Communicating Through Conflict: Build skills for tough conversations
Print
EmailLearn tools for navigating difficult conversations at work, in your community, and at home through these workshop opportunities in 2026.
From team meetings and customer interactions to family dynamics and community work, conflict shows up everywhere. In today’s fast-paced, high-pressure environments, having the skills to navigate disagreement with clarity, empathy and confidence can make all the difference.
Michigan State University Extension’s Communicating Through Conflict workshops are designed to help participants strengthen their communication skills so challenging conversations don’t have to derail relationships or productivity. These interactive online sessions offer practical tools for staying grounded, listening generously and engaging in dialogue that moves conversations forward rather than shutting them down.
Participants will explore what fuels conflict, practice slowing down reactive conversations and learn strategies for creating space for honest, respectful exchange. Through guided activities and small-group practice, attendees will build skills in active listening, like how to identify the interests behind strong positions, and strategies for giving and receiving feedback in ways that lower defensiveness and increase understanding.
Because these workshops rely on real-time interaction and shared learning, participants are asked to be fully present for the entire two-hour session free from meetings, calls or other distractions. Breakout sessions provide a supportive space to practice new skills with no recordings of the session made, so live participation is key to getting the full value of the experience.
Workshop dates in 2026
Communicating Through Conflict workshops will be offered twice in 2026:
- May 6, 2026 | 9 – 11 a.m. | Click to Register
- November 4, 2026 | 12 – 2 p.m. | Click to Register
The registration fee is $40 per session, with a limited number of needs-based scholarships available upon request. In recognition of Military Family Appreciation Month, veterans are invited to attend the November session at no cost.
Participants will also receive a concise handout summarizing the key strategies and steps covered during the workshop, making it easier to apply these tools in everyday work and life situations.
For questions or scholarship inquiries, please contact:
- Tyler Augst – May 6 session
augsttyl@msu.edu - Andy Northrop – November 4 session
northro5@msu.edu
To learn more about MSU Extension’s conflict resolution and communication programs, visit the Michigan State University Extension website.
