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Jefferson Fisher

when they won’t stop talking…

Published about 2 years ago • 1 min read

My newest podcast episode called “What to Say When You Cry in an Argument” is out! Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or your favorite podcast platform.

Hey Reader,

We’ve all been there—stuck in a conversation or a Zoom call where one person just won’t stop talking.

They’re dominating the conversation, leaving no room for anyone else to speak.

What do you do?

Here’s how to handle people who dominate conversation:

1: Interrupt them by using their name.

Don’t wait for a break in the conversation. Start with a low tone and say, “Hey David.” Keep repeating yourself and use a higher tone until you get their attention.

2: Filter and pass.

By filtering, we just interpret what they said for them. For example, “I hear you saying that you don’t like the budget cuts from last week. I totally get that.”

Then you’ll pass it. Example: “I’d like to hear what Megan has to say about this.”

3: Put a time limit on it.

I like to say, “Hey David, I got 2 minutes and then I’ve gotta bounce and knock some stuff out.” Whatever time you give, you have to stick to it.

Use patience and good judgment to allow people to say what they need to say.

But if they’re not respecting your time, you have to step in to protect it.

And that’s how you handle people who dominate conversation.

J

P.S. My newest podcast episode called “What to Say When You Cry in an Argument” is out.

Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or your favorite podcast platform.

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

Jefferson Fisher

Trial Attorney & Communication Expert

Simple, practical communication advice for your next conversation.

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