You’re excited to share something you’re proud of, and then someone jumps in with, “Oh, that’s nothing—I’ve done [insert bigger, better thing here].” It’s like they can’t help but make it a competition. Every win you share becomes their chance to one-up you. At first, it’s just annoying. But over time, it starts to wear on you. In this episode, I’m sharing 3 simple strategies to deal with one-uppers. You’ll learn how to protect your peace, set boundaries, and stop letting these moments steal your joy. If you found this helpful, be sure to subscribe and leave a 5-star review :) This episode is sponsored by Cozy Earth. Visit cozyearth.com/jefferson and use my exclusive 40% off code JEFFERSON to give the gift of luxury this holiday season. If you get a post purchase survey, say that you heard about Cozy Earth from The Jefferson Fisher Podcast! Pre-order my new book, The Next Conversation, today!  Suggest a topic or ask a question for me to answer on the show!  Want a FREE communication tip each week? Click here to join my newsletter.  Watch my podcast on YouTube  Follow me on Instagram  Follow me on LinkedIn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Someone brushes off their rude comments with, “It was just a joke.” Or they tell you, “Don’t take it personally,” or, “You’re too sensitive.”  These comments might seem small. But they can slowly tear down your self-esteem.  The good news? You don’t have to let them shake you.  In this episode, I’m sharing 3 simple ways to respond to dismissive comments. These strategies will help you protect your self-esteem, stand your ground, and respond to dismissive comments with confidence.   Like what you hear? Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a 5-star review!  This episode is sponsored by Cozy Earth. Visit cozyearth.com/jefferson and use my exclusive 40% off code JEFFERSON to give the gift of luxury this holiday season. If you get a post-purchase survey, say that you heard about Cozy Earth from The Jefferson Fisher Podcast! Pre-order my new book, The Next Conversation, today!  Suggest a topic or ask a question for me to answer on the show!  Want a FREE communication tip each week? Click here to join my newsletter.  Watch my podcast on YouTube  Follow me on Instagram  Follow me on LinkedIn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Someone says something that hits a nerve, and before you know it, you’re on the defensive.  Defensiveness is a normal reaction. But it can quickly escalate arguments and make things worse. Good news: there’s a better way to handle it. In this episode, I’m sharing 3 ways to stay calm and not get defensive—no matter how heated the conversation gets. These strategies will help you stay composed and avoid escalating the situation. So you can turn difficult conversations into productive ones.  Like what you hear? Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a 5-star review.  This episode is sponsored by Cozy Earth. Visit cozyearth.com/jefferson and use my exclusive 40% off code JEFFERSON to give the gift of luxury this holiday season. If you get a post purchase survey, say that you heard about Cozy Earth from The Jefferson Fisher Podcast! Pre-order my new book, The Next Conversation, today!  Suggest a topic or ask a question for me to answer on the show!  Want a FREE communication tip each week? Click here to join my newsletter.  Watch my podcast on YouTube  Follow me on Instagram  Follow me on LinkedIn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ever feel awkward when someone compliments you? You’re not alone. It’s easy to downplay, dismiss, or deflect compliments. But there’s a better way to respond to compliments. A way that shows appreciation, self-respect, and kindness. In this episode, I’m sharing 3 simple strategies to respond to compliments. Here’s what you’ll learn: #1: How to accept compliments without feeling the need to dodge or downplay them #2: Why a simple "thank you" can make you and the other person feel great #3: Ways to acknowledge compliments that strengthen your self-worth (and don’t involve saying “oh, I got it on sale”) These strategies will help you feel more comfortable accepting compliments, boost your confidence, and build stronger connections with those around you. This episode is sponsored by Cozy Earth. Visit cozyearth.com/jefferson and use my exclusive 40% off code JEFFERSON to give the gift of luxury this holiday season. If you get a post purchase survey, say that you heard about Cozy Earth from The Jefferson Fisher Podcast! If you enjoy this episode, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a 5-star review.  Pre-order my new book, The Next Conversation, today!  Suggest a topic or ask a question for me to answer on the show!  Want a FREE communication tip each week? Click here to join my newsletter.  Watch my podcast on YouTube  Follow me on Instagram  Follow me on LinkedIn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ever been in an argument where someone twists your words, denies things that happened, or makes you doubt your own reality? Gaslighting can be one of the most frustrating and confusing behaviors to deal with. It leaves you questioning your memory, feeling blamed, and wondering if you’re the problem. But here’s the good news: you don’t have to play by their rules. In this episode, I’m sharing 3 strategies to take back control when dealing with gaslighters. These aren’t just words. They’re practical tools to keep you calm, grounded, and in control when someone tries to distort the truth. If you’re ready to handle gaslighting with confidence, this episode will show you how. This episode is sponsored by Cozy Earth. Visit cozyearth.com/jefferson and use my exclusive 40% off code JEFFERSON to give the gift of luxury this holiday season. If you get a post purchase survey, say that you heard about Cozy Earth from The Jefferson Fisher Podcast! Pre-order my new book, The Next Conversation, today!  Suggest a topic or ask a question for me to answer on the show!  Want a FREE communication tip each week? Click here to join my newsletter.  Watch my podcast on YouTube  Follow me on Instagram  Follow me on LinkedIn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ever had that nagging feeling that someone isn’t being honest with you? It’s frustrating when you know something’s off, but you’re not sure how to address it. Especially without things getting messy. Here’s the good news: You don’t have to call someone out directly to get closer to the truth. In this episode, I’m breaking down 3 subtle ways to handle conversations when someone isn’t telling the whole story. These 3 strategies will help you keep your cool, let the other person’s honesty (or lack of it) reveal itself, and avoid getting tangled up in their story. Like what you hear? Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a 5-star review! Pre-order my new book, The Next Conversation, today! Suggest a topic or ask a question for me to answer on the show! Want a FREE communication tip each week? Click here to join my newsletter. Watch my podcast on YouTube Follow me on Instagram Follow me on LinkedIn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ever been caught off guard by a question that feels too personal, invasive, or just plain inappropriate? You’ve probably found yourself scrambling for the right way to respond—without getting flustered or defensive. Good news: You don’t have to answer those questions, and you don’t have to let them derail your confidence. In this episode, I’m breaking down 3 ways to deal with inappropriate questions that put you back in control, without causing a scene. These 3 approaches will help you respond with confidence, keeping the conversation in your hands and on your terms. Whether it’s at work, with family, or in social situations, these tips will help you handle those uncomfortable questions without missing a beat. Like what you hear? Subscribe to this podcast and leave a 5-star review! Pre-order my new book, The Next Conversation, today! Suggest a topic or ask a question for me to answer on the show! Want a FREE communication tip each week? Click here to join my newsletter. Watch my podcast on YouTube Follow me on Instagram Follow me on LinkedIn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Find yourself using filler words like “um” or “uh,” or ending your sentences with uncertainty? You want to sound more confident, but you’re not sure what to do. Good news: There’s an easy way to sound more confident in every conversation. In this episode, I’m sharing 3 ways to respond with clarity and confidence, even in high-pressure situations. You'll learn how to eliminate filler words, control the tone of your voice, and use phrases that make you sound assertive—without coming across as unsure or hesitant. Like what you hear? Subscribe to this podcast and leave a 5-star review. Pre-Order my new book, The Next Conversation Suggest a topic or ask a question for me to answer on the show! Want a FREE communication tip each week? Click here to join my newsletter. Watch my podcast on YouTube Follow me on Instagram Follow me on LinkedIn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ever found yourself in a heated argument with someone who just won't back down? Arguing with strong personalities can feel like you're constantly being overpowered, but there's a way to stay in control. In this episode, I’m sharing 3 strategies to help you navigate tough conversations with dominant personalities, without feeling powerless. These strategies will help you stay calm, keep the conversation productive, and confidently handle even the most forceful personalities—whether it’s at work, with friends, or around the dinner table. Like what you hear? Follow this podcast and leave a 5-star review! Pre-Order my new book, The Next Conversation Subscribe to my Newsletter Watch my podcast on YouTube Follow me on Instagram Follow me on LinkedIn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You’re stuck in a conversation that you wish you could escape. Maybe it’s office gossip, someone oversharing, or a topic that doesn’t interest you.  But you’re not sure how to get out without seeming rude. In this episode, I’m sharing my top 3 strategies to exit unwanted conversations—without being rude. You'll learn how to calmly disengage, acknowledge without agreeing, and even directly express that you want to avoid certain topics. These simple techniques will help you navigate tricky conversations with ease, saving you time and patience. Like what you hear? Subscribe to this podcast and leave a 5-star review! Pre-Order my new book, The Next Conversation Subscribe to my Newsletter Watch my podcast on YouTube Follow me on Instagram Follow me on LinkedIn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ever had someone put you down, but you weren’t sure how to respond? You don’t need to get defensive or fire back. There’s a better way. In this episode, I’m sharing 3 strategies to handle belittling comments with confidence and control. These strategies will help you stay calm, avoid escalating the situation, and hold your ground when someone tries to belittle you. Like what you hear? Subscribe to this podcast and leave a 5-star review. ——— Pre-Order my new book, The Next Conversation Subscribe to my Newsletter Watch my podcast on YouTube Follow me on Instagram Follow me on LinkedIn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ever find yourself in an argument where the other person gets defensive, no matter what you say? In this episode, I’m sharing 3 easy phrases that can help you calm things down and handle defensive behavior—even when tensions are high. Plus, I’ll show you how small changes in your approach can turn defensive reactions into productive discussions. These strategies will help you manage conflict, defuse defensiveness, and stay in control of any tough conversation. Want more? Pre-Order my book The Next Conversation Subscribe to my Youtube Subscribe to my Newsletter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

No matter what you say, a narcissist either wants praise or want to provoke you into frustration. It’s a tricky game—but there’s a way to handle it without getting pulled into the mess. In this episode, I’m sharing 3 key strategies for talking to narcissists while keeping your cool and staying in control of the conversation. Plus, I’ll explain how you can flip the script to make sure the conversation stays productive and doesn’t escalate into conflict. Like what you hear? Subscribe to this podcast and leave a 5-star review. ——— Pre-Order my book The Next Conversation Want a FREE communication tip each week? Click here to join my newsletter. Watch my podcast on YouTube Follow me on Instagram Follow me on LinkedIn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You want to advocate for yourself more. But you’re not sure how to do that. You know you deserve to be heard, but finding the right words—and the confidence to say them—can be tough. In this episode, I’ll show you 3 simple strategies to stand up for yourself. Plus, I’ll reveal how to choose your battles wisely, the power of dropping disclaimers, and how to say “no” without feeling the need to justify it. These strategies will help you assert your worth, set clear boundaries, and navigate difficult conversations with confidence. Like what you hear? Subscribe to this podcast and leave a 5-star review! Pre-Order my book The Next Conversation Want a FREE communication tip each week? Click here to join my newsletter. Watch my podcast on YouTube Follow me on Instagram Follow me on LinkedIn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We all have moments where our emotions get the best of us. Maybe it’s a tough conversation at work or a heated discussion at home. If you want to have more effective communication, you must increase your emotional intelligence. In this episode, I’ll show you 3 simple steps to help you control your emotions and communicate how you’re feeling and what you need. Plus, I’ll answer a listener’s question about dealing with that one person who always gets under your skin. I’ll also point out common mistakes to avoid when emotions are high, so you can keep your talks on track and effective. Like what you hear? Subscribe to this podcast and leave a 5-star review! ____________ Pre-Order my book The Next Conversation Want a FREE communication tip each week? Click here to join my newsletter. Want to book Jefferson to speak? Click here to contact his team. Watch my podcast on YouTube Follow me on Instagram Follow me on LinkedIn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You’re in a heated argument, and suddenly, tears start to well up. No matter how hard you try, you can’t stop them from falling. What do you do when you cry during an argument? In this episode, I’m revealing 3 simple rules you must follow when you cry in an argument. These strategies will help you maintain your composure, communicate effectively, and keep the conversation on track. Plus, I’ll talk about common mistakes people make when emotions run high and how you can avoid them to stay in control and get your point across. Like what you hear? Subscribe to this podcast and leave a 5-star review. ____________ Pre-Order my book The Next Conversation Want a FREE communication tip each week? Click here to join my newsletter. Watch my podcast on YouTube Follow me on Instagram Follow me on LinkedIn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ever received an apology that didn’t feel genuine? How do you react and what do you say? In this episode, I’m revealing 3 types of bad apologies and how you need to respond. When you use these 3 strategies to deal with bad apologies, you’ll get the accountability you deserve without making things worse. You can stand up for yourself and keep the conversation respectful. I’ll teach you how in this episode. Like what you hear? Subscribe to this podcast and leave a 5-star review. Pre-Order my book The Next Conversation Want a FREE communication tip each week? Click here to join my newsletter. Want to book Jefferson to speak? Click here to contact his team. Watch my podcast on YouTube Follow me on Instagram Follow me on LinkedIn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You want to handle interruptions kindly, but you're not sure how to assert yourself without escalating the situation. In this episode, I'm revealing 3 simple ways to handle interruptions effectively. These strategies will help you maintain control of the conversation and make sure your voice is heard. Plus, I share common mistakes people make when dealing with interruptions and how to avoid them. You can stand up for yourself while keeping the conversation productive and respectful. This episode will show you how. Like what you hear? Subscribe to this podcast and leave a 5 star review. ——— Want a FREE communication tip each week? Click here to join my newsletter. Want to book Jefferson to speak? Click here to contact his team. Watch my podcast on YouTube Follow me on Instagram Follow me on LinkedIn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How should you respond to rude comments? Do you say something? And if so, what do you say? In this episode, I’m revealing 3 ways to respond to rude comments. Plus, I’m sharing a few common mistakes to avoid that can make these interactions worse instead of better. You can turn a potentially negative encounter into a constructive one. I’ll show you how in this episode. Like what you hear? Subscribe to this podcast and leave a 5 star review. ——— Want a FREE communication tip each week? Subscribe to my newsletter Watch my podcast on Youtube Follow me on Instagram Follow me on LinkedIn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You want to sound more assertive. But you’re not sure what to say or how to say it. In this episode, I’m revealing 3 simple ways to instantly sound more assertive. These are easy phrases you can say to sound more confident and communicate your needs clearly. Plus, I share several common mistakes people make when trying to be assertive and how to avoid them. So you stand up for yourself and keep your conversations respectful and productive. Like what you hear? Subscribe to this podcast and leave a 5 star review. ——— Want a FREE communication tip each week?  Click here to join my newsletter. Watch my podcast on YouTube Follow me on Instagram Follow me on LinkedIn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices