logo
episode-header-image
Sep 2020
34m 20s

Difficult Conversations

Oprah
About this episode

From April 27, 1999: Oprah dedicates a show to women who have a hard time expressing their true feelings when in difficult situations and conversations. Assertiveness coach, Jan Ferris, shares the importance of boundary setting and tips for learning how to say, “No.” New York Times Business Bestselling authors of Difficult Conversations, Doug Stone and Sheila Heen, discuss why some conversations are more difficult than others, teach what they call the doubling technique and give advice for tough scenarios.

Up next
Jul 8
Special: Design Your Dream
From October 9, 1998: Motivational speaker and author Gail Blanke discusses her New York Times best-selling book, “In Your Wildest Dreams.” She describes how to find your passion, the importance of defining your own life and why living the life of your dreams is the greatest gift ... Show More
27m 57s
Jul 1
Special: Rules for Being Human
From September 15, 1998: Life coach and author Dr. Cherie Carter-Scott discusses her #1 New York Times best-seller, If Life Is a Game, These are the Rules. She coaches the audience through what she calls the 10 rules for being human. Dr. Carter-Scott details the importance of the ... Show More
31m 39s
Jun 24
Special: Making Peace with Your Family
From October 6, 1999: Teacher, speaker and author of Codes of Love Mark Bryan discusses how to deal with conflicts within the family. He also shares what he calls the “moment of truth” exercise, how to look at the past with a new perspective and coaches two families through the f ... Show More
32m 16s
Recommended Episodes
Jan 2019
Hard Conversations
Are you dreading a work discussion? Dan and Alison answer your questions with the help of Leslie John, a professor at Harvard Business School. They talk through what to do when you need to set your boss straight, meet with a direct report who wanted your new job, or hash things o ... Show More
32m 29s
May 2021
Tough Conversations
A leader, initially described to his coach as clueless, confronts a hard truth about himself. In the process, he gains a four-step tool to guide him through tough conversations. Core Concepts in this episode: To convey a tough message and maintain a positive relationship: 1. Star ... Show More
25m 33s
Jul 2022
EP203 Encore - “We Need to Talk.” Directing Difficult Discussions
Have you ever avoided talking to a co-worker who is not performing up to expectations, or put off telling a client you can’t take their case just because you don’t want to have that uncomfortable conversation? How you set expectations can make difficult discussions more productiv ... Show More
38m 26s
Feb 2023
Here’s How to Plan for Difficult Conversations
It might be a confrontation with a colleague who is constantly late to meetings. You might need to finally ask for that raise. Or it could be approaching a coworker to disclose a mental health issue you’ve been struggling with. We all face difficult conversations - and difficult ... Show More
38m 54s
Mar 2024
Tips From a Hostage Negotiator on Handling Difficult Conversations
In resolving hundreds of kidnap-for-ransom cases involving gang leaders, pirates, and extortionists, Scott Walker, a former Scotland Yard detective, has learned a thing or two about how to negotiate and communicate in a crisis. He shares how to apply those lessons to the difficul ... Show More
47m 44s
Jun 2024
148. Conviction and Compassion: How to Have Hard Conversations
In our personal and professional lives, some conversations are harder than others. To navigate the difficulties of discussing what matters most, Professor Irv Grousbeck says we need the right balance of conviction and compassion.At both Stanford Graduate School of Business and St ... Show More
28m 43s
May 2020
How To Talk to Strangers
Every other Friday, Amy’s calendar reminds her to make the rounds of her office and say “hello” to her colleagues. As an introvert, Amy deeply struggles with small talk, but as a manager of 55 people she’s been told she needs to be more approachable. In this episode of How To!, S ... Show More
32m 55s
May 2020
10 ways to have a better conversation | Celeste Headlee
When your job hinges on how well you talk to people, you learn a lot about how to have conversations -- and that most of us don't converse very well. Celeste Headlee has worked as a radio host for decades, and she knows the ingredients of a great conversation: Honesty, brevity, c ... Show More
12m 3s
May 2018
How to Have Difficult Conversations in the Workplace - Dawn Metcalfe
Since leaving her native Ireland, Dawn Metcalfe has worked in seven countries including China and Japan, and now calls Dubai her home. Known for her straight-talking truth-telling and powerful insights, Dawn has worked with leaders around the world to change their perspective, th ... Show More
36m 40s