14/07/2026
The hardest part of a difficult conversation is usually the first sentence.
If you start in the right way, the rest tends to follow.
So here are some exact phrases we teach in our training. Please steal them.
Stating your opinion assertively:
'Based on what we've learnt about what customers want, I think the best way forward would be to...'
Not knowing the answer to a question:
'Let me find out and come back to you on that later. In the meantime, I can tell you what I do know about this topic which could be useful...'
Asking your boss to stop interfering in a meeting:
'I'm grateful for your support with this project. I think I can do a better job if I can lead the meeting as that would help me to feel more confident in presenting our strategy. Would that be okay?'
How to escape someone at a networking event:
'It was great meeting you, let's keep in touch. I'll let you get on and meet some more people!'
The right words, practised out loud, make these conversations so much easier.