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Level 8/25 Restwell Street, Bankstown NSW 2200, Australia
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Monday to Friday: 10AM - 6PM
Weekend: CLOSED
Facilitating DEI Conversations: Navigating Difficult Discussions on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Lead respectful, productive conversations on diversity, equity and inclusion. This 12-hour, self-paced course prepares professionals to facilitate sensitive DEI discussions at work. You’ll learn to manage your own biases, stay calm and regulate your emotions during intense moments, spot conflict triggers and turn tension into meaningful dialogue. It’s ideal for managers, HR professionals, team leads and DEI champions.
Duration
2 Days (12 Hours)
Modules
6 Modules
Course type
SoftSkills
Course Overview
Facilitating DEI Conversations: Navigating Difficult Discussions on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion prepares professionals to lead respectful, impactful dialogue around sensitive DEI topics in the workplace. Through six comprehensive modules, learners develop the skills to foster psychological safety, manage conflict, address microaggressions, and guide conversations with empathy and confidence. This course empowers facilitators to move beyond surface-level awareness, turning dialogue into meaningful action that drives cultural change, supports inclusion, and strengthens trust across teams and organizations.
Before You Begin
- Basic Understanding of DEI Concepts
- Experience in Group Communication or Team Collaboration
- Openness to Self-Reflection and Growth
Key outcomes
- Learners will gain the skills to facilitate respectful, psychologically safe discussions on complex topics like race, privilege, and systemic bias.
- Participants will learn how to listen deeply, validate diverse perspectives, and foster connection—even during emotionally charged conversations.
- Learners will develop tools to de-escalate tension, respond to resistance with empathy, and keep conversations productive and inclusive.
- Participants will be equipped to recognize, interrupt, and respond to microaggressions without causing further harm or shutting down dialogue.
- Learners will be able to guide conversations toward tangible outcomes, helping individuals and organizations move from awareness to accountability and long-term DEI impact.
What You’ll Learn
6 modules
1Module 1: The Landscape of DEI – Understanding the Foundations
1. Defining DEI – What each term means and how they interconnect 2. The Evolution of DEI Conversations – Why these conversations are more necessary than ever 3. The Importance of DEI in the Workplace – Linking DEI to organizational success and employee well-being 4. The Psychological Safety Net – Building trust and reducing defensiveness when discussing sensitive topics
2Module 2: The Role of the Facilitator – Creating a Safe, Respectful Space
1. The Facilitator’s Mindset – Approaching conversations with humility and an open mind 2. Establishing Ground Rules – Setting expectations for respectful dialogue 3. Neutral vs. Active Facilitation – Knowing when to step in and when to allow discussion to unfold 4. Managing Your Own Bias – Self-awareness as a facilitator in DEI conversations
3Module 3: Building Empathy and Active Listening Skills
1. The Art of Listening Without Judgment – Creating space for others to share their perspectives 2. Non-Verbal Communication and Cues – How body language and tone impact conversations 3. Responding with Empathy – How to validate experiences without jumping to solutions 4. Emotional Regulation – Managing your emotions and reactions during intense discussions
4Module 4: Navigating Conflict – Turning Tension into Productive Dialogue
1. Identifying Conflict Triggers – Spotting common sources of tension in DEI conversations 2. The Power of “I” Statements – How to express discomfort or disagreement constructively 3. De-Escalation Techniques – Practical strategies to cool down heated moments 4. The Role of Courage – Encouraging honest conversations without fear of judgment or reprisal
5Module 5: Handling Microaggressions and Defensive Responses
1. What Are Microaggressions? – Recognizing subtle slights and their impact 2. Interrupting Bias in Real-Time – Responding to microaggressions without causing further harm 3. Defensive Responses and How to Manage Them – Strategies for dealing with denial, anger, or withdrawal 4. Maintaining Respect Under Pressure – Preserving psychological safety even in tense moments
6Module 6: Creating Actionable Change – Moving Beyond Dialogue
1. From Awareness to Accountability – Ensuring commitments are made and followed through 2. Building a DEI Action Plan – Creating a roadmap for continuous progress 3. Engaging Allies and Advocates – How to create a coalition of support for DEI initiatives 4. Measuring Impact – Tools and methods for tracking DEI conversation outcomes and organizational change
Certification & Credentials
Certificate track
2 Days (12 Hours)
Target Audience
Intended roles
- AI Governance Specialist
- Conflict Resolution Facilitator
- DEI Program Facilitator
- HR Manager
Frequently asked questions
Who should take this course?
This course is ideal for managers, HR professionals, team leads, DEI champions, and anyone responsible for fostering inclusive dialogue in the workplace. It’s designed for both formal facilitators and those who want to lead more inclusive conversations.
Do I need prior DEI training or facilitation experience?
No formal experience is required, but a basic understanding of DEI concepts is helpful. The course guides you step by step, building from foundational knowledge to advanced facilitation skills.
What if I’m still learning about my own biases?
That’s completely okay—and expected. The course emphasizes self-awareness, humility, and growth. It’s designed to support facilitators who are learning alongside their participants.
Will I get tools or templates to use in real conversations?
Yes. You’ll receive practical tools like ground rule templates, empathy prompts, conversation frameworks, and action plan templates to support real-world facilitation.
Can this help with internal team discussions and external stakeholder engagement?
Absolutely. The communication strategies are applicable in internal team settings, cross-functional meetings, and external client or community conversations.
| Duration | 2 Days (12 Hours) |
|---|---|
| Modules | 6 Modules |
| Course type | SoftSkills |
| Category | SoftSkills |
| Intended roles | AI Governance Specialist, Conflict Resolution Facilitator, DEI Program Facilitator, HR Manager |
| Prerequisites | Basic Understanding of DEI Concepts, Experience in Group Communication or Team Collaboration, Openness to Self-Reflection and Growth |
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