The skills you need guide to interpersonal skills

WHEN THE GOING GETS TOUGH:
COMMUNICATING IN 
DIFFICULT SITUATIONS
5

---

86
2.
ADVANCED COMMUNICATION SKILLS
Most people can think of times when they have put off having that ‘difficult’ 
conversation. Most people will also recognise that putting off the difficult 
conversation alleviates short-term anxiety. However, constantly putting off 
difficult communication situations often leads to feelings of frustration, guilt, 
annoyance with oneself, anger, a reduction in self-confidence and ultimately 
more stress and anxiety.
EXERCISE
REMEMBERING PUTTING SOMETHING OFF
Think about a time when you put off having a difficult conversation. Consider:
• Why you put off the conversation; and
• How it made you feel to put it off, both in the short and longer term.
Was putting off the conversation effective in the long term?
By following some simple guidelines and using some well-tuned communication 
skills communicating in difficult situations becomes easier.

---

87
2.
ADVANCED COMMUNICATION SKILLS
THERE ARE TWO DISTINCT TYPES OF DIFFICULT 
CONVERSATION, PLANNED AND UNPLANNED