The Right Words When You Need to Have Awkward Coworker Convos
The book people buy once
and then buy for their whole team.
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What You'll Learn
Keep it on your desk. You'll use it more than you think.
Over 500 phrases you can actually use
Not vague advice about "being assertive." Real sentences. The kind you can drop into a quick message, say in a meeting, or pull out when someone asks you to take on their project for the fourth time this month.
Three ways to say it, depending on how much you care
Every situation comes with three versions of the same message. One that's to the point, one that softens it, and one that keeps things diplomatic when the stakes are high.
How to handle the people who make work harder than it needs to be
The coworker who takes credit. The team leader who emails at 11pm. The one person in every meeting who has to hear themselves talk. There's a section for each of them.
How to say no without sounding like a jerk
This book gives you the language to push back on bad ideas and protect your time without burning bridges or making things weird.
If You've Ever Walked Away From a Conversation Thinking "I Should've Said..."
This book is for you. And probably for the person sitting next to you too.
Workplace communication is hard for everyone, but it's especially hard when you know exactly what you want to say and have no idea how to say it without starting a fire. Whether you're trying to handle a difficult coworker, navigate a tricky team dynamic, or just survive your next meeting without losing your composure, this book gives you the words. It's written for the people who do the actual work of making workplaces functional, one awkward conversation at a time.
If your job involves talking to other humans, this book has your back.
The Diplomatic Coworker
You're the one who keeps the peace, but lately the peace is exhausting.
This book helps you: Handle interpersonal friction without burning bridges, set boundaries without sounding harsh, and respond to awkward situations without overthinking every word.
The Conflict-Avoider
You'd rather do the work yourself than have the conversation.
This book helps you: Say the hard thing without dreading it, address issues before they fester, and stop avoiding conversations that need to happen.
The Direct Communicator Who Keeps Getting in Trouble
You say what you mean. People keep telling you to "soften your tone."
This book helps you: Stay direct without sounding cold, get your message across without softening it into mush, and avoid the "can we talk?" messages from your manager.
This book is also for:
- New employees still figuring out the unwritten rules of professional communication
- Remote workers who can't rely on tone of voice or body language to soften a message
- Anyone who's ever been called "too nice" and is ready to add some backbone to their words
- Anyone who's ever been called "too blunt" and is ready to add some warmth without losing the point
- Team leaders who want to share a different perspective on how coworkers can communicate better
A note for managers and supervisors: Please also check out HR Approved Ways To Tell Employees Anything — Book 1.
Choose Your Own Adventure for Every "How Do I Even Say This?" Moment
Every scenario in the book gives you three ways to say it. You pick how bold you're feeling.
Most communication books hand you one "right" answer and call it a day. This one doesn't. Because the truth is, the right thing to say depends on who you're talking to, how brave you're feeling, and whether you want to lighten the mood or land the point. So every scenario in the book comes with three responses, three different ways to handle the same situation. Pick the one that fits.
The Icebreaker Approach
For when humor will land and you want to ease the tension first.
These responses use wit and lightness to address the issue without making it heavy. Perfect for when you need to call something out but don't want to turn it into a Whole Thing. The icebreaker tier creates an opening for the real conversation by making everyone in the room exhale first.
The Balanced Approach
For when you want to be clear without being cold.
These responses acknowledge the issue directly but keep the tone warm and collaborative. Direct enough that the message lands, friendly enough that no one gets defensive. This is the tier most readers reach for most often, because it works in almost any situation without escalating things.
The Measured Approach
For when the situation calls for clarity and seriousness.
These responses are polished, respectful, and leave no room for misinterpretation. No jokes, no softening, just the message, delivered cleanly. This is the tier you reach for when humor would feel inappropriate or when you need to make sure the conversation is taken seriously.
Readers Aren't Just Reading It. They're Using It.
Join thousands of readers who are saying what they mean without saying what they can't.
"This book is like having an HR coach in your pocket. It gives you clear, respectful ways to handle awkward, tense, or even just everyday conversations at work. I've already used a few of the phrases during meetings and emails, and they worked."
"I'm not the most naturally confident communicator, especially when it comes to giving feedback or handling tricky office conversations. This book seriously helped me reframe how I speak to coworkers. It's like having a cheat sheet for all those 'how do I say this without sounding rude?' moments."
"This was just what I needed for those awkward moments at work when you want to say something but have no idea how. The sample phrases are super practical and easy to tweak, especially when you need to say no or set a boundary without causing drama. The examples felt spot on, like yep, I have totally worked with that person."
"This book made me feel more confident in how I approach tricky conversations at work. It gives smart, professional ways to say things without sounding robotic or rude. I've already used a few of the phrases, and they really work. Less tension, better results."
"This book is a workplace gem. The author offers smart, HR-friendly ways to handle all kinds of conversations. It's like having a communication coach in your pocket. A must-have for anyone who wants to build better relationships and navigate work conversations with confidence and respect."
"I have always struggled with how to say things at work without sounding too blunt or too soft. This book gave me actual phrases I could use, especially during tough conversations. I used one of the tips last week in a meeting and it totally shifted the vibe. If you work with people, this is super helpful to keep around."
"I loved the advice to respond with upbeat, positive, and respectful humor in the case of someone messaging you at late night. There's a genius way to respond that is both firm but kind. There is so much more like this that is excellent not only for coworker interactions, but interpersonal interactions in general."
"It's full of clear, specific ways to handle all kinds of conversations at work, from giving feedback to dealing with difficult situations. The examples are easy to understand and apply. I've already used a few of the tips and they made my interactions smoother and more confident."
"This really nails how it feels to deal with difficult coworkers and still keep things professional. It shares smart, HR-safe phrases you can actually use, so you can stand up for yourself without causing drama. Some parts even made me smile. If your workplace feels like a daily challenge, this is definitely worth your time."
Get the Book. Start Saying the Right Things.
Available now on Amazon. Also makes a great gift for that one coworker who really needs it.
HR Approved Ways To Say (Almost) Anything To Coworkers
- 500+ Ready-to-Use Phrases
- Real Workplace Scenarios
- Three-Tier Response System
- Quick Reference Guides
HR Approved Ways To Tell Employees Anything
- 570+ Manager Phrases
- Performance Conversation Scripts
- "Thinking vs. Saying" Translations
- Built for Supervisors
Buying for your team? Most readers grab 10 or more copies at a time.
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Every month we track which phrases your peers are using most. New phrases, delivered to you monthly.