How to Say Hard Things

Embracing difficult conversations

Exercise

Write 2 situations in your life where there was something really difficult to say.

Why It's Important

• Addressing tough topics can foster trust and growth.
• Practicing dificulty enhances tolerance through hard situations
• Encourages open communication in personal and professional settings.
• Creates a sense of control over our life. We build courage to slay the dragon.

Why is so difficult?

• Fear of a negative outcome, like rejection or abandonment.
• Emotional discomfort. Feeling guilt or shame.
• Lack of emotional control
• Cognitive Barriers. Overthinking
• Social conditioning. Afraid of being rude

When is necesary?

• Giving constructive criticism.
• Discussing personal feelings
• Navigating conflicts
• Delivering difficult news
• Setting boundaries
• Asking for things

Strategies

Setting the stage

• Reflect on your feelings and goals. Be clear of what you want and how you feel
• Set the right time and space for the other person to listen
• Write it down, read it, reflect if that is what you want to say. Start over

Before you speak ask yourself if what you are going to say is true, is kind, is necessary, is helpful. If the answer is no, maybe what you are about to say should be left unsaid.
Bernard Meltzer

Effective Communication Techniques

• Use "I" statements to express feelings.
• Listen actively to the other person's response.
• Broken Record
• Sandwich Method
• XYZ Method

• NVC framework
• Pause conversations when emotions are high.
• Don't sucumb to your emotions
• Don't attack
• Show compassion

Lets practice

• Take a situation and lets practice