Communication Skills for Supervisors

Turn Expectations, Feedback and Difficult Conversations into Clear Action

Supervisors communicate constantly—through instructions, questions, meetings, emails, feedback and the issues they choose not to address. Unclear or inconsistent communication creates avoidable conflict, rework and mistrust.

This practical course helps supervisors communicate with greater clarity, consistency and respect.

Four-hour version: $125 per participant
Eight-hour version: $200 per participant
Delivery: Onsite or live online
Private-class minimum: Seven-participant billing minimum
Maximum class size: 20 participants
Knowledge check: 20–25 multiple-choice questions; 70% required
Completion document: Tampa Bay Training certificate with no expiration
Optional handbook: $10

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Who Should Attend?

• New and experienced supervisors
• Crew leaders and team leads
• Project and program managers
• Department and division managers
• Employees preparing for leadership responsibilities

Learning Objectives

Participants will be prepared to:

• Match the message, method and timing to the situation
• Set clear expectations and confirm understanding
• Use active listening and effective questions
• Separate observable facts from assumptions
• Provide useful reinforcing and corrective feedback
• Prepare for difficult conversations
• Communicate across roles, generations and work environments
• Reduce defensiveness and misunderstanding
• Document important communication appropriately
• Recognize when to involve management, HR, safety or another resource

Practice and Role-Play

Activities may include:

• Converting vague instructions into clear expectations
• Listening and paraphrasing exercises
• Delivering specific performance feedback
• Responding to disagreement or resistance
• Conducting a difficult supervisory conversation
• Selecting the appropriate communication channel
• Preparing a follow-up summary

The eight-hour version provides additional practice, coaching and workplace application.

Assessment and Certificate

Successful completion requires attendance, active participation, completion of the communication activity and at least 70% on the knowledge check.

Participants receive a Tampa Bay Training certificate showing four or eight instructional hours. The certificate does not expire.

Important Boundary

The course develops general supervisory communication skills. It does not replace the employer's procedures or qualified HR/legal guidance for discipline, accommodation, protected activity, collective bargaining, discrimination, harassment or other sensitive employment matters.

Live Online Participation

Live online participants must use a desktop or laptop computer with a stable internet connection and working camera, microphone and speakers. Mobile phones are not accepted as the primary device. Each participant must remain visible and engaged and complete their own activities and knowledge check.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a public-speaking class?

No. Public speaking may be discussed, but the primary focus is everyday supervisory communication.

Can the instructor use our workplace examples?

Yes. Examples should be anonymized and provided in advance when possible.

Will participants practice difficult conversations?

Yes. Role-play and practical communication activities are part of both formats, with more extensive practice in the eight-hour course.

Registration and Private Scheduling

Selected public sessions may be advertised through Eventbrite. Private onsite and live online training are available.

Phone: 813-360-1526
Email: service@tampabaytraining.com

View Upcoming Classes

Request Private Training