Chiron Communications
How we can help you perform better
Everyone knows that difficult conversations are usually the most important ones. This workshop explores some of the core skills we need to manage difficult conversations in the workplace (with our managers, our peers or our supervisees).
We cover key concepts for regulating heightened emotions (ourselves and others) and introduce some practical tools for participants to use and take forward in their work.
The workshop includes performances from trained actors and the chance to work with a forum theatre model. Participants collaborate with the actors to explore and develop their own skills in responding to difficult conversations which they might be navigating in their own lives.
In order to qualify for many professions, trainees often work with actors to practise delicate conversations of significant consequence.
Whether it’s the OSCE clinical exam for medical students, or client/suspect interviews for lawyers or law enforcement, Chiron has access to a wide network of highly skilled professional actors, able to recreate vivid scenarios and react authentically but safely to a trainee’s approach.
Chiron works constructively with training providers to focus on each profession’s most salient teaching points. The emphasis is on encouragement and learning. All our actors are carefully introduced to the specific requirements of the brief, trained to work with sensitivity, and to respect how challenging these vital conversations can be, particularly for those with less experience.
Drama reenactment is a powerful tool to bring to life even the most seemingly dry training topic!
We recently designed a course for a client who wanted to give practice to the correct company protocol for note-taking. We were glad to reenact a lively scenario that brought this topic to life in an entertaining way.
Not only was the training point immediately clear, engaging and memorable, the reenactment put the trainees into a situation where key skills were reinforced by actual physical practice, as opposed to a mere lecture.
Whatever the needs of a client, we design specific programmes to make training enjoyable and effective.
One of the most important tasks a manager has is to deliver feedback to colleagues, and if delivered in the right way by a skilled supervisor, feedback is transformative.
However, in less skilled hands, poorly-delivered feedback can not only be unhelpful, but actually damaging to confidence, performance, and relationships.
This workshop identifies the approaches universally regarded as most helpful and empowering, and allows participants the chance to frame all kinds of feedback effectively in roleplay scenarios.
Being on top of your brief and having a good knowledge of your product is only part of a successful pitch to a client.
There are other important skills such as fitting your product to a client’s needs. This often comes from knowing the right questions to ask, and how to ask them.
This session allows participants to make the most of their own individual skills in establishing rapport, making a strong impact, and building potential clients’ confidence in moving forward towards successful collaboration.
Being able to hold a room, introduce a new idea, or guiding people to your way of thinking comes most dynamically from having a story to tell. Whatever our personality type, we all need to impress when it’s our moment to speak.
This workshop examines the nature and power of narrative. From the hero myth trotted out by Hollywood to the gentlest of personal anecdotes, we’ll celebrate storytelling and look at how it can be used to gain attention, illustrate, inspire, and persuade.
Professional relationships that go beyond email communication or LinkedIn contacts often flow from successful in-person networking. This can seem to suit some people more than others.
We look here at how each one of us can thrive in more informal professional environments, wherever we lie on the neurodiversity spectrum. Embracing their own unique qualities and charisma, participants develop and project a personal style that is easy, authentic and engaging.
Successful performance in the workplace involves a toolkit of skills to bring to the various roles we may be called upon to play.
Sweaty palms, a shaky voice and a tense posture sabotage even the most accomplished professional when it comes to giving presentations or holding their own in a meeting.
Here we will look specifically at the vocal and physical techniques practised by professional actors to release the voice and optimise body language, vital for building respect and influence.
In some instances the challenges we face in the workplace feel overwhelming, whether due to major organisational change, interpersonal pressures, or a heavy workload that gives teams a sense of burnout.
This workshop provides a welcome safe space to allow some respite and recuperation, working with breath and deep relaxation to provide emotional perspective.
The course then introduces creative expression and storytelling techniques to support and nurture positive connections in a group, and reinvigorate a team.
Shared positive experiences away from the workplace have a dramatic impact on the effectiveness of a team’s communication and productivity.
This workshop introduces drama games and exercises to enhance communication and enable creativity and positive peer interactions.
No previous experience of drama or acting is necessary, as the day will be suitable for all levels of confidence, aiming for enjoyment and laughter and greater sense of connection between team members.
Successful negotiation depends on many things; making a positive personal impact, gaining rapport, and being able to remain collaborative rather than confrontational in sometimes challenging interactions.
Active, safe roleplay will allow participants to develop all these skills, whilst taking care to regulate their own voice and body language.
This is a highly powerful way to help meetings move confidently and constructively towards positive outcomes.
As organisations make more and more strides towards greater inclusivity and diversity, Chiron are proud to offer this constructive course that constitutes an important component in equity, diversity and inclusion.
The emphasis is on awareness and reflection rather than blame and accountability. It is also a unique opportunity for trainees to develop trust and enhance professional relationships in an atmosphere of curiosity, gratitude and respect.
“The day flowed and there was a balance between theory, exploration and evaluation.”
“Great having professional actors and the forum theatre for this training.”
“Really fun day.”
“Would love more of this kind of training in the future.”
“Thank you for an amazing day!”
Participants after a recent “Difficult Conversations” workshop
Case Study
Burnout Crisis
Managing change and interpersonal pressures: A case study on a traumatic event at the heart of a large financial institution.
