The Talkworks Guide

Conversation Manager Role

Understander Role

CONVERSATION MANAGER SECTION

1. INTRODUCTION TO THE ROLE

2. PREPARING FOR IMPORTANT CONVERSATIONS

3. SHARING AND NEGOTIATING THE PURPOSE OF THE CONVERSATION

4. TAKING TURNS AND SHARING THE AIRTIME

5. BUILDING YOUR CONVERSATIONS ON A FOUNDATION OF MUTUAL RESPECT

6. RECOGNISING AND HONOURING THE CONVERSATIONAL RIGHTS OF OTHERS — AND YOURSELF

7. MAKING FEELINGS AND EMOTIONS SERVE CONVERSATIONS

8. READING THE CONTEXT OF THE CONVERSATION AND THINKING ABOUT HOW TO BEST RESPOND TO THE SITUATION

9. APPROACHING CONVERSATIONS AS OPPORTUNITIES FOR COLLABORATION AND COOPERATION RATHER THAN CONFRONTATION AND COMPETITION

10. REPAIRING CONVERSATIONS WHEN IT’S YOUR BEHAVIOUR THAT’S AT FAULT

11. HELPING YOUR CONVERSATIONAL PARTNERS TO ‘PLAY’’ BETTER — CONVERSATIONAL COACHING