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Jefferson Fisher

The best way to respond to "Don't be so sensitive."

Published 5 days ago • 2 min read
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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 emotion it needed and half the clarity.

Here are 2 things to help next time this happens:

  • Give your brain a quiet self-command. Short phrases that start with a verb: “Choose steady.” “Lead with facts.” “Listen first.” Say it in your head as you inhale. It sets the lane before the words show up. Sounds small. Works big.
  • Drop your voice, not your point. When emotions go up, pitch often follows. When pitch goes up, credibility goes down. Lower your tone. Slow your pace. Finish your sentence going down, not up. “I hear what you’re saying. And here’s where I see it differently.”

#2. Communication Tip: How to respond to "Don't be so sensitive."

Most people either shrink or escalate. Both let the other person run the conversation. Try this: “I’m not being sensitive. I’m being direct about what I need.”

Rejects the label. Reframes what you’re doing. Puts the focus back on the actual issue. If they push: “You can disagree with what I said. But telling me how to feel isn’t going to move this forward.”

#3. Something I’m Currently Loving - Mill

Sierra and I started using Mill a few months ago. You scrape your plate into it — banana peels, egg shells, whatever — and overnight it turns everything into dry grounds you can use on your plants. No smell or mess. My kids think it's magic. Honestly, it kind of is.

👉 mill.com/jefferson — code JEFFERSON for up to $75 off plus a 90-day risk-free trial.

Thanks for being here,

J

P.S. Reply and tell me: what's one conversation where your emotions got the better of you? I read every one of these.

*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.

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

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Jefferson Fisher

Trial Attorney & Communication Expert

Simple, practical communication advice for your next conversation.

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