Translating conversation evidence to communication practice with Bedside Manners

Communication is how we get everything in social life done. It’s how we build relationships, have arguments, solve problems, and make decisions. All the little things in life and work are done through conversation.

And yet, most people have never been taught how conversation actually works, which is why I started Bedside Manners.

I’m Sarah and, as my year 9 science teacher said in my school report, I’m very good with language (though I suspect she meant I talked too much). I’m a social scientist specialising in the empirical methodology of Conversation Analysis. I am one of Australia’s leading experts in studying communication as it really happens, turn-by-turn, moment-by-moment. My career has been dedicated to understanding the details of real conversations and translating that into practical training that genuinely changes how people work.

And that’s what makes Bedside Manners different.

Bringing the science of real conversations into everyday practice

We specialise in practical, evidence-based communication training that is grounded in real interactions rather than theories, imagined conversations, or generic advice.

Here’s what that looks like:

Self‑paced mini‑courses

Short, focused modules designed for busy professionals who want to learn at their own pace while still gaining research-backed strategies they can use immediately.

Personalised one‑on‑one coaching

Tailored sessions that target your real communication challenges such as leading teams, giving feedback, being empathetic, managing conflict, or navigating high‑stakes conversations.

Interactive workshops

Highly practical training for organisations and professional colleges that want meaningful skills development that is based in research relating specifically to the needs and professional contexts of the learners.

Expert research

We specialise in providing conversation analysis expertise through research. We currently offer the only contract conversation analytic research services in Australia as well as the only online, asynchronous course on how to do conversation analysis.

All of this means that when you learn with Bedside Manners, you’re learning strategies that actually work because they come directly from studying real communication in real settings.

What makes Bedside Manners the best at what we do?

1. We’re evidence-based

Every strategy is grounded in real communication data, not intuition or outdated communication theory.

2. We don’t do one-size-fits-all

Communication is complex, so we don’t sell you one-size-fits all solutions. Your role, your context, and your real interactions shape how we work with you.

3. We focus on what people actually say, not what they think they say

Most training relies on role-play or hypothetical scenarios. We analyse real interactions to uncover what’s really happening.

4. We combine research expertise with internationally recognised experience in teaching

Years of professional and academic teaching experience means the training is accessible, engaging, and designed to stick.

Ready to elevate your communication?

Whether you're looking to strengthen your leadership skills, improve conversations with clients, colleagues, or patients, handle tricky interactions with confidence, or simply refine how you communicate every day, Bedside Manners can help.

We’re here to make communication your most powerful professional tool.

If you’re curious about working together, exploring coaching, or bringing workshops to your organisation, we’d love to hear from you.