28 Assertiveness courses delivered Live Online

Negotiation is an everyday challenge for some whether it be in the office, field or at home. Have you ever walked away from a situation thinking "if I'd only put my thoughts, side, opinion or words across better"? This 2-day course is perfect for managers, supervisors and sales people. It will focus on negotiation skills and the techniques that go with it. In this energy-charged provision you'll learn and practice negotiation, assertiveness and influencing techniques. Course Syllabus The syllabus of the Effective Communication and Influencing course is comprised of seven modules, covering the following: Module One An Introduction to Negotiation Assessment of your current sales and negotiation strengths and improvement areas What is negotiation? Identifying objectives and all factors affecting negotiation The negotiation model - the four stages Module Two The Preparation Stage The significance of preparation and why we need to prepare What do you need to prepare? Preparing a set of objectives: yours and theirs Understanding constants and variables Researching the other party Creating a "win-win" situation Preparing yourself for possible set-backs and objections Module Three The Discussion Stage The importance of rapport building Opening the negotiation The power of effective questioning techniques Improving your listening skills Controlling emotions Spotting the signs - non-verbal communication and voice clues Module Four The Proposing Stage Stating your opening position Responding to offers How to deal effectively with adjournments Module Five The Bargaining and Closing Stage Making concessions - the techniques Adopting key bargaining skills Dealing with objections and underhand tactics Closing techniques Confirming the agreement Creating long term, lasting commitment Scheduled Courses Unfortunately this course is not one that is currently scheduled as an open course, and is only available on an in-house basis. Please contact us for more information.

Learn the skills, knowledge and have the confidence to tackle difficult conversations in a productive way. Course overview Duration: 1 day (6.5 hours) Do you worry about how to give negative feedback or deal with performance issues? Are you concerned about giving bad news? This workshop is designed to give you the skills, knowledge and confidence to tackle these scenarios in a productive way. If you are a people manager, team leader or supervisor looking to make those challenging conversations less stressful and more effective, this workshop is for you. Lots of practical sessions will ensure you have the opportunity to relate your learning to your real life work situations. The one day session will use professional actors in the afternoon so that you can practice handling real-life challenging conversations. Objectives By the end of the course you will be able to: Deal with a wide range of challenging conversations Describe the preferred behavioural style for giving feedback State the most appropriate influencing technique to use in your situations Explain how to give successful constructive feedback Content What are challenging conversations What type of challenging conversations occur? Why do we find them challenging? Communication Practical exercise to demonstrate and act as a refresher of the fundamentals of communication Barriers to communication especially in a difficult discussion Choosing the right behavioural style Refresher of assertiveness and why it is important in this context Practical exercise demonstrating how behaviour breeds behaviour, and the impact of choosing an inappropriate style Steps to using assertive behaviour Influencing Cialdini’s model for influence How to use influencing techniques in handling challenging conversations Practical application Feedback Understanding feedback – positive vs. negative Using the ABCBC model for feedback Using the basics of emotional intelligence to give effective feedback Practical application Practical Activities Professional actors will work with you in small groups in the afternoon to practice real-life challenging conversations.

Understand and explore what you and others do that develops and destroys working relationships. Course overview Duration: 2 days (13 hours) This is an exciting opportunity to dive into the very heart of human behaviour as we encourage you to explore what you and others do that develops and destroys working relationships.  We start by getting you to determine where in your working life you need to develop effective relationships before guiding you through a process of analysing personalities and behaviours and then giving you the skills to create and maintain great relationships.  Objectives  By the end of the course you will be able to: Create a stakeholder map and analyse which relationships need to be developed Describe different personality types and how these can cause connection and conflict Develop behaviours that help build relationships Bring more assertiveness to your relationships Have courageous conversations and handle conflict should it occur Content Getting started The benefits of great working relationships Determining what you want specifically from your relationships at work Developing a stakeholder map to enable you to analyse who you need to build relationships with and how you might do this Defining your personal brand How your personal brand could impact relationships Understanding others Exploring different personality types Understanding how others are both similar and different to you Identifying when personality differences might cause conflict Better Behaviour Exploring the concept of transactional analysis How transactional analysis can help to build or break relationships Understanding life positions How life positions impact your behaviour and that of others How to use transactional analysis in creating better relationships Developing Relationships Understanding the common ways poor communication can cause problems in relationships Developing assertive communication Making human connections at work in order to build better relationships and create trust Maintaining Relationships Recognition and Tiny Noticeable Things How to have courageous conversations e.g. giving feedback A model for handling conflict when it occurs

The 'golden rule' of negotiation is simple - don't! But life's rarely that simple and very often we do have to negotiate, particularly if we want to win the business and especially if we want to win it on our terms. Such negotiations are crucial. We need to prepare for them. We need a strategy, and the skills to execute it. Does your team have a structured approach? Is it flawlessly executed, every time? Or is there room for improvement? This programme will help them master the six fundamentals of closing better business: Manage all these elements well and you will win more business, more profitably. This course will help participants: Negotiate from a position of partnership, not competition Deal more effectively and profitably with price objections Identify and practise successful sales negotiating skills Identify strengths and weaknesses as a sales negotiator Understand different types of buyer behaviour Learn to recognise negotiating tactics and stances Apply a new and proven structure to their business negotiations Identify and adapt for different behavioural styles Be alert to unconscious (non-verbal) communication Prepare and present a proposal at a final business negotiation stage Project confidence and exercise assertiveness in all sales negotiations 1 Planning for successful business negotiations This session introduces the concept of business negotiation and looks at its importance in the context of the participants' roles and activities. It briefly examines why we negotiate and the dynamics involved. Session highlights: What kind of a negotiator are you? Negotiation skills self-assessment and best practice How to establish roles and responsibilities for both parties How to identify and set objectives for both buyer and seller How to research and establish the other person's position (business negotiation stance) 2 How to structure your negotiations This module presents an eight-step framework or structure for use in negotiations and considers how best to prepare and plan your negotiations within the context of a supplier/customer relationship or business cycle. It also includes a brief review of legal responsibilities and what constitutes a 'deal'. Session highlights: Learn and apply a formal structure to use when negotiating How to establish short- and longer-term objectives and opportunities How best to plan, prepare and co-ordinate a major business negotiation meeting, or on-going negotiations Understanding of basic legal and organisational requirements 3 Verbal negotiation skills This session examines the human and communication dynamics inherent in any negotiation situation. It emphasises the importance of professional skills in preparing for a negotiation by identifying needs, wants and requirements accurately and by qualifying the competitive and organisational influences present. Session highlights: How to fully 'qualify' the other party's needs, requirements and constraints during the negotiation process by using advanced questioning and listening skills How to pre-empt negotiation objections by promoting and gaining commitment to options, benefits, value and solutions How best to propose and suggest ideas, using drawing-out skills 4 Non-verbal negotiation skills This module highlights how different personal styles, corporate cultures and organisation positions can influence events, and demonstrates practical methods for dealing with and controlling these factors. It also examines key principles of body language and non-verbal communication in a practical way. Session highlights: Gaining rapport and influencing unconsciously Understanding the importance of non-verbal communication; reading other people's meaning and communicating effectively as a result Ensure that non-verbal behaviour is fully utilised and observed to create maximum impact and monitor progress (eg, buying signals) Recognising that business negotiations are precisely structured and agreements gained incrementally 5 Proposing and 'packaging' This session highlights how best to present and package your proposal. It looks at how to pre-empt the need for negotiating by creating minor-options and 'bargaining' points, as well as how to manage the expectations and perceptions of the customer or buyer. Session highlights: How to identify the key variables that can be negotiated The power and use of 'authority' within your negotiations How to structure and present your proposal, ideas or quotation to best effect The importance of when and how to identify and influence buyer's objections 6 Dealing with price This module highlights how to best present and package price within your proposal or negotiation. In most cases, price has more to do with psychology than affordability and preparation and careful handling are essential. Session highlights: The three reasons that people will pay your asking price How to set price in a competitive market The key differences between selling and negotiating Ten ways to present price more effectively and persuasively 7 Getting to 'Yes': tactics and strategies There are many different tactics and strategies common to successful negotiators. This session looks at those that are most appropriate to the participants' own personal styles and situations. The importance of 'follow-through' is also explained and how to deal with protracted or 'stale-mate' business negotiations. Session highlights: How to negotiate price and reduce discounting early in the process How to recognise negotiating tactics and strategies in your customer or supplier Key strategies, techniques and tactics to use in negotiation The importance of follow-through and watching the details How to deal with stalled business negotiations or competitor 'lock-out' 8 Case studies and review This session examines a number of different situations and participants discuss ways to approach each. This will allow learning to be consolidated and applied in a very practical way. There will also be a chance to have individual points raised in a question and answer session. Session highlights: Case studies Question and answer Planning worksheet Negotiation 'toolkit' and check-list 9 Personal action plans Session highlights: Identify the most important personal learning points from the programme Highlight specific actions and goals Flag topics for future personal development and improvement

Unlock the power of effective negotiation. Gain essential skills to navigate complex deals, build lasting partnerships, and achieve optimal outcomes. Course overview Duration: 1 day (6.5 hours) This course is designed for those who need to understand and be able to use essential negotiation skills to make them more effective in their role. Externally you maybe negotiating with suppliers, customers, regulatory authorities and other organisations. Internally you will be negotiating with stakeholders, colleagues, and team members which could be for resources, time, budget or facilities. Being able to negotiate agreements that are acceptable to all parties requires skill and is essential to maintain healthy, functional relationships. This will be a facilitated workshop designed to be flexible to achieve the desired outcome. We will achieve the objectives through a mixture of facilitated discussion, interactive exercises designed to give insight and facilitator input. During the day we will deal with the stages of a negotiation from preparation to closing. Individuals will get the opportunity to practice the skills needed to create win-win outcomes through a number of generic but realistic scenarios. Objectives By the end of the course you will be able to: State the principles of effective negotiation Prepare effectively for different types of negotiation Set negotiation objectives and identify what can be ‘traded’ Explain how assertiveness and influencing skills can affect outcomes Deploy appropriate strategies and tactics to achieve the best results Use different techniques to deal with difficult customers and difficult situations Content Influencing Seek first to understand, and then be understood The importance of understanding the other party’s position and how to do it The power of non-verbal communication Dealing with difficult customers and difficult situations whilst maintaining a positive relationship How to approach negotiations Identifying potential negotiations and preparing for potential outcomes Aiming for results which deliver win/win outcomes Developing a win/win mindset and behaviours Rights and responsibilities of negotiators Setting Negotiation Objectives Clarifying essential, desirable and ideal objectives Assessing the most favoured, realistic target and walk away positions The Negotiation Process The importance of preparation Creating an opening proposal Where to pitch the opening proposal Bargaining/Trading - Gaining Momentum Knowing your parameters – what can be traded? Choosing a strategy and tactics Dealing with questionable tactics and ploys Building rapport – the communication process Asking the right questions and active listening Being assertive, demanding your rights and ensuring you meet your responsibilities Closing Techniques Trial and actual closing techniques Signalling Summarising and documenting the agreement Follow up and implementation of the deal

Course Duration: 1–2 days (or modular format across 3–4 sessions) Target Audience: Professionals at all levels seeking to improve workplace communication, strengthen relationships, and increase collaboration and influence. Course Objectives By the end of this course, participants will be able to: Communicate clearly and confidently in a range of professional situations. Adapt communication styles to suit different audiences and contexts. Build strong interpersonal relationships using emotional intelligence. Navigate difficult conversations and resolve conflict effectively. Enhance active listening, feedback, and assertiveness skills. Course Outline Module 1: Foundations of Communication The communication process: sender, receiver, and barriers Verbal, non-verbal, and written communication The impact of tone, body language, and intent Common communication pitfalls in the workplace Module 2: Developing Interpersonal Awareness Self-awareness and emotional intelligence (EQ) Understanding personal communication styles (DISC, MBTI or similar tools) Building rapport and trust The importance of empathy in professional relationships Module 3: Active Listening and Feedback Skills Listening to understand vs listening to respond Techniques for active listening Giving feedback constructively Receiving and acting on feedback Module 4: Assertive Communication Passive, aggressive, passive-aggressive vs assertive styles Setting boundaries and expressing needs clearly Using “I” statements and confident body language Role-playing assertiveness scenarios Module 5: Adapting Communication to Context Communicating with different personality types Navigating workplace hierarchy and power dynamics Cultural sensitivity and inclusive language Tailoring communication for emails, meetings, and presentations Module 6: Managing Difficult Conversations and Conflict Identifying sources of conflict Conflict resolution strategies (e.g. Interest-Based Relational Approach) Staying calm under pressure Structuring difficult conversations using frameworks (e.g. SBI – Situation, Behaviour, Impact) Module 7: Collaborative Communication in Teams The role of communication in high-performing teams Group dynamics and psychological safety Facilitating discussions and encouraging contribution Virtual communication best practices Delivery Style Engaging facilitation with practical exercises Role-plays, group discussions, and real-life scenarios Self-reflection activities and personal action planning Assessment and Outcomes Participation in interactive activities Completion of a communication skills self-assessment Development of a personalised communication improvement plan Course Materials Provided Participant workbook and slides Communication style diagnostic tool (optional) Templates for feedback and conversation planning Follow-up resources and reading list

Elite EA/PA Forum We are delighted to announce the Elite EA/PA Forum for ANZ will be on the 25th of September 2025. Our workshop aims to: Enhance your influence and impact by mastering assertive communication, negotiation, and self-advocacy skills. Stay composed and solution-focused in high-pressure situations with practical tools for crisis management and clear decision-making. Embrace evolving technology by understanding how AI and automation can streamline your role and boost efficiency. Future-proof your career by building strategic value, resilience, and adaptability in an ever-changing professional landscape. Keynote Address with Q&A from the audience: What to expect from Sam's Keynote: With over 30 years supporting leaders at the highest levels, Sam Cohen brings a wealth of insight, experience, and stories (the kind she can share) to the stage. From 18 years serving within The Royal Household - including as Deputy Private Secretary and Press Secretary to Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II - to working with The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, running the Prime Minister’s Office at Downing Street, and serving as Chief of Staff to the global CEO of Rio Tinto, Sam’s career is a masterclass in discretion, diplomacy, and delivering at the top. In this exclusive keynote, Beyond the Role, Sam will explore how Executive Assistants don’t just support leaders - they shape leadership, drive strategy, and build legacy from behind the scenes. Join us for this rare opportunity to hear from someone who’s been at the epicentre of power - and bring your questions! The keynote will include a live Q&A, where you can ask Sam about her remarkable career, leadership insights, and how to truly excel in high-performance environments. (Don’t ask her what the Queen kept in her handbag - she’s not telling.) Sam Cohen Career Bio: Sam Cohen has spent the last 30 years working to support leaders in the public and private sectors. Sam spent 18 years serving The Royal Household, as Deputy Private Secretary to Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and Press Secretary to The Queen. Sam also served as Private Secretary to The Duke and Duchess of Sussex. Following this time, Sam worked as Director of the Prime Minister’s Office at Downing Street under Boris Johnson and, most recently, was Chief of Staff to the global CEO at Rio Tinto. Source: ABC News - YouTube Channel. Facilitator - AM: The Future-Proofed Assistant: Speak Up, Stand Out & Shape Your Career Path How to reimagine your Assistant role in 2025 and beyond - How the EA role is evolving (and what Executives now expect) & why Assistants who think like strategists will be indispensable Assertiveness as an Assistant – The key to retaining your role & the difference between being ‘helpful’ and being ‘heard’ Self-Advocacy as a Career Growth Strategy – The importance of advocating for your career development, workload boundaries and recognition Own Your Professional Future - Map your career development. Whether you're an EA for life or looking to a role beyond in the future, this is for you. Ruth Kilah Career Bio: Ruth is an international executive career coach and founder of Hoxton Hyde – Executive Career Coaching & Mentoring, delivering 1:1 and group programs for experienced Executive Assistants. She specialises in helping EAs step into higher-level roles, increase their income, and expand their professional impact. With 14 years’ experience supporting C-suite executives in Australia and the UK, Ruth brings deep industry insight and a strategic approach to career development. She empowers Assistants to gain clarity on their next move, adopt a strategic mindset, communicate their value effectively, and lead their own growth conversations with confidence. A former EA turned Stakeholder Relations and Project Manager, Ruth launched Hoxton Hyde in 2018 after spotting a clear gap in the market for tailored coaching for career-driven EAs. She is a recognised member of the World Administrators Alliance and a respected thought leader in the EA space, regularly sharing insights via LinkedIn and Instagram. Ruth is also a certified fitness and wellness coach, passionate about helping Assistants achieve long-term career fulfilment through intentional development and well-being. Panel: Crisis Mode: What to do when everything goes wrong Master a step-by-step approach to prioritising and problem-solving under pressure. Strengthen emotional resilience and calm decision-making during unexpected disruptions. Learn how to communicate clearly and lead from behind in high-stress situations. Emma-Kate Bos Bio Emma-Kate works alongside the CEO at Squadron Energy, one of Australia’s leading renewable energy companies. With over 28 years of experience in Executive Assistant and Operational roles supporting business leaders in professional services, politics, membership industries, sporting and not-for-profit organisations, Emma-Kate has a deep understanding of business support roles and has managed large teams of assistants and receptionists. She is passionate about developing and mentoring team members Emma-Kate holds an Associate Degree in Law, Mini MBA and Certificate in Public Relations. Facilitator - PM: AI & Automation: How Technology is Changing the Assistant’s Role Understand the latest AI tools reshaping administrative and operational support. Identify which tasks can be streamlined or delegated using automation. Reframe your role by leveraging technology to add strategic value and stay future-ready. Who will attend this event? Executive Assistant (EA) Personal Assistant (PA) Virtual Assistant (VA) Legal Secretary Legal Executive Assistant Administrative Assistant Office Manager Health Care Office Manager Chief of Staff Additional roles may be relevant depending on role responsibilities along with development opportunities. This workshop is open to females, male including trans women/males and non-binary professionals. Group Rate Discounts: To discuss our group rates in more detail, please email support@elite-forums.com and provide the following: Group Number (How many would like to attend) Event Date (If numerous dates, please advise if we are splitting attendees across multiple dates) Attendee Contact details (Or request our Group Rate Document. Complete and return - we'll sort the rest.) Group discounts are on request - see below group rate discount brackets: 🧩 You just need one piece to come together - to unlock your Elite Potential. 🔑

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