Applied Psychology

How to Have Critical Conversations

Navigate high-stakes conversations confidently by applying practical tools and achieving positive outcomes.

R2,100.00

Structure

Quarterly registration

Availability

Complete anytime within a quarter

Duration

20 hours

Total Hours

20 hours

Start Date

1 October 2026

End Date

31 December 2026

Mode

Self-paced learning

Course Overview

Struggling to have high-stakes conversations? This short course provides personal development and practical skills to successfully manage a critical conversation toward creating better outcomes for all parties.

Having critical conversations to the best of your ability starts with being grounded and knowing how to express yourself. A strong sense of self coupled with the application of SACAP’s 10P Model will prepare you for difficult conversations.

Whether it is in our professional or personal lives, mastering critical conversations is an essential life skill. The good news is all of us can get better at it.

The How to Have Critical Conversations short course will help you build the rare mix of people skills and knowledge you need to successfully navigate through tough conversations. It will show you how to collaboratively work towards the best outcomes, while listening to others and hearing their perspectives.

So, how do we give these tricky conversations our best shot? Well, it starts with showing up. This is what the first part of the short course covers. The second part explores what skills you can apply to make difficult conversations go as well as possible.

What You’ll Learn

Through course videos, readings and self-reflection activities, you will explore the following topics:

How I show up in the world

Explore your own self-belief, how well you know yourself, your sense of self and its relationship to your authentic self, and being grounded in who you are.

Why might I find critical conversations hard?

Consider the underlying reasons that may impact your approach to critical conversations.

How to navigate a critical conversation - 10P Model

Introducing SACAP’s 10P Model that covers 10 phases of critical conversations and their corresponding orientations and skills:

Purpose: What you want from the conversation
Prepare: Contemplating the conversation
Plunge: Beginning the conversation
Protect: Creating psychological safety for all parties
Perspective: Understanding the other person’s viewpoint
Portray: Sharing your story
Persist: Staying engaged
Progress: Walking forward together
Plug: Closing the conversation
Personal Care: Looking after yourself

Outcomes

By the end of this course you will have:

Identify when a conversation is becoming critical and explain why navigating these conversations requires both self-awareness and practical communication skills.
Assess how your beliefs, identity, and communication patterns influence the way you show up in critical conversations.
Analyse your internal patterns that hinder effective critical conversations and select grounding strategies that support more intentional responses.
Apply the preparation phases of the 10P Model to prepare for a critical conversation with clarity, purpose, and intention.
Apply the conversation phases of the 10P Model to navigate critical conversations constructively, build understanding, and manage challenging moments effectively.
Apply the closing phases of the 10P Model to conclude critical conversations constructively, agree on a way forward, and strengthen relationships.
Assess your ability to navigate critical conversations using the 10P Model and identify priorities for your continued development as a communicator.

Learner Experience

Christel Van Zyl

''I found the short course very insightful and practical. Highly recommend it.''

Claire Louise Terink

''I really enjoyed the How to Have Critical Conversation short course and highly recommend it to not just those that struggle with having critical conversation, but those wanting to improve how they are received by others.''

Maheshree Govender

"The How to Have Critical Conversations short course was incredibly flexible and convenient — I could learn at my own pace and fit it around my schedule."

Jasmin Payten

"Self-reflection and growth were a big part of my learning journey. The How to Have Critical Conversations short course is a real eye-opener."

Tanya Jacobs

''The short course was stimulating, enlightening and enriching on a personal level. I’ve deepened my understanding of myself and others, in order to have a more fulfilling relationships.''

Cresselda Barkley

"This course has empowered me to approach difficult conversations with confidence and clarity. I’ve learned valuable techniques for managing emotions, staying focused on key issues, and fostering productive dialogue."

Certification

Upon completion, you will receive a digital certificate of completion. This certificate verifies your newfound knowledge and skills.

The How to Have Critical Conversations short course has been designed and developed by experts in the field of psychology. The course is for anyone needing to upskill in this area and offers 20 hours of learning.

Dates and Registration

Class of 2026 Oct-Dec: 1 October – 31 December
Class of 2027 Jan-Mar: 1 January – 31 March

Short course classes are on demand allowing you to register at any time and move through course content at a time that suits you. Learners will have access to the course for the class period they choose when registering.

Course highlights

Reflect on how you are showing up in the world and what changes you want to make.
Manage a critical conversation towards creating better outcomes for all parties.
Approach critical conversations with confidence and humility.

FAQs

What are the entry requirements?

Anyone 18 years of age or older can sign up for this short course. There are no academic entry requirements or conditions.

Who is this short course for?

This short course is for anyone interested in developing the capabilities to have tough conversations.

What is the time commitment?

A total of 20 hours is required to complete the short course.

What do you need to do the short course?

Access to Microsoft Word
Google Chrome (recommended)
Stable internet connection

Is the short course accredited?

The short course is not accredited and non-credit bearing.

What is a critical conversation?

A critical conversation happens between two or more people when the stakes are high, opinions vary and emotions run strong. These talks can be tough and may involve disagreement, but they are important for solving issues and keeping relationships healthy. Read more here.

The Team

The SACAP Global team brings a wealth of knowledge and practical experience across various disciplines. Our expert short course developers and dedicated support team are passionate about sharing their insights to help you get the most out of your online learning journey.