Uncomfortable Conversations Discussion
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Author: Todd Jenks, Communication Studies faculty and alumni coordinator
What brings 46 students out to a campus classroom on a cold Monday evening when it’s dark and windy outside? Discussing navigating difficult conversations at a special presentation hosted by the Communication Studies Club! These students were eager to learn more about “Communicating the Uncomfortable Comfortably: Dealing with Difficult Conversations in the Life of a College Student.”
What happened at the event?
In this one-hour equipping session, students heard about emotional intelligence, which includes the abilities to keep one’s own emotions in check, as well as to read and react appropriately to the emotions of the other party. They learned about the often “forgotten” area of communication — intrapersonal communication, our own internal dialogue — and explored the benefit of employing constructive self-talk and avoiding negative self-talk. Students were presented with tools to help them focus more on the other party, from active listening ideas to steps on how to respond to both the feelings and the information of the other party.
Case studies
After being given numerous guidelines, the students became energized as they analyzed three case studies on difficult conversations, all selected by the audience:
- talking with a professor when you disagree with a grade you were given on an assignment
- talking with a roommate when you have conflict over an issue like the temperature to set the thermostat or a kitchen sink full of dirty dishes
- the difficult conversation that unfolds when you end a romantic relationship and do so via conversation rather than simply ghosting
Communication action steps
The audience worked together to generate communication action steps for each of these uncomfortable conversations. In addition, one or two students who had navigated each of these scenarios successfully shared what went well for them and offered communication advice.
Equipped for tough talks
In the end, the 46 students departed this session realizing that although uncomfortable conversations may never truly become totally comfortable, they are now equipped to have these tough talks be less uncomfortable in the future.