Conversations That Build Trust

From vendor to trusted advisor

Strong technical knowledge alone doesn’t always create trust.

Conversations That Build Trust is designed for technical SMEs, founders and functional leaders who are strong on content, but want to be more deliberate and effective in the way they engage with customers and stakeholders.

This online Shipley program focuses on the practical communication skills that help move conversations beyond simply transferring information towards building credibility and trusted-advisor relationships.

Participants learn Shipley’s four-step cycle of Prepare, Listen, Question and Validate, with opportunities to apply these skills to real or realistic workplace conversations.

What the program covers

Conversations That Build Trust Flyer

Across the program, participants will explore:

• What makes a conversation trusted and how to move up the hierarchy of trust
• Active listening techniques that build credibility
• Closed, open-past and open-future questioning techniques
• How to prepare for important conversations by considering stakeholder vision, motivators and hot-button issues
• Practical peer-to-peer application using real or realistic scenarios
• How to prepare, align and follow up more effectively

AI-assisted practice

The program also includes a guided module exploring how to use AI responsibly when preparing for high-stakes conversations.

Participants will explore using AI to develop sharper, more targeted questions and stress-test meeting plans against likely stakeholder reactions, while maintaining human review and approval throughout the process.

Program Format & Dates

This program is delivered online via Microsoft Teams and includes a pre-workshop webinar, full-day workshop and post-workshop webinar.

Monday, 26 October 2026
Menti Meter Pre-Poll
Participants will receive the Pre-Poll link via email.

Wednesday, 4 November 2026
Pre-Workshop Webinar
9:20am–10:40am (Sydney time)

Thursday, 12 November 2026
Conversations That Build Trust – Online Workshop
9:00am–4:00pm (Sydney time)

Thursday, 26 November 2026
Post-Workshop Webinar
9:20am–10:40am (Sydney time)

The pre and post-workshop webinars are designed to help prepare participants before the live workshop and reinforce and embed the learning afterwards.

What you’ll take away

Participants will receive practical tools they can continue to use beyond the program, including a Customer Meeting Planner, a strategy template for considering stakeholder vision, motivators and hot-button issues, and an AI-assisted Question Prompt with human quality check.

Investment

$1,760 AUD including GST per participant

Book your place below to join the November 2026 Conversations That Build Trust program.