how to bring up sensitive topics



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

Simple, practical communication advice for your next conversation.

Read more from Jefferson Fisher

Hey Reader, Ever caught yourself arguing in the shower or in the car—before the real conversation even happened? Your body doesn’t know it’s imaginary. It reacts like it’s real. And that’s why you sometimes walk into a conversation already anxious, defensive, or on edge This week I sat down with my friend Dr. John Delony—two-time PhD, crisis responder, and mental health expert—to talk about how anxiety impacts the way we communicate. Here’s what you’ll learn: Why “I’m fine” is often the...

Hey Reader, You’ve been stuck listening to someone complain. It drains your energy, and you’re not sure how to respond without getting pulled in. Here’s what you can do…#1. Make them keep going. If they’re complaining, it’s typically a sign of a much bigger problem, so you want them to get it all out. #2. Instead of criticizing them, create a path for them. Instead of getting defensive when they complain to you, say, “Ok, tell me more.” Let them keep complaining until they empty their box of...

This newsletter is sponsored by Pique. Hey Reader, You can’t control someone else’s emotions. But you can control how much power those emotions have over you. That’s the key to this week’s episode. Because let’s be honest—when the other person gets angry, upset, or defensive, it’s easy to lose your footing. In this episode, I’ll show you exactly how to stay grounded, steady, and in control—even when emotions run high. This newsletter is sponsored by Pique. This week, you’ll learn: How to spot...