profile

Jefferson Fisher

how to bring up sensitive topics

Published over 1 year ago • 1 min read

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.

Start with the phrase, “I wonder.”

For example, “I wonder what you’d say if I were to ask you for X, Y, and Z.”

This works because it allows you to test the waters by focusing on what they would say if you were to actually ask.

Strategy #3: The chance.

Start your sentence with the phrase, “What’s the chance?” Or, “What are the odds?”

For example, “What’s the chance that we can talk about this?” Or, “What are the odds that you’d be willing to share this with me?”

This works because even if they disagree, they’re almost always willing to give it a chance.

Sensitive topics don’t have to be scary.

With the right approach, you can turn sensitive topics into meaningful and constructive conversations.

J

P.S. What topic should I write about in next week’s email? Hit “reply” and let me know.

Read all of my past emails here.

Not getting the info you want? Update your preferences. No longer want to hear from me? Unsubscribe here.​

156 S. Main Street Ste 300 #769, Lumberton, TX 77657

Jefferson Fisher

Trial Attorney & Communication Expert

Simple, practical communication advice for your next conversation.

Read more from Jefferson Fisher

Hey Reader, You try to explain yourself. You slow it down. You walk them through the logic. But somehow, you leave the conversation more exhausted than when you started. It's not a simple misunderstanding. It's a pattern. In this week’s podcast episode, I break down why reasoning never works with someone who has narcissistic tendencies—and exactly what does. This week, you’ll learn: Why logic and explanations only give them leverage How these conversations quietly turn into endurance tests...

4 days ago • 1 min read

Hey Reader, I was working with a client last week who kept apologizing before she spoke. "Sorry, quick question—" "Sorry to interrupt, but—" "Sorry, this might be dumb—" She wasn't actually sorry, she was just talking. And every time she said it, everyone in the room took her less seriously. Here's what I told her to stop doing (and what you should stop doing too): #1. Stop saying "I'm sorry" when you didn't do anything wrong. If you mess up, say you're sorry. But if you're asking a question...

9 days ago • 1 min read

Hey Reader, Are you waiting for the perfect time to have a difficult conversation? I’ve got news for you: it’s not coming. In this week’s podcast episode, I’m breaking down when to say the thing you’ve been putting off: your truth, your boundary, or the hard conversation you keep telling yourself you’ll have “later”. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why waiting for the “right moment” actually makes conversations harder A simple 3-question framework to know when to speak up The 24-hour rule I...

11 days ago • 1 min read