An essential part of coaching someone is giving them feedback about their performance - telling them what they are doing well, and also what they could do better. But knowing what to say and how to say it can create a lot of anxiety.

Marie is fearful about giving feedback to Claude, her colleague, because she can imagine his negative reaction. Many people are worried about how others will react to feedback.

So how can we overcome this fear? The best way is just to get started with the conversation because starting is the hardest part.

• Why are people so fearful of giving feedback, especially when it is about something that needs changing?
• How do you prepare yourself for giving feedback?
• What are some practical ways to get started?
• What do you say to get your message across effectively?
• How can you minimise, or even avoid, conflict developing?