Handle Objections to Achieve Your Goals
A proven framework for turning resistance into productive conversations — and achieving better outcomes in every setting.
Every goal comes with resistance. Every opportunity comes with obstacles. Your ability to handle objections often determines whether you win — or walk away.
Stop Reacting. Start Responding.
Most people react to objections emotionally — becoming defensive, frustrated, or focused on proving themselves right. As a result, opportunities are lost, relationships are damaged, and goals remain out of reach.
In this highly interactive and practical session, Chris Sund shares a proven framework for turning objections into productive conversations. Participants learn the four essential principles of effective objection handling — patience, focus, tone, and the Golden Rule — along with the powerful LAARC Method: Listen, Acknowledge, Ask, Respond, Confirm.
Whether in sales, leadership, healthcare, recruiting, or everyday communication, attendees leave equipped to navigate resistance with confidence, build trust during difficult conversations, and create better outcomes — starting immediately.
The LAARC Method
A structured, five-step approach to navigating any objection — in any setting — with confidence and clarity.
Listen
Fully hear the objection before you respond. The pause is powerful — and most people skip it entirely.
Acknowledge
Validate the other person’s concern. Acknowledgment builds trust and lowers defensiveness before anything else can happen.
Ask
Ask a clarifying question to fully understand the real objection — because the stated concern is often not the actual one.
Respond
Now address it — with empathy, evidence, and intention. A well-timed response lands far better than a quick one.
Confirm
Close the loop. Confirm alignment, next steps, or shared understanding so the conversation ends with clarity — not ambiguity.
What Makes the LAARC Method Work
Four foundational principles that underpin every effective objection-handling conversation.
Patience
Resist the urge to fill silence. The pause gives you power — and gives the other person space to be heard.
Focus
Stay on the real issue, not the emotion. Focused communicators solve problems; reactive ones create new ones.
Tone
How you say it matters as much as what you say. Tone signals respect, confidence, and intent — before a single word lands.
The Golden Rule
Treat the other person the way you would want to be treated in the same moment. Empathy is not a soft skill — it’s a strategy.
What Your Audience Walks Away With
Five concrete, measurable outcomes — so attendees leave with skills they can apply the moment they walk out of the room.
Recognize Emotional Reactions
Differentiate between common emotional reactions and productive responses when faced with objections and resistance.
Apply the Four Principles
Use patience, focus, tone, and the Golden Rule to immediately improve communication outcomes in any setting.
Use the LAARC Method
Navigate objections in a structured, effective manner using Listen, Acknowledge, Ask, Respond, Confirm.
Build Trust Under Pressure
Demonstrate techniques that reduce defensiveness, build rapport, and create more productive conversations — even in difficult moments.
Increase Influence & Results
Employ objection-handling strategies to strengthen relationships, increase influence, and improve the likelihood of achieving personal and professional goals.
This Keynote Is a Fit For
The Feedback Speaks for Itself
Having Chris Sund as a Sarpy County Empower Breakfast speaker was a breath of fresh air. He brought up all the things that make us all a little crazy and gave us new ways of handling objections. Before I heard him I thought “Nice title, I wonder if he’ll deliver any new ideas.” He was amazing. Definitely a great start to a day. I would always be happy to recommend Chris.
Having just started a new role in Business Development, the timing was perfect. Chris is a great storyteller — the Lucky Bucket story illustrates how persistence and research can help you win. The focus on “the pause” and how we speak resonated deeply. How you talk matters — and though simple, it’s powerful.
Chris captivated the audience as he broke down the various objections recruiters face during the hiring process and demonstrated effective strategies for overcoming them. His explanation of the LAARC method was a standout — practical, clear, and immediately applicable. His session left me feeling more confident and better equipped to handle future hiring challenges.
Chris not only presented a very informative session at the NAHCR 2025 conference, but was incredibly flexible and moved his last presentation up due to unforeseen circumstances. I highly recommend Sund as a speaker for your event — I even wrote an article sharing takeaways from his presentation on hiring objections.
Need an Intro Script, AV Requirements, or Logistics?
Everything you need to plan a seamless Chris Sund keynote experience is on one dedicated page.
Bring This Keynote to Your Stage
Check availability, discuss your event goals, and receive a customized proposal.
Book This Keynote →Explore More
Speaking Engagements
A look at conferences, events, and organizations Chris Sund has worked with.
View Events →
All Speaking Programs
Explore all keynotes, workshops, and breakout sessions available for your event.
View All Programs →
For Event Planners
Sample intro, AV requirements, logistics, and testimonials — everything you need.
Planner Resources →About Chris
The real-world executive experience behind every keynote.
Learn More →