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Jefferson Fisher

what to say when you’ve said the wrong thing

Published 1 day ago • 1 min read
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Hey Reader,

You said something that came out wrong.

Maybe you hurt someone's feelings or confused them with your words.

You want to fix it, but you're not sure what to say.

Here's how to make it right:

#1. Acknowledge how it came across to them.

Begin with "I can see how that came across confusing" or "I can see how that came across hurtful."

If you want them to listen to you, validate their perception first.

#2. Follow it up with this exact phrase: "That was not my intention."

People are much more forgiving when your intention was good and you said the wrong thing versus when your intent was bad.

#3. Ask for a redo.

Say, "I'd like to try again" or "I'd like to start over."

When they say "okay," deliver on that promise.
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This shows that you're someone who can learn from their mistakes and invest in communication rather than conflict.

And that's how to fix it when you said the wrong thing.

J

P.S. Saying the wrong thing doesn’t define you. How you handle it does.

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Jefferson Fisher

Trial Attorney & Communication Expert

Simple, practical communication advice for your next conversation.

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