Delivering Bad News Training
Build practical skills for delivering difficult messages clearly and compassionately, while managing the reactions that often follow.
- CPD Accredited
- CPD Service
What this course covers
How difficult news is delivered leaves a lasting mark on trust, morale and working relationships. Handled poorly, these conversations can damage reputations and increase the risk of conflict or complaints. This course offers a practical framework for preparing, framing and delivering difficult messages with honesty and care.
It also covers how to manage strong emotional reactions calmly and bring a conversation to a constructive close. The skills apply equally to managers giving performance feedback and to customer-facing staff who need to share unwelcome updates.
Skills you'll walk away with
- Explain why structure and empathy matter when delivering bad news
- Prepare and frame a difficult conversation beforehand
- Deliver news clearly and honestly without softening the key point
- Balance empathy with assertiveness throughout the conversation
- Manage strong emotional reactions calmly and professionally
- Close a difficult conversation and agree clear next steps
Designed with these roles in mind
- Managers, supervisors and team leaders
- HR and people teams
- Customer-facing and account management staff
- Healthcare and care workers
- Anyone who has to deliver difficult news at work
Modules included
6 short lessons that build sequentially. Learners can pause and resume at any point on any device.
- 01 Why delivering bad news is a skill worth developing
- 02 Preparing for and framing the conversation
- 03 Five actions for delivering bad news well
- 04 Managing emotions and strong reactions
- 05 Empathy, assertiveness and tone
- 06 Following up and supporting the recipient
How competence is checked
Learners complete a final assessment covering conversation preparation and emotional management before receiving their certificate.
What learners receive
A personalised, CPD accredited certificate is available to download instantly on completion.
Common questions
How long do learners have to complete the course?
What happens if a learner fails the end-of-course test?
How is the certificate delivered?
Can we buy licences in bulk for a team?
Is the training accessible on mobile devices?
Do you offer reporting for compliance audits?
More Soft Skills & Wellbeing training
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