This Conversation Could Change Your Life

Sometimes the most important things in life are the hardest to talk about. Think you could never broach that conversation? Let’s get started…

- Clare Goldwin

Think of the last time you were facing a big conversation. Whether it was about a work situation that was making you miserable, tensions with a family member, or even an important issue in your relationship, the chances are you keep putting it off and letting it drift.

We’re so often terrified about making a bad situation worse, or just not getting the outcome we’re hoping for, that we decide not to say anything at all. And there can be few of us who haven’t plucked up the courage to speak out only to find that the conversation descends into a shouting match, with both parties ending up feeling hurt and disappointed.

No wonder so many of us hate tackling difficult subjects with the important people in our lives. But conversations do have the power to change things for the better – think big diplomacy negotiations on the world stage! Whether it’s a relationship chat that ends in a marriage proposal or a talk that heals a rift or simply helps you clarify your next step – then being able to communicate your point of view clearly but respectfully is an essential life skill. These strategies could change the way you talk – and your whole life too.

First face your fears

Before embarking on an important conversation write down the risks and benefits of going through with it versus staying silent. Clarifying why you need to talk will help steel your resolve and while identifying what you’re afraid of may not dissipate the dread completely, it will help you get a handle on your fears.

Don’t let your emotions take over