Facilitating Difficult Group Discussions
Some group discussions carry conflict, grief or genuine disagreement, and ordinary facilitation collapses under them. This course covers holding a room through difficult subject matter without either suppressing or being overwhelmed by it.
Course outline
What this programme covers, module by module.
- 01When ordinary facilitation is not enough
- 02Preparing the group and the room
- 03Ground rules that hold under pressure
- 04Managing strong emotion without shutting it down
- 05Genuine disagreement and keeping it productive
- 06Intervening when discussion becomes harmful
- 07Closing responsibly and following up afterwards
What you will gain
- Prepare a group for a difficult discussion
- Set and hold ground rules that matter
- Manage strong emotion in a group setting
- Keep a discussion productive under disagreement
- Intervene when the discussion becomes harmful
- Close a difficult session responsibly
Who should attend
- Facilitators and trainers
- Human resources and employee relations staff
- Managers leading difficult team sessions
- Community and stakeholder engagement staff
Upcoming sessions
| Date | City | Duration | Fees | Book |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 to 4 Nov 2026 | Dubai | 3 Days | US$1,500 | |
| 16 to 18 Nov 2026 | Pretoria | 3 Days | R13,000 | |
| 7 to 9 Dec 2026 | Durban | 3 Days | R13,000 | |
| 11 to 13 Jan 2027 | Cape Town | 3 Days | R13,000 | |
| 1 to 3 Feb 2027 | Johannesburg | 3 Days | R13,000 | |
| 12 to 14 Apr 2027 | London | 3 Days | US$1,500 | |
| 22 to 24 Jun 2027 | Dubai | 3 Days | US$1,500 |
Fees are per delegate and exclude VAT. Public intakes are confirmed once minimum numbers are met. We also deliver this course on your own schedule, in-house or live online.
Enquire about this course
Register your team or ask for a tailored in-house quote. We reply within one working day.
WhatsApp usCourse brochure (PDF)- Fees from
- R13,000 per delegate
- Duration
- 3 Days
- Field
- Communication & Soft Skills
- Formats
- In-house, public, online
More in Communication & Soft Skills
Business Writing and Professional Correspondence
This course strengthens the everyday writing that keeps organisations running, from emails and memos to reports and proposals. Participants learn to structure documents clearly, adjust tone for different readers, and edit their own work with confidence.
Advanced Presentation and Public Speaking Skills
Participants build the confidence and technique to speak persuasively in front of any audience, from small teams to large conferences. The programme combines structured practice, video feedback, and coaching on voice, body language, and slide design.
Emotional Intelligence in the Workplace
This workshop develops the self-awareness and interpersonal skills that underpin strong working relationships. Participants learn to recognise their emotional triggers, read others accurately, and respond to pressure with steadiness.