L-04: Communication in High-Stakes Situations
Part of the Leadership Series (C1)
Objective:
Communicate calmly, professionally, and solution-oriented in crises, conflicts, or under pressure – both internally and externally.
Key Language Areas
🫱🫲 Managing Empathy & Tone
Use empathetic openings, de-escalate effectively, balance distance and warmth.
🧱 Structuring Crisis Statements
What, why, actions, and next steps – deliver clear, credible messages.
❓ Clarifying & Checking Understanding
Paraphrase, ask questions, and confirm understanding in tense conversations.
🛡️ Assertive & Diplomatic Responses
Use assertive language without harshness: set boundaries while keeping respect.
Typical Course Activities
🧭 Leading a Team Through Delays
Role-play: assess the situation, prioritise actions, and secure commitment.
📰 Drafting a Crisis Statement or Memo
Write a concise, fact-based internal memo or press statement.
🔍 Analysing Tone in Case Studies
Evaluate real-world communication for word choice, empathy, clarity, and impact.
Ideal for C1 participants who need to lead calmly, communicate clearly, and maintain trust in challenging situations.