Some professional conversations remain difficult even when conventional communication techniques are applied well. Resistance may arise from conflicting interests, mistrust, identity, previous experiences or fundamentally different interpretations of events. This advanced course develops the capability to analyse and navigate conversations in which disagreement is persistent and resolution is not straightforward.

Participants examine resistance, positional behaviour, reframing, interests, emotion and barriers to movement. Scenario-based exercises require participants to manage ambiguity, challenge assumptions and identify realistic areas for progress without forcing artificial agreement. The course strengthens judgement about when to continue, reframe, pause, escalate or seek another form of intervention.