What to Say When Texts Go Badly

Ever get a text message that makes you wonder, “What am I even supposed to say to that?”. In this episode, I’m breaking down real text messages and emails from people dealing with difficult conversations at work, with family, and in friendships. From passive-aggressive bosses and controlling coworkers to family tension and hurt feelings, I’ll show you what works, what makes things worse, and what you can say instead. Because sometimes, changing just a few words can change the entire conversation. Leave me a voicemail to be featured on the show! - https://www.jeffersonfisher.com/ask-jefferson Order The Next Conversation Workbook: https://www.jeffersonfisher.com/workbook Want a FREE communication tip each week? Click here to join my newsletter. https://www.jeffersonfisher.com/newsletter Thank you to our Sponsors: Athena: Go to https://athenacom/jefferson and hire a top tier EA. BetterHelp. Click https://betterhelp.com/jeffersonfisher for a discount on your first month of therapy. Like what you hear? Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a 5-star review! Order my new book, The Next Conversation, today! https://www.jeffersonfisher.com/book Suggest a topic or ask a question for me to answer on the show! https://www.jeffersonfisher.com/topic Join my School of Communication. https://www.jeffersonfisher.com/membership Follow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jefferson_fisher Follow me on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@justaskjefferson?lang=en Follow me on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffersonfisher/

Jefferson Fisherhost

Oct 13, 202632mWatch on YouTube ↗

EPISODE INFO

Released: October 13, 2026
Duration: 32m
Channel: The Jefferson Fisher Podcast
Watch on YouTube: ▶ Open ↗

EPISODE DESCRIPTION

Ever get a text message that makes you wonder, “What am I even supposed to say to that?”. In this episode, I’m breaking down real text messages and emails from people dealing with difficult conversations at work, with family, and in friendships. From passive-aggressive bosses and controlling coworkers to family tension and hurt feelings, I’ll show you what works, what makes things worse, and what you can say instead. Because sometimes, changing just a few words can change the entire conversation. Leave me a voicemail to be featured on the show! - https://www.jeffersonfisher.com/ask-jefferson Order The Next Conversation Workbook: https://www.jeffersonfisher.com/workbook Want a FREE communication tip each week? Click here to join my newsletter. https://www.jeffersonfisher.com/newsletter Thank you to our Sponsors: Athena: Go to https://athenacom/jefferson and hire a top tier EA. BetterHelp. Click https://betterhelp.com/jeffersonfisher for a discount on your first month of therapy. Like what you hear? Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a 5-star review! Order my new book, The Next Conversation, today! https://www.jeffersonfisher.com/book Suggest a topic or ask a question for me to answer on the show! https://www.jeffersonfisher.com/topic Join my School of Communication. https://www.jeffersonfisher.com/membership Follow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jefferson_fisher Follow me on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@justaskjefferson?lang=en Follow me on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffersonfisher/

SPEAKERS

Jefferson Fisher
host
Host of The Jefferson Fisher Podcast and a communication coach sharing practical advice for handling difficult conversations.

EPISODE SUMMARY

In this episode of The Jefferson Fisher Podcast, featuring Jefferson Fisher, What to Say When Texts Go Badly explores real-world scripts for defusing tense texts at home and work Jefferson Fisher reviews real texts/emails that “go badly” and models language that lowers defensiveness while keeping boundaries.

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