profile

Jefferson Fisher

when they won’t stop talking…

Published over 1 year 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.

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

Trial Attorney & Communication Expert

Simple, practical communication advice for your next conversation.

Read more from Jefferson Fisher

Hey Reader, The response to the new format has been amazing — thank you. Again this week I'll answer another inbox question, give a communication tip, and share something I'm currently loving. Let’s jump into our 3 things: #1. From My Inbox: "How do I keep my emotions from hijacking high-stakes conversations?" What do you do when your boss questions your judgment in in a team meeting? Your face likely gets hot. Your chest tightens. You open your mouth and whatever comes out has twice the...

5 days ago • 2 min read

Hey Reader, Have you ever questioned the meaning of your life? I sat down with Arthur Brooks, a behavioral scientist at Harvard, happiness researcher, and author of The Meaning of Your Life. What I thought would be a conversation about happiness turned into one of the most meaningful hours I've had in a long time. He told me some things I haven't been able to shake. We talked about marriage, faith, imposter syndrome, and the one conversation Arthur witnessed on a plane that changed the entire...

7 days ago • 1 min read

Hey Reader, This week on a run, I realized I've made a lot of progress on my goal to move more. It wasn't fast or flashy. Just a little more each time. I'm a firm believer that's how most real progress works. Not in leaps, but in small shifts that build on each other. That goes for communication too, and it's what I want you to focus on today. Let’s jump into our 3 things this week: #1. From My Inbox: "How do I respectfully express an opposing view without creating tension?" When you disagree...

12 days ago • 1 min read