Overview
This advanced workshop develops the strategic communication capabilities required to manage demanding, high-pressure conversations and complex organisational messaging. Participants will learn advanced techniques to navigate conflict, maintain composure under pressure, and align communication with wider business objectives. Through scenario-based learning and peer-led feedback, attendees will refine their ability to influence outcomes, safeguard relationships, and uphold credibility in critical moments.
Prerequisites
Participants should have:
- Experience in leadership, stakeholder engagement, or executive-level communication.
- An understanding of organisational strategy and decision-making contexts.
- A readiness to engage in reflective and interactive communication exercises.
Target audience
This workshop is designed for:
- Senior professionals, leaders, and managers who regularly engage in high-stakes discussions.
- Communication specialists and stakeholder leads responsible for delivering sensitive messages.
- Individuals seeking to enhance influence and emotional intelligence in challenging environments.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:
- Manage complex, high-stakes conversations while preserving relationships and achieving clarity.
- Deliver consistent, credible organisational messages that align with strategic objectives.
- Navigate resistance and uncertainty through emotionally intelligent communication techniques.
- Demonstrate composure and authenticity during conflict or crisis situations.
- Apply structured approaches to negotiation, persuasion, and influence.
- Build a personal development plan to enhance communication mastery over time.
What will the course cover?
Communicating under pressure
- Understanding high-stakes communication and its organisational impact
- Analysing common communication breakdowns in leadership contexts
- Developing strategies to maintain composure and focus
Managing conflict and sensitive dialogue
- Identifying root causes of conflict and resistance
- Using emotional intelligence to build understanding and trust
- Structuring challenging conversations for positive resolution
Delivering organisational messages with clarity
- Aligning communication with organisational values and strategic direction
- Managing tone, timing, and transparency in internal and external messaging
- Building credibility through clarity, empathy, and consistency
Advanced persuasion and negotiation techniques
- Understanding influence dynamics in complex discussions
- Balancing authority with empathy to achieve shared outcomes
- Applying structured negotiation frameworks to real-world examples
Scenario-based learning and peer feedback
- Practising crisis communication through immersive case studies
- Analysing peer approaches and exchanging constructive feedback
- Translating feedback into practical leadership communication strategies
Sustaining communication excellence
- Building a personal action plan for continuous improvement
- Embedding reflective practices to measure growth and impact
- Creating a roadmap for long-term communication and leadership development
Exams and assessments
There are no formal examinations for this workshop. Learners will complete self-assessment checklists, peer evaluations, and scenario debriefs to assess progress and integrate new communication techniques into their leadership practice.
Hands-on learning
Participants will engage in immersive communication simulations, real-world crisis scenarios, and structured peer feedback sessions. Facilitators provide live coaching on delivery, tone, and influence to ensure participants can apply refined communication techniques within their own professional contexts.
Frequently asked questions
How can I create an account on myQA.com?
There are a number of ways to create an account. If you are a self-funder, simply select the "Create account" option on the login page.
If you have been booked onto a course by your company, you will receive a confirmation email. From this email, select "Sign into myQA" and you will be taken to the "Create account" page. Complete all of the details and select "Create account".
If you have the booking number you can also go here and select the "I have a booking number" option. Enter the booking reference and your surname. If the details match, you will be taken to the "Create account" page from where you can enter your details and confirm your account.
Find more answers to frequently asked questions in our FAQs: Bookings & Cancellations page.
How do QA’s virtual classroom courses work?
Our virtual classroom courses allow you to access award-winning classroom training, without leaving your home or office. Our learning professionals are specially trained on how to interact with remote attendees and our remote labs ensure all participants can take part in hands-on exercises wherever they are.
We use the WebEx video conferencing platform by Cisco. Before you book, check that you meet the WebEx system requirements and run a test meeting to ensure the software is compatible with your firewall settings. If it doesn’t work, try adjusting your settings or contact your IT department about permitting the website.
How do QA’s online courses work?
QA online courses, also commonly known as distance learning courses or elearning courses, take the form of interactive software designed for individual learning, but you will also have access to full support from our subject-matter experts for the duration of your course.
Once you have purchased the Online course and have completed your registration, you will receive the necessary details to enable you to immediately access it through our e-learning platform and you can start to learn straight away, from any compatible device. Access to the online learning platform is valid for one year from the booking date.
All courses are built around case studies and presented in an engaging format, which includes storytelling elements, video, audio and humour. Every case study is supported by sample documents and a collection of Knowledge Nuggets that provide more in-depth detail on the wider processes.
When will I receive my joining instructions?
Joining instructions for QA courses are sent two weeks prior to the course start date, or immediately if the booking is confirmed within this timeframe. For course bookings made via QA but delivered by a third-party supplier, joining instructions are sent to attendees prior to the training course, but timescales vary depending on each supplier’s terms. Read more FAQs.
When will I receive my certificate?
Certificates of Achievement are issued at the end the course, either as a hard copy or via email. Read more here.