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, If you know someone who is in pain and the first words you say to them are, "Tell me if you need anything," or "Let me know if there's anything I can do"...that's the wrong thing to say. How you communicate when someone is hurting can mean the difference between growing closer in the relationship or losing it. In this week's episode, I'm teaching you how to show up when someone you love is hurting. You'll learn: The well-meant phrase that makes it worse Why the best comfort leans...

Hey Reader, We're heading home from Australia this week, and I'm grateful. We loved our time Down Under. Still, there's no place like home. Over the years, I’ve noticed most of the questions people ask me are about communicating with the people under their own roof: their spouses, siblings, children, and even their grown kids. So this week is about home. :) #1. From My Inbox “My adult children and I have radically different views about religion, politics and just the world in general. Do you...

Hey Reader, One of my favorite things is reading emails from listeners. This week I received one that grabbed my attention. She said, “I love your book and podcast, but your car videos are still my favorite.” The truth is, I like making car videos. There’s something special about sitting in the truck with just a microphone and a pink carseat in the back, talking directly to you. So, this week I’m back in the truck discussing a hot button topic: bad bosses. You can't always choose your boss....