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.

Presentation highlights include:

  • Determine whether to confront a situation or let it go
  • Share concerns with tact and respect using Sarita’s A.I.R. Model
  • Soften the sting when giving negative feedback or bad news

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