How to Handle Defensiveness in Communication: Tips for Healthier Conversations

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 https://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! Like what you hear? Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a 5-star review! Listen and Follow on Spotify https://bit.ly/TJFP-Spotify Listen and Follow on Apple Podcasts https://bit.ly/JFP-Apple Suggest a topic or ask a question for me to answer on the next episode! https://www.jeffersonfisher.com/topic Pre-order my new book: http://www.thenextconversation.com Subscribe to my newsletter: https://www.jeffersonfisher.com/newsl... Follow me on ⁠Instagram⁠: / jefferson_fisher Follow me on ⁠LinkedIn: / jeffersonfisher Follow me on TikTok: / justaskjefferson Follow me on X/Twitter: https://x.com/jefferson_fishr

Jefferson Fisherhost

Nov 19, 202417mWatch on YouTube ↗

EPISODE INFO

Released: November 19, 2024
Duration: 17m
Channel: The Jefferson Fisher Podcast
Watch on YouTube: ▶ Open ↗

EPISODE DESCRIPTION

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 https://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! Like what you hear? Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a 5-star review! Listen and Follow on Spotify https://bit.ly/TJFP-Spotify Listen and Follow on Apple Podcasts https://bit.ly/JFP-Apple Suggest a topic or ask a question for me to answer on the next episode! https://www.jeffersonfisher.com/topic Pre-order my new book: http://www.thenextconversation.com Subscribe to my newsletter: https://www.jeffersonfisher.com/newsl... Follow me on ⁠Instagram⁠: / jefferson_fisher Follow me on ⁠LinkedIn: / jeffersonfisher Follow me on TikTok: / justaskjefferson Follow me on X/Twitter: https://x.com/jefferson_fishr

SPEAKERS

Jefferson Fisher
host
Communication coach and host of the Jefferson Fisher channel, focused on healthier conversation skills and conflict communication.

EPISODE SUMMARY

In this episode of The Jefferson Fisher Podcast, featuring Jefferson Fisher, How to Handle Defensiveness in Communication: Tips for Healthier Conversations explores defuse defensiveness with pauses, “I” statements, and safer feedback phrasing Defensiveness is a natural fight-or-flight reaction to perceived threats like disagreement, correction, or being told what to do, and it quickly shuts down listening on both sides.

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