Difficult Conversations

“If You Can’t Say Something Nice, What DO You Say?”

Practical Solutions for Working Together Better

We’ve all been told “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all.” This high energy presentation based on Sarita’s book provides practical approaches and positive phrases for those times when you need to say something NOT so nice. Learn how to have difficult conversations and to constructively clue someone in, deflect the negative comment of a well-meaning friend, or let a business colleague know what he or she is doing drives you crazy — without destroying the relationship.

This presentation will provide answers to such questions as:

  • How do I know if I should confront a situation or just let it go?
  • How can I soften the sting when giving negative feedback or bad news?
  • What should I do if someone asks my opinion and I have nothing good to say?
  • How do I tell my boss a thing or two without appearing ugly or insubordinate?
  • What’s the best way to respond to nasty comments like “that’s a dumb idea,” “I knew you couldn’t do it” or “what were you thinking?”

    CLIENT CASE STUDY
    “If You Can’t Say Something Nice, What DO You Say?”

    One of my most memorable events was a 2013 event for Comerica Bank in Houston, Texas because it was an executive women’s appreciation…and I love events that acknowledge and recognize clients and staff.   My client also pre-purchased and gifted each of the 100 participants a copy of my book which I signed at a meet-and-greet following my keynote presentation.

    “If You Can’t Say Something Nice, What DO You Say” was published by an Amazon.com-owned publisher in 2006 and I created an accompanying presentation by the same title.

    The idea for the book—and the subsequent presentation—came about because of my regular reference to my mother’s wise words “If You Can’t Say Something Nice, Don’t Say Anything at All” in my presentations.  That comment frequently prompted an audience member to ask “If You Can’t Say Something Nice, What DO You Say?”

    The book and the presentation answer that question…and provide practical solutions for working together better.  They also both adhere to the “stay-positive-play-nicely” mantra that is the basis of all of my presentations.

    This topic works well as both a keynote and workshop—with an optional book-signing—for clients who want to equip their team with skills to effectively manage crucial conversations, deal with difficult people and stay positive in the face of adversity.

    Please take a look at client list and client testimonials.  See below for an example of content provided in this presentation.   I look forward to collaborating with you! Sarita

     

    PRESENTATION CONTENT EXAMPLE/BOOK EXCERPT
    FEAR Checklist©

    Which of the following keep you from handling challenging situations?
    Check all that apply.

    __ Hurting person’s feelings

    __ Retaliation

    __ Getting an angry or defensive reaction

    __ Getting angry or upset yourself

    __ Saying something you will regret

    __ Making matters worse

    __ Destroying the relationship

    __ Saying something that will make you look stupid

    __ Jeopardizing your job

    __ Being seen as negative

     

     

negativity-to-positive
If You Can’t Say Something Nice, What Do You Say? Sarita’s presentation to 300 Raleigh, NC Executive Women