The Difficult Conversations Bot: Fostering Empathy and Reflective Communication

Presenters:
Catheryn Reardon & Jim Dunnigan

The Difficult Conversations Bot is an AI-powered simulation designed to help educators and staff practice navigating sensitive or emotionally charged discussions in a safe, reflective environment. Participants engage in realistic role-play scenarios, such as conversations with students, colleagues, or parents, while receiving feedback that fosters empathy, active listening, and ethical communication. The project aims to enhance relational awareness, social-emotional skills, and principled decision-making across educational settings through experiential learning and guided self-reflection.