This is the name we’ve given to the very broad range of situations people may find themselves in both in the workplace and outside it, requiring frank, honest and open dialogue.

We’ve all been there; You need to speak to someone about a problem and you put it off and put it off, perhaps because you don’t know how to say what you need to say, or because you’re not comfortable with the subject matter, or simply because you’re not sure it’s really that much of a problem. And before you know it, the problem has escalated. And then you realise your difficult conversation would have been much easier had you had it straight away!

Just some of those difficult conversations might include:

• Managing upwards
• Giving feedback
• Tackling negative behaviour
• Tackling poor/under performance
• Dealing with lateness and sickness

Both roleplay and forum theatre are ways of making those difficult conversations far less difficult. Professional roleplayers will respond realistically and through their feedback provide a unique insight into a candidate’s impact, in terms of their attitude, behaviour and personal style. This includes their choice of language, tone of voice, facial expression and body language.