what to say when someone talks down to you
Hey Reader, Someone talked down to you. How do you respond? Here are my 3 go-to responses: 1: Flip the script. When someone is belittling you, turn the tables. Say, “The way you’re treating me is beneath me.” It reverses the power dynamic, putting you back in control and forcing them to reconsider their approach. 2: Assert your authority. Use the words “allow” and “give” to maintain your stance. For example, “I will allow you to try that again,” or “I will give you the chance to rephrase.” It’s a clear signal that you’re in charge of how you’re treated. 3: Reset the terms. Lay down the ground rules with the phrase “I’m willing.” Like, “I’m willing to have this conversation if you speak to me respectfully.” It sets clear boundaries for how the interaction should continue. Next time someone talks down to you, remember these responses. They’re not just replies. They’re declarations of your self-respect. - J. P.S. Remember, it's not just about what they say, but how you respond. Keep these tips in your back pocket for those tricky conversations. |
Jefferson Fisher
Simple, practical communication advice for your next conversation.
Hey Reader, Thank you for the positive feedback on the new format last week. I’m glad you liked it. Quick recap, in case you missed it. My weekly newsletter will now have three sections: #1. An answer to a question from my inbox. #2. A communication tip you can try this week. #3. Something I’m currently loving. Let’s get into this week’s 3 things: #1. How do you handle a promise when the other person is not holding up their end? When a promise has conditions and the other person is not...
Hey Reader, My new book, The Next Conversation Workbook, is officially out. I wrote it to help you go deeper with the skills I teach. Because knowing what to say is one thing, but practicing it until it feels natural is another. This workbook is for you if… You’ve been following my advice but want help actually putting it into practice You want these skills to feel natural in real conversations You’re ready to stop second-guessing yourself and start using the right words when they matter most...
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