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Jefferson Fisher

Simple, practical communication advice for your next conversation.

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how to respond to inappropriate questions

Hey Reader, Someone just asked you an inappropriate question. You feel uncomfortable and aren’t sure how to respond. What do you say? 1: Say nothing and ignore it. If you get an unwanted email, put it in the junk folder. If you get an unwanted call, you don’t answer it. In the same way, you don’t answer inappropriate questions. You give it five or ten seconds of silence and then look at them as if, “Is that really what you’re going to ask me?” Trust me. The silence is going to say more than...

Jefferson Talking

Hey Reader, You want to advocate for yourself more. But you’re not sure how to do that. You know you deserve to be heard, but finding the right words—and the confidence to say them—can be tough. In this week’s podcast episode, I’ll show you 3 simple strategies to stand up for yourself. Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or your favorite podcast platform. Plus, I’ll reveal how to choose your battles wisely, the power of dropping disclaimers, and how to say “no” without feeling the...

sign that reads gaslight

My newest podcast episode called “How to Increase Your Emotional Intelligence” is out! Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or your favorite podcast platform. Hey Reader, Arguing with a gaslighter is like playing a game where the rules constantly change. Their tactics are designed to make you doubt your own memories and emotions. So, here’s how to stay in control when arguing with a gaslighter: 1: Trust your gut. Don’t waste your energy trying to prove your version of events because...

Jefferson Talking

Hey Reader, We all have moments where our emotions get the best of us. Maybe it’s a tough conversation at work or a heated discussion at home. If you want to have more effective communication, you must increase your emotional intelligence. In this episode, I’ll show you 3 simple steps to help you control your emotions and communicate how you’re feeling and what you need. Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or your favorite podcast platform. Plus, I’ll answer a listener’s question...

Jefferson Talking

Hey Reader, You’re in a heated argument, and suddenly, tears start to well up. No matter how hard you try, you can’t stop them from falling. What do you do when you cry during an argument? In this episode, I’m revealing 3 simple rules you must follow when you cry in an argument. Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or your favorite podcast platform. Plus, I’ll talk about common mistakes people make when emotions run high. And how you can avoid them to stay in control and get your...

two gray microphones

My newest podcast episode called “What to Say When You Cry in an Argument” is out! Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or your favorite podcast platform. Hey Reader, We’ve all been there—stuck in a conversation or a Zoom call where one person just won’t stop talking. They’re dominating the conversation, leaving no room for anyone else to speak. What do you do? Here’s how to handle people who dominate conversation: 1: Interrupt them by using their name. Don’t wait for a break in the...

I'm Sorry Scrabble Tiles

Are you in Southern California? Come meet me today 👋 Join me at Norma Hertzog Community Center in Orange County on Thursday, August 15th (yes, that's today!) at 6:30 pm PST for a keynote and Q&A with me. I'll be speaking in collaboration with and support for the Orange County Library. This event is completely free and open to the public. I’d love to meet you and say hello in person. Click here to get all the details. Hey Reader, Ever received an apology that didn’t feel genuine? How do you...

Tiptoeing on a Beam

Hey Reader, Navigating sensitive topics can be like tiptoeing through a minefield. It’s hard to know how the other person will react. But you can control what you say and how you say it. Next time you need to bring up a sensitive topic, try these 3 strategies: Strategy #1: The invitation. Start with “When would be a good time?” For instance, “When would be a good time to talk about my compensation?” This works because the focus is on the time, not the topic. Strategy #2: The hypothetical....

Jefferson Fisher Podcast

Hey Reader, I have something really special for you this week... You want to handle interruptions kindly. But you're not sure how to assert yourself without escalating the situation. In my newest podcast episode, I'm revealing 3 simple ways to handle interruptions effectively. Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or your favorite podcast platform. These strategies will help you maintain control of the conversation and make sure your voice is heard. Plus, I share common mistakes...

person holding white ceramic mug

Hey Reader, Someone keeps putting words in your mouth. But you don’t know what to do. Here’s exactly how to respond… 1: “I get to decide that.” When someone tries to assume your words or intent with phrases like, “You don’t even care. This doesn’t matter to you,” don’t get defensive. Instead, calmly assert yourself and say, “I get to decide that.” What you’re saying is the only person who gets to decide how I feel is me. 2: Use their words against them. Use their words against them to clarify...