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, The response to the new format has been amazing — thank you. Again this week I'll answer another inbox question, give a communication tip, and share something I'm currently loving. Let’s jump into our 3 things: #1. From My Inbox: "How do I keep my emotions from hijacking high-stakes conversations?" What do you do when your boss questions your judgment in in a team meeting? Your face likely gets hot. Your chest tightens. You open your mouth and whatever comes out has twice the...

7 days ago • 2 min read

Hey Reader, Have you ever questioned the meaning of your life? I sat down with Arthur Brooks, a behavioral scientist at Harvard, happiness researcher, and author of The Meaning of Your Life. What I thought would be a conversation about happiness turned into one of the most meaningful hours I've had in a long time. He told me some things I haven't been able to shake. We talked about marriage, faith, imposter syndrome, and the one conversation Arthur witnessed on a plane that changed the entire...

9 days ago • 1 min read

Hey Reader, This week on a run, I realized I've made a lot of progress on my goal to move more. It wasn't fast or flashy. Just a little more each time. I'm a firm believer that's how most real progress works. Not in leaps, but in small shifts that build on each other. That goes for communication too, and it's what I want you to focus on today. Let’s jump into our 3 things this week: #1. From My Inbox: "How do I respectfully express an opposing view without creating tension?" When you disagree...

14 days ago • 1 min read