profile

Jefferson Fisher

how to respond to inappropriate questions

Published over 1 year ago • 1 min read
​

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 anything your words can.

2: Ask, “Is this important to you?” or “Why should you know?”

I like to use these phrases because they’re a little more direct and give off the idea that you are not important enough to me for me to share this with you.

3: “I like to keep a little mystery.”

If you need to keep it lighthearted, pause and say this phrase.

They appreciate the humor and catch the drift that you’re not going to answer.

And that’s how to respond to an inappropriate question.

J

P.S. Sometimes the most powerful answer is the one you don’t give.

Silence can be your sharpest tool, especially when it leaves them questioning their own words.

*Sponsorship Transparency: I only recommend products we use and trust. If I wouldn’t put it in my own home, I won’t put it in yours. Simple as that.

Read all of my past emails here.

Inbox overloaded? Set your email frequency here.​

No longer want to hear from me? Unsubscribe.​

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, My daughter taught me a secret handshake this week. It took about four tries to get it right. But somewhere in those four tries I was reminded that communication is much more than words. It's how you show up. When you show up. Whether you put down your mental to-do list and give them your full attention. Presence is a form of communication. Sometimes it's the loudest thing you can give. Let's get into this week's 3 things. #1. From My Inbox: "How do I manage my delivery when...

13 days ago • 2 min read

Hey Reader, This week's guest, Dr. Shadé Zahrai, is one of the loveliest humans I've ever met. She has a PhD in why you can't get out of your own head. I've known Shadé for close to two years, and every time we sit down, she rewires the way I think. In this episode, Shadé and I get into the science of self-doubt, including her on-air "doubt quiz" from her new book Big Trust, where she told me (in front of y'all!), where I crack. Here's what we cover: The five voices of self-doubt Why...

15 days ago • 1 min read

Hey Reader, Spring is here and I’ve been enjoying time outside with my kids. This week my son and I dug a hole in the yard. I was surprised how much good conversation can happen when an 8-year-old boy has a shovel and some dirt! This week, I hope you can make some time to get outside and dig into a good conversation too. Here are this week’s 3 things: an inbox question, a communication tip, and something I’m currently loving. #1. From My Inbox: "I love your tips. But, how do I remember what...

20 days ago • 2 min read