hurt, How can I support you?


underappreciated, or coming to you with a
complaint

Presenting your viewpoint while I hear your point, but I have a different view.
acknowledging a different perspective

When you realize you’ve made a mistake I’m sorry.

You might also like