Difficult Conversation Scripts

Navigate tough workplace conversations with confidence and preparation

Choose Your Scenario

Select the type of difficult conversation you need to have. We will generate a customizable script.

SBI Model (Situation - Behavior - Impact)

Best for giving feedback. Keeps it factual, specific, and non-judgmental.

Situation

Describe the specific situation. When and where did it happen? Set the context so the other person knows exactly what you are referring to.

"In yesterday's team standup..." or "During last week's client presentation..."

Behavior

Describe the specific observable behavior. What did you see or hear? Stick to facts, not interpretations. Avoid "you always" or "you never."

"You interrupted Alex three times while they were presenting their update..." NOT "You were rude to Alex..."

Impact

Describe the impact of the behavior. How did it affect you, the team, or the work? Use "I" statements when possible.

"The impact was that Alex lost their train of thought and the team didn't get the full update, which meant we missed a blocker that delayed us by two days."

Interactive SBI Builder

Situation (When/Where) Behavior (What you observed) Impact (The effect)

DESC Model (Describe - Express - Specify - Consequences)

Best for assertive requests and boundary-setting. More action-oriented than SBI.

Describe

Describe the situation objectively. State the facts without judgment or emotion.

"I've been assigned three additional projects this month without any being removed from my plate."

Express

Express how you feel about it. Use "I feel" statements. Be honest but professional.

"I'm concerned that the quality of my work will suffer, and I'm starting to feel burned out."

Specify

Specify what you want to happen. Be concrete and actionable. Propose a solution.

"I'd like us to review my current workload and prioritize. Can we agree on which two projects I should focus on?"

Consequences

Explain the positive consequences of the change, or the negative consequences of the status quo. Frame it constructively.

"If we prioritize, I can deliver those two projects at the quality level you expect. If I try to do all five, I'm worried about missed deadlines and quality issues."

Interactive DESC Builder

Describe (the objective facts) Express (how you feel) Specify (what you want) Consequences (why it matters)

Practice Your Script

Select a saved script, read it aloud, then rate your confidence. Track your progress over time.

Select a Saved Script

Practice History

Body Language Reminders

Non-verbal communication accounts for a significant portion of how your message is received.

Maintain calm eye contactSteady but not intense. Look away occasionally to avoid seeming confrontational.

Keep hands visible and openAvoid crossed arms, clenched fists, or hands in pockets. Open palms signal honesty.

Sit at the same levelIf they are sitting, sit. Standing while they sit creates a power imbalance.

Speak slowly and clearlyWhen nervous, we speed up. Consciously slow your pace and lower your pitch slightly.

Lean in slightlyShows engagement. But respect personal space, especially with sensitive topics.

Breathe before respondingA 2-second pause before responding prevents reactive statements you might regret.

When to Involve HR vs. Handle Yourself

Handle Yourself

Peer feedback, scope pushback, saying no to extra work, disagreeing with decisions, discussing burnout with manager, asking for help. These are normal workplace conversations that build your professional skills.

Start Yourself, Escalate If Needed

Credit-stealing, micromanagement, unfair treatment, repeated boundary violations. Try addressing directly first. If the behavior continues after a clear conversation, document and involve HR or your skip-level.

Involve HR Immediately

Harassment, discrimination, retaliation, safety concerns, illegal activity, threats. Do not try to resolve these alone. Document everything and go to HR or your company's ethics hotline. You can also consult an employment attorney.

Ask Chester AI

Tell Chester about your situation and get a personalized conversation game plan: script, de-escalation tactics, power phrases, what to avoid, a follow-up email template, and worst-case prep.

What is the situation? Who are you talking to? What outcome do you want?

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