when they won’t stop talking…



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.

Read all of my past emails here.

Not getting the info you want? Update your preferences. No longer want to hear from me? Unsubscribe here.

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

Jefferson Fisher

Simple, practical communication advice for your next conversation.

Read more from Jefferson Fisher

Hey Reader, This week's guest, Emma Grede, is one of the most charming people I've ever met. She's also someone you don't mess around with. In this episode, Emma and I talk about what it means to be ambitious as a woman, and why she doesn't "watch what she says." Here's what we cover: Why work-life balance is a myth (and what to focus on instead) The "old thought vs. new thought" framework that will shift how you see your career Why imposter syndrome is fake (and how her mom made sure she...

Hey Reader, I'll be on tour in Australia and New Zealand this July. Auckland, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Sydney. Melbourne's first show is already sold out. If you're in the area, grab your tickets now. Here we go. #1. From My Inbox: "How do I communicate with someone who's hurt but refuses to talk about it?" Stop trying to get them to talk. The harder you push, the higher the wall goes. Instead, drop the rope. Your job isn't to get answers now. It's to make it safe to answer later. Swap...

Hey Reader, Most people think having the hard conversation is what changes the relationship. It doesn't. Avoiding it does. In this week's podcast episode, I'm breaking down why the conversation you keep putting off is already costing you and exactly how to have it. Here's what you’ll learn: Why staying silent is changing things more than speaking up ever would Why "start with the end" cuts the anxiety out of a hard conversation before it even starts The mindset I use before every difficult...