Using Actors in Better Conversations Training
Help your people practise the conversations that matter before they need to have them.
We all know difficult conversations are part of the job
Whether it’s giving feedback, addressing underperformance, or navigating tension between colleagues. But knowing what to say is only half the battle. Saying it well, in the moment, is a different skill altogether.
That’s why we bring in professional actors to support our Better Conversations and Difficult Conversations training. Through drama-based methods like Realplay and Forum Theatre, we create realistic, emotionally engaging practice opportunities that stick—without putting relationships at risk.
What kinds of conversations can we support?
Our actor-led sessions are tailored to the real challenges your people face. That might include:
- Providing positive feedback
- Providing developmental feedback
- Handling underperformance
- Holding others to account
- Boundary setting
- Navigating disagreements
Why it Works
- It feels real. Actors respond in the moment, giving delegates the chance to navigate tricky dynamics safely.
- It goes deeper. When you experience a conversation in your body, not just your head, the learning lasts longer.
- It builds confidence. Delegates get the chance to try again, adjust their approach, and see the difference instantly.
- It works for all levels – From new managers to senior leaders, this method levels the playing field.
What does it look like in practice?
We perform a live scene that shows how a tricky conversation might go wrong. Delegates then help shape a better version, often stopping, rewinding, and re-directing the interaction to explore what good looks like.
Hot Seating & Monologues
We introduce characters who reflect common workplace mindsets—resistant, disengaged, or misunderstood.
Delegates ask questions, explore motivations, and see things from another point of view. It’s eye-opening, energising, and builds empathy fast.
Realplay
Forget cringey roleplay. Here, the delegate plays themselves, while our actor plays someone they need to have a real conversation with back at work. It’s relevant, bespoke, and genuinely useful.
I’d dreaded the idea of roleplay—but this was totally different. The actor brought my real situation to life. And for the first time, I knew how to handle it.