Advanced Skills for High-Stakes Conversations & Conflict

Course introduction

This intensive masterclass is designed for professionals who already have foundational skills in managing difficult conversations and are ready to elevate their practice. Focusing on the deeper psychology of human behaviour, emotional regulation, and advanced communication, this course explores how to remain grounded and effective in high-stakes, emotionally charged, or confrontational scenarios. Drawing from behavioural science, conflict resolution theory, and advanced coaching techniques, this course will equip you with cutting-edge tools to navigate complexity, influence outcomes, and handle even the most entrenched or disruptive behaviours with authority, clarity, and empathy.

What we will cover throughout the day

• Analyse and apply psychological models (e.g. Transactional Analysis) to understand the drivers behind difficult behaviour and resistance.

• Use advanced communication frameworks (e.g. Nonviolent Communication) to lead high-stakes conversations with purpose, presence, and precision.

• De-escalate intense confrontations through emotional regulation, somatic techniques, and tactical empathy, maintaining calm and control under pressure.

• Implement strategic approaches to recurring patterns of disruptive or deflective behaviour, shifting dynamics and resetting relationships.

• Design and lead repair and accountability conversations using restorative and coaching-based approaches that build responsibility, trust, and sustainable change.

Target audience

Ideal for anyone who has already attended Dealing with Difficult People & Conversations course. Also suitable for senior leaders, middle managers, pastoral teams, and behaviour leads working in schools and colleges.

Trainers for this course

Nicola S. Morgan

BAEd QTS

As an international education consultant, author and teacher, Nicola has a reputation for successfully managing the most challenging behaviour and motivating staff, senior leaders and par...ents to help implement change.

Since starting NSMTC and sharing her expertise with a wider audience, Nicola regularly receives positive feedback. Attendees praise her delivery style and how motivated and inspired they feel following her sessions. They leave each training or course with the confidence to push their own boundaries for personal achievement.

On top of writing countless educational books and articles, Nicola is an International Values-Based Education approved trainer, NLP Master Practitioner and an English Channel Swimmer.Read more

See what others have to say about us

“Thank you for a great course. I have taken the strategies away with me including breaking state, following up the conversation via email and flipping the situation.”

“Absolutely fantastic course, I really enjoyed it. The trainer was excellent in delivering the course in a friendly and fun but informative way. I have learnt new skills that I can take away and hopefully practice.”

“Fantastic, it’s given me lots of ideas and strategies. I can use it in the classroom with parents and with staff, especially moving forward into my new role as a Deputy Head. Engaging and purposeful, I can really make changes around the school.”

About the venue

Stay at home, get comfortable and enjoy our live interactive course via Zoom! You’ll receive the link a few days before the course date so you can get prepared (and excited) ahead of time.

Handy course logistics

• The course will run via Zoom from 9:15 am – 3.00pm, however, the trainer will be available 15 minutes before and after the course times to answer any questions.
• You’ll receive mid-morning, lunch and afternoon breaks to re-energise.
• This course is designed to be interactive and inclusive. We welcome questions and discussions throughout and we want you to be comfortable and stress-free no matter where you join us from!
• Your course pack includes handouts, an M&S voucher for food, a snack, a pen and a notepad – we’ll send this to you before the day. Please note this is only for UK-based participants, international attendees will receive the pack via email.
• Additional links and information will be emailed to you before and during the course.
• This course is also available as an in-house / INSET training session at your school. Contact us for details.
• Please note – the cost is per person
• Please note – the early bird rate of £185+ VAT ends 28 days prior to the course date, after this the standard rate of £215+VAT will be charged.