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This accessible guide combines evidence-based research with practical experience to help develop effective communication skills for navigating difficult or challenging situations.
The book delves into what it means to be an effective and confident communicator, before addressing how to approach those often-avoided 'difficult conversations.' Key features include:
- Strategies for tackling tough topics, from handling emotional outbursts to addressing both conscious and unconscious reactions
- Approaches for discussing sensitive issues like trauma, sexuality, gender, race, and serious concerns
- Engaging case studies, scenarios, activities, and top tips to support discussions
- Practical advice on how to enhance communication skills and prevent difficult conversations from escalating
- Exploring concepts and techniques that can be applied across various professions and in personal life
The authors emphasise the importance of applying the right skills, knowledge, and experience to transform a challenging conversation into an effective, solution-focused, and collaborative exchange. With innovative ideas for making tough discussions more manageable, this book is an invaluable resource for professionals in education, social services, healthcare, and similar fields.
List of contents
Chapter 1 Introduction; It's Not Just About Words
PART 1: HOW TO HAVE EFFECTIVE CONVERSATIONS
Chapter 2 How to Be An Effective Communicator
Chapter 3 Are You Really Listening?
Chapter 4 How to Take the 'Difficult' Out Of Difficult Conversations
PART 2: WHY DOES IT ALL GO WRONG - AGAIN AND AGAIN...AND AGAIN ?
Chapter 5 Monkeys with Smartphones? -When Our Emotions Take Control
Chapter 6 It's All About Relationships
Chapter 7 'Charlie is Having a Bad Day!': a Case study
PART 3: HOW TO TALK ABOUT WHAT REALLY MATTERS
Chapter 8 Communication in Context
Chapter 9 How to Talk About Sexuality and Gender - Rylee Spooner
Chapter 10 Uncomfortable Conversations about Race - Mia Edwards
Chapter 11 Trauma Informed Approaches - Sam McNally
Chapter 12 Conclusion
About the author
Becky Edwards is a Senior Lecturer in Childhood Studies at the University of Chichester, UK, an award-winning children's author and co-founder of the Parent and Carers Support Organisation (PACSO). In her roles as a primary school teacher, children's centre manager, and lecturer, Becky has extensive experience of supporting children, students, and families from diverse backgrounds in many different situations.
Chris Smethurst is Co-Director of the Institute of Education, Health, and Social Sciences at the University of Chichester, UK. Chris has a background in community work, youth work, residential childcare, and field social work, specialising in learning disabilities and mental health teams. Together with Becky, Chris co-developed the 'From Adversity to University' project, which helps marginalised individuals engage with higher education.
