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The Next Conversation: Argue Less, Talk More
Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Readers' Favorite Audiobook (2025)From communication expert Jefferson Fisher, the definitive book on making your next conversation the one that changes everything
No matter who you’re talking to, The Next Conversation gives you immediately actionable strategies and phrases that will forever change how you communicate. Jefferson Fisher, trial lawyer and one of the leading voices on real-world communication, offers a tried-and-true framework that will show you how to transform your life and your relationships by improving your next conversation.
Fisher has gained millions of followers through short, simple, practical videos teaching people how to argue less and talk more. Whether it’s handling a heated conversation, dealing with a difficult personality, or standing your ground with confidence, his down-to-earth teachings have helped countless people navigate life’s toughest situations. Now for the first time, Fisher has distilled his three-part communication system (Say it with control, Say it with confidence, Say it to connect) that can easily be applied to any situation.
You will learn:
- Why you should never “win” an argument
- How to assert yourself and communicate with intention
- How to set boundaries and frame conversations
- Why saying less is often more
- How to overcome conflict with connection
The Next Conversation will give you practical phrases that will lead to powerful results, from breaking down defensiveness in a hard talk with a family member to finding your own assertive voice at the boardroom conference table. Your every word matters, and by controlling how you communicate every day, you will create waves of positive impact that will resonate throughout your relationships to last a lifetime.
Everything you want to say, and how you want to say it, can be found in The Next Conversation.
No matter who you’re talking to, The Next Conversation gives you immediately actionable strategies and phrases that will forever change how you communicate. Jefferson Fisher, trial lawyer and one of the leading voices on real-world communication, offers a tried-and-true framework that will show you how to transform your life and your relationships by improving your next conversation.
Fisher has gained millions of followers through short, simple, practical videos teaching people how to argue less and talk more. Whether it’s handling a heated conversation, dealing with a difficult personality, or standing your ground with confidence, his down-to-earth teachings have helped countless people navigate life’s toughest situations. Now for the first time, Fisher has distilled his three-part communication system (Say it with control, Say it with confidence, Say it to connect) that can easily be applied to any situation.
You will learn:
- Why you should never “win” an argument
- How to assert yourself and communicate with intention
- How to set boundaries and frame conversations
- Why saying less is often more
- How to overcome conflict with connection
The Next Conversation will give you practical phrases that will lead to powerful results, from breaking down defensiveness in a hard talk with a family member to finding your own assertive voice at the boardroom conference table. Your every word matters, and by controlling how you communicate every day, you will create waves of positive impact that will resonate throughout your relationships to last a lifetime.
Everything you want to say, and how you want to say it, can be found in The Next Conversation.
336 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2025
5675 people are currently reading
35680 people want to read
About the author
Jefferson Fisher
12 books698 followersHi, I’m Jefferson.
I’m a Texas board certified personal injury attorney.
In 2022, I began making videos of my practical communication tips to help people argue less and talk more. I recorded them the same way as I do today—in my car, in between hearings or after work.
Today, I'm one of the most respected voices on communication and arguments in the world. Millions of people and some of the world's leading brands come to me for advice and practical strategies to communicate more effectively.
I have a podcast called, The Jefferson Fisher Podcast, and I wrote a book called The Next Conversation.
I’m a Texas board certified personal injury attorney.
In 2022, I began making videos of my practical communication tips to help people argue less and talk more. I recorded them the same way as I do today—in my car, in between hearings or after work.
Today, I'm one of the most respected voices on communication and arguments in the world. Millions of people and some of the world's leading brands come to me for advice and practical strategies to communicate more effectively.
I have a podcast called, The Jefferson Fisher Podcast, and I wrote a book called The Next Conversation.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,449 reviews
May 4, 2025
I REALLY loved this book. It and "The New Emotional Intelligence" by Travis Bradberry are my favorite self-improvement books of 2025. Let me explain why I loved it so much. What makes this book stand out is its immediate applicability. Fisher doesn’t overload you with theory. Instead, he delivers straight-to-the-point techniques—like how to pause in the heat of conflict, frame feedback constructively, and set healthy boundaries without guilt.
For me it was a powerful guide to better communication—at work, at home, and everywhere in between. As a seasoned trial attorney and viral communication coach, Fisher distills his real-world experience into a highly practical framework that helps you navigate difficult conversations with clarity, calm, and connection.
At the heart of the book is Fisher’s signature “Three Cs” method:
Control your tone and reactions,
Speak with Confidence in your message,
And aim to Connect, not conquer.
His tone is refreshingly empathetic and empowering. Fisher encourages us to stop trying to win conversations and instead focus on keeping them going. That’s the key to building trust, solving problems, and strengthening relationships.
Whether you’re a team leader, a parent, a partner, or just someone who wants to stop dreading hard conversations, The Next Conversation offers the mindset and tools to speak well and be heard.
For me it was a powerful guide to better communication—at work, at home, and everywhere in between. As a seasoned trial attorney and viral communication coach, Fisher distills his real-world experience into a highly practical framework that helps you navigate difficult conversations with clarity, calm, and connection.
At the heart of the book is Fisher’s signature “Three Cs” method:
Control your tone and reactions,
Speak with Confidence in your message,
And aim to Connect, not conquer.
His tone is refreshingly empathetic and empowering. Fisher encourages us to stop trying to win conversations and instead focus on keeping them going. That’s the key to building trust, solving problems, and strengthening relationships.
Whether you’re a team leader, a parent, a partner, or just someone who wants to stop dreading hard conversations, The Next Conversation offers the mindset and tools to speak well and be heard.
March 29, 2025
If you follow Jefferson Fisher and you like his 47 second videos, this book is a great recap with very succinct and useful information. I coached a team on communication for about 15 years, and his methods are easy to follow and, more importantly, easy to remember. I am going to work on eliminating "I think that" from my lexicon and changing it to "I am confident that." This is an easy swap that will help me be more assertive in my conversations.
This is a business book about communication, would be helpful to anyone who works with other people. Some may say his methods are common sense, but I would argue (ha) that there is something for everyone to learn. I really appreciated how Fisher walks us through 3 steps to identify things and his first chapter called "never win an argument."
Lots of good food for thought. Great for sales coaches that need to have practical advice on how to be a more effective communicator.
This is a business book about communication, would be helpful to anyone who works with other people. Some may say his methods are common sense, but I would argue (ha) that there is something for everyone to learn. I really appreciated how Fisher walks us through 3 steps to identify things and his first chapter called "never win an argument."
Lots of good food for thought. Great for sales coaches that need to have practical advice on how to be a more effective communicator.
March 18, 2025
2.5 stars
There is some advice in this book that is universal, but the insistence that a societally ingrained masculine form of communication is the idealized standard troubles me, particularly when we look at how people who are Not White Straight (Christian) Males are perceived when speaking the way White Straight (Christian) Males speak. In my opinion, Fisher demonstrates a lack of understanding in regard to societal expectations and constraints around gender.
There is some advice in this book that is universal, but the insistence that a societally ingrained masculine form of communication is the idealized standard troubles me, particularly when we look at how people who are Not White Straight (Christian) Males are perceived when speaking the way White Straight (Christian) Males speak. In my opinion, Fisher demonstrates a lack of understanding in regard to societal expectations and constraints around gender.
Read
October 14, 2024In “The Next Conversation,” Jefferson Fisher presents a transformative approach to communication, emphasizing the need for constructive dialogue over adversarial discussions. The book aims to equip readers with practical strategies to navigate difficult conversations, fostering understanding and collaboration rather than conflict.
Key Themes and Concepts:
Understanding Conversations:
Fisher examines the dynamics of conversations, highlighting how they can quickly turn into arguments when misunderstandings arise. He encourages readers to approach discussions with the intention of engaging in meaningful exchanges rather than merely winning an argument.
The Role of Emotion:
The author emphasizes the emotional aspects of communication, pointing out that emotions can significantly influence how we interpret and respond during conversations. Recognizing one’s emotional state and that of others is crucial for effective dialogue.
Active Listening:
A significant part of effective communication is active listening. Fisher stresses the importance of truly hearing what others are saying, rather than planning a response while the other person speaks. He offers techniques for improving listening skills, including paraphrasing and asking open-ended questions.
Avoiding Traps in Communication:
The book identifies common traps that people fall into during conversations, such as jumping to conclusions, making assumptions, and focusing on personal agendas. Fisher provides strategies to help individuals avoid these pitfalls and remain open-minded.
Techniques for Productive Conversations:
Fisher introduces several techniques to facilitate productive discussions, including:
The “Yes, And” Approach: This technique encourages participants to build on each other’s ideas rather than dismiss them. It fosters collaboration and encourages creative thinking.
Ground Rules for Discussions: Establishing clear guidelines for conversations can help create a respectful and safe environment for dialogue.
Handling Difficult Conversations:
The book provides guidance on managing challenging conversations, such as addressing conflicts or giving feedback. Fisher advises readers to approach these discussions with empathy and a focus on resolution rather than blame.
Framing Conversations:
Fisher discusses the importance of framing conversations in a way that promotes understanding. This includes using positive language and focusing on shared goals to create a collaborative atmosphere.
Building Relationships:
Effective communication is foundational for building strong relationships. The author emphasizes that investing time in understanding others and engaging in open dialogue strengthens connections and trust.
Practical Exercises:
Throughout the book, Fisher includes practical exercises and reflection questions designed to help readers apply the concepts to their own lives. These activities encourage readers to practice new skills in real-world scenarios.
Conclusion:
Target Audience:
Key Themes and Concepts:
Understanding Conversations:
Fisher examines the dynamics of conversations, highlighting how they can quickly turn into arguments when misunderstandings arise. He encourages readers to approach discussions with the intention of engaging in meaningful exchanges rather than merely winning an argument.
The Role of Emotion:
The author emphasizes the emotional aspects of communication, pointing out that emotions can significantly influence how we interpret and respond during conversations. Recognizing one’s emotional state and that of others is crucial for effective dialogue.
Active Listening:
A significant part of effective communication is active listening. Fisher stresses the importance of truly hearing what others are saying, rather than planning a response while the other person speaks. He offers techniques for improving listening skills, including paraphrasing and asking open-ended questions.
Avoiding Traps in Communication:
The book identifies common traps that people fall into during conversations, such as jumping to conclusions, making assumptions, and focusing on personal agendas. Fisher provides strategies to help individuals avoid these pitfalls and remain open-minded.
Techniques for Productive Conversations:
Fisher introduces several techniques to facilitate productive discussions, including:
The “Yes, And” Approach: This technique encourages participants to build on each other’s ideas rather than dismiss them. It fosters collaboration and encourages creative thinking.
Ground Rules for Discussions: Establishing clear guidelines for conversations can help create a respectful and safe environment for dialogue.
Handling Difficult Conversations:
The book provides guidance on managing challenging conversations, such as addressing conflicts or giving feedback. Fisher advises readers to approach these discussions with empathy and a focus on resolution rather than blame.
Framing Conversations:
Fisher discusses the importance of framing conversations in a way that promotes understanding. This includes using positive language and focusing on shared goals to create a collaborative atmosphere.
Building Relationships:
Effective communication is foundational for building strong relationships. The author emphasizes that investing time in understanding others and engaging in open dialogue strengthens connections and trust.
Practical Exercises:
Throughout the book, Fisher includes practical exercises and reflection questions designed to help readers apply the concepts to their own lives. These activities encourage readers to practice new skills in real-world scenarios.
Conclusion:
“The Next Conversation: Argue Less, Talk More” is a practical guide to enhancing communication skills. Jefferson Fisher’s insights provide readers with the tools necessary to foster open dialogue, manage difficult conversations, and build meaningful relationships. By emphasizing understanding and collaboration over conflict, the book offers a roadmap for improving both personal and professional interactions.
Target Audience:
This book is aimed at anyone looking to improve their communication skills, particularly individuals in leadership, education, and interpersonal relationships. It is also beneficial for those involved in conflict resolution or team dynamics, offering strategies that can lead to more productive and harmonious interactions.
March 23, 2025
I’ve been following @jefferson_fisher on social media for years, and let me tell you—his account is one of the best, if not THE BEST, most useful accounts I follow. His conversation tips have changed the way I communicate—and these tips aren’t hard, but they are effective for home, work, friends…you name it. This book will help!
In a relationship?
Have kids?
Friends?
A job?
In school?
Do yourself a favor and get this book. Thousands of people send requests asking Mr. Fisher for advice on how to communicate…
“After thousands of messages like these, the one thing I’ve learned is that no matter how they frame the question, their problem isn’t what to say—it’s how to say it.”
This book hits deep. If you’re not reaching for tissues by page 30, I’ll be shocked.
And let’s be real. We all want to communicate better—with our spouse, kids, coworkers, even that one neighbor. But how? Fisher has organized his book into two parts: The Essentials and The Application, breaking them into bite-sized, real-life Rules: Say It With Control. Say It With Confidence. Say It To Connect.
This book doesn’t just teach you what to say—it shows you how to say it in a way that actually works. It’s packed with real-world situations, heartfelt stories, and practical tips that will transform your conversations and strengthen your relationships.
I’m not kidding when I say my entire family discusses Jefferson’s videos around the dinner table—his real-life scenarios and practical advice really does make every conversation better (whether it’s about confidence, being more assertive, standing up for yourself, or even learning how to not overshare). THIS BOOK HAS IT ALL!
With today’s world feeling more divided than ever, The Next Conversation is exactly what we need to keep things civil and actually productive.
Let’s talk less with anger and more with purpose. 💙
📖 Out now—get this book, read it, love it, live it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
#TheNextConversation #JeffersonFisher #CommunicationMatters #ArgueLessTalkMore #MustRead #thecleanreadbookclub
In a relationship?
Have kids?
Friends?
A job?
In school?
Do yourself a favor and get this book. Thousands of people send requests asking Mr. Fisher for advice on how to communicate…
“After thousands of messages like these, the one thing I’ve learned is that no matter how they frame the question, their problem isn’t what to say—it’s how to say it.”
This book hits deep. If you’re not reaching for tissues by page 30, I’ll be shocked.
And let’s be real. We all want to communicate better—with our spouse, kids, coworkers, even that one neighbor. But how? Fisher has organized his book into two parts: The Essentials and The Application, breaking them into bite-sized, real-life Rules: Say It With Control. Say It With Confidence. Say It To Connect.
This book doesn’t just teach you what to say—it shows you how to say it in a way that actually works. It’s packed with real-world situations, heartfelt stories, and practical tips that will transform your conversations and strengthen your relationships.
I’m not kidding when I say my entire family discusses Jefferson’s videos around the dinner table—his real-life scenarios and practical advice really does make every conversation better (whether it’s about confidence, being more assertive, standing up for yourself, or even learning how to not overshare). THIS BOOK HAS IT ALL!
With today’s world feeling more divided than ever, The Next Conversation is exactly what we need to keep things civil and actually productive.
Let’s talk less with anger and more with purpose. 💙
📖 Out now—get this book, read it, love it, live it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
#TheNextConversation #JeffersonFisher #CommunicationMatters #ArgueLessTalkMore #MustRead #thecleanreadbookclub
July 19, 2025
It's a very short, but a useful book.
TBH, up to 30-40% I was rather disappointed. The advice was actionable but very generic ("welcome Cpt. Obvious!") and not particularly insightful. Fortunately, it got MUCH, MUCH, MUCH better in the 2nd half of the book: there are good techniques related to: confidence, boundaries, pace, defensiveness, etc. I was listening to it while running, on a phone w/o any app to make notes, and I really regret that - there were many good points I wanted to memorize, so now I'll have to re-listen to make sure they are not lost :)
How unique are the pieces of advice here? Well, it depends - some of them were not that new to me, BUT there were some techniques (esp. in the difficult conversations part) that I wasn't familiar before (& I got "bought-in").
In the end, it's 4.3-4.4 stars, but I'll round up, because the book is concise and to the point, so you don't have to dig much to get the real value out of it. Good stuff.
TBH, up to 30-40% I was rather disappointed. The advice was actionable but very generic ("welcome Cpt. Obvious!") and not particularly insightful. Fortunately, it got MUCH, MUCH, MUCH better in the 2nd half of the book: there are good techniques related to: confidence, boundaries, pace, defensiveness, etc. I was listening to it while running, on a phone w/o any app to make notes, and I really regret that - there were many good points I wanted to memorize, so now I'll have to re-listen to make sure they are not lost :)
How unique are the pieces of advice here? Well, it depends - some of them were not that new to me, BUT there were some techniques (esp. in the difficult conversations part) that I wasn't familiar before (& I got "bought-in").
In the end, it's 4.3-4.4 stars, but I'll round up, because the book is concise and to the point, so you don't have to dig much to get the real value out of it. Good stuff.
September 7, 2025
So many actionable tips. I checked it out from the library, but I want to own a copy so I can really ingrain his ideas into better communication.
From writing better emails to coming across with greater confidence, this book is a goldmine of practical ideas… sometimes as simple as tweaking one word. It’s easy to get overwhelmed with the wealth of information so he advises readers to take one thing at a time and focus on what resonates to you. And then move onto the next actionable step. That’s why this is a good book to own.
If you don’t already follow Jefferson Fisher on Instagram, he is definitely worth the follow… personable, helpful and entertaining which is definitely a hard combination to find on social media.
From writing better emails to coming across with greater confidence, this book is a goldmine of practical ideas… sometimes as simple as tweaking one word. It’s easy to get overwhelmed with the wealth of information so he advises readers to take one thing at a time and focus on what resonates to you. And then move onto the next actionable step. That’s why this is a good book to own.
If you don’t already follow Jefferson Fisher on Instagram, he is definitely worth the follow… personable, helpful and entertaining which is definitely a hard combination to find on social media.
March 28, 2025
I really like jefferson, I do feel like of I'd only read the book this would be 4 stars but to me he is much better in spoken word. I highly reccomend his podcasts or any podcasts where he's a guest for that matter.
March 26, 2025
Jefferson Fisher is a Texas-based personal injury attorney who also has a podcast, Youtube channel, etc. that he leveraged into this book deal about building communication expertise. While none of the advice in this book is groundbreaking or revolutionary (it borrows a lot from Stephen Covey's The Seven Habits Of Highly Effective People And The 8th Habit, particularly "seek first to understand, then to be understood", in my opinion), it's a perfectly serviceable read that I think is relatively well-thought-through, as Fisher demonstrates how he's used many of these behaviors and strategies in his own personal and professional life.
My statistics:
Book 96 for 2025
Book 2022 cumulatively
My statistics:
Book 96 for 2025
Book 2022 cumulatively
February 15, 2026
Once in a while, a book comes along that I know will stay with me long after I have finished it. This book is absolute gold for anyone who deals with people professionally, in personal relationships, and every space in between.Jefferson is a master at offering practical, friendly advice on communication techniques and I have learnt so much by reading this book!
March 6, 2025
Review~The Next Conversation: Argue Less, Talk More by Jefferson Fisher.
Many thanks to @prhaudio for the #gifted audiobook of this amazing book which comes out March 18th.
The Next Conversation by Jefferson Fisher is my most anticipated book of the year, and it’s not even a thriller!
I have been following @jefferson_fisher since the very beginning. He posts short videos on how to communicate effectively during different scenarios. He breaks it down into 3 practical strategies that are easy to digest.
In this book he covers topics such as how to sound more assertive when we speak, how to deal with difficult people, how to handle difficult conversations, how to be empathetic while still being in control, how to deal with defensiveness and my favorite chapter “Never Win an Argument”.
This is one of those books I will keep referring back to, like Atomic Habits. I took notes that hopefully will help me remember some of the helpful phrases, tools and approaches that Jefferson shares.
I love that at the end of every chapter there’s a short summary with the key points to remember from that chapter.
Overall, the main goal of this book is to give the reader a framework on how to communicate more effectively with friends, loved ones and/ colleagues.
My rating: 5⭐️
Favorite quote: “come into an argument with something to learn instead of something to prove” hmm how often do you do that? 🤔
Many thanks to @prhaudio for the #gifted audiobook of this amazing book which comes out March 18th.
The Next Conversation by Jefferson Fisher is my most anticipated book of the year, and it’s not even a thriller!
I have been following @jefferson_fisher since the very beginning. He posts short videos on how to communicate effectively during different scenarios. He breaks it down into 3 practical strategies that are easy to digest.
In this book he covers topics such as how to sound more assertive when we speak, how to deal with difficult people, how to handle difficult conversations, how to be empathetic while still being in control, how to deal with defensiveness and my favorite chapter “Never Win an Argument”.
This is one of those books I will keep referring back to, like Atomic Habits. I took notes that hopefully will help me remember some of the helpful phrases, tools and approaches that Jefferson shares.
I love that at the end of every chapter there’s a short summary with the key points to remember from that chapter.
Overall, the main goal of this book is to give the reader a framework on how to communicate more effectively with friends, loved ones and/ colleagues.
My rating: 5⭐️
Favorite quote: “come into an argument with something to learn instead of something to prove” hmm how often do you do that? 🤔
July 20, 2025
I thought this was an immensely readable book with lots of clear, practical and do-able advice on how to improve communication. Many of his approaches are easy and based on his personal experiences. I especially appreciated how he based (or supported) some of his insights on science or knowledge about human biology and social interaction.
I would buy this book and refer to it...it's that useful.
Two major caveats: (1) This book is squarely geared for a Western, and especially American, readership. and (2) The book does not take into account power dynamics, privilege, and cross-cultural interactions.
I would buy this book and refer to it...it's that useful.
Two major caveats: (1) This book is squarely geared for a Western, and especially American, readership. and (2) The book does not take into account power dynamics, privilege, and cross-cultural interactions.
March 25, 2025
Communication is my profession and books like these are my jam. This is arguably one of the best. Relatable, encouraging and practical. I flew through it, but know I will pick it up again to savor.
March 20, 2025
Excellent read with great practical advice and one book to refer to again and again! I’ve been following the author on Instagram for over a year now and have always enjoyed his short videos so the fact he narrated the audiobook was a huge plus. I also purchased a physical copy and am recommending this book to everyone!
March 21, 2025
I'm still reading this book, about halfway through. If you've been debating - just get it. It's very bit as good as his podcasts and TikToks - great USEABLE tactics to communicating better. Really glad I got it
March 31, 2025
The minute I finished this book, I started it again. It’s so helpful! I listened to the audiobook and now want a hard copy of it to highlight.
March 13, 2025
A great read on conversation and communication told from a relatable and humble perspective and voice.
July 30, 2025
As someone who hates and avoids difficult conversations, this was a really helpful and insightful read. Particularly the section that talked about how and why your body goes into fight or flight during a disagreement.
January 26, 2026
I went in hoping for nuance and left feeling like I’d read a guide on how to perform confidence rather than build connection. It often reads like advice on convincing your office you’re the most powerful person in the room, not the most thoughtful. Empathy is mentioned, but it feels secondary to dominance and control. If you love corporate power-play energy, this might work. I didn’t.
November 24, 2025
Schon mal einen 304 Seiten langen LinkedIn-Post gelesen?
July 3, 2025
I see things differently than Fisher. He tries to provide one-size-fits-all tips and actions, but he’s not considering different groups of people and how their words, tone, and actions will be received. Women, minorities, those with different social capabilities won’t often (if at all) be able to successfully apply what is in his book. He also seems to contradict himself sometimes which is confusing. And while he claims his approach works in all scenarios and gives examples ranging from personal relationships to workplace interactions, it still feels like it mainly works in professional settings. And he often says his tips don’t need to apply to casual conversations which seems to contradict his initial audience. Overall, the book felt condescending and manipulative. He kept referencing that using his tools would give you the “high ground” and the right side of a “power dynamic” which just felt icky to me when it comes to good communication. In the end, it’s a typical self-help book where it’ll click for some and not for others. It’s not all bad, nor is it all good. I took a couple things from it but felt that the majority was common knowledge or things I felt differently about.
“The person you see isn’t the person you’re talking to.”
“The person you see isn’t the person you’re talking to.”
April 16, 2025
3.5 Stars for me.
My gripes with this book lie with style choice, not necessarily the content.
To be clear, I love what Jefferson Fisher has done with his content online-teaching solutions to common social snafus to the masses in the passenger seat of his car. I love his tender, kind, and assertive demeanor. That is exactly what makes his messages resonate with so many and unfortunately it is what is lacking in this book. I understand him wanting to capitalize on his mass following and teaching to others who may not of heard of him, but his sparkle was lost within the words of the book. I would of much rather him release a TED talk. However the subtitle of the book--"Argue Less, Talk More" was certainly propagated but I am still missing that Jefferson flair that I wanted. It seems that he realized he needed to cater to that style of 30 second videos as made evident in 'Key Takeaways" at the end of each chapter. This missed the mark for me but I still admire his advice and will continue to learn from him.
My gripes with this book lie with style choice, not necessarily the content.
To be clear, I love what Jefferson Fisher has done with his content online-teaching solutions to common social snafus to the masses in the passenger seat of his car. I love his tender, kind, and assertive demeanor. That is exactly what makes his messages resonate with so many and unfortunately it is what is lacking in this book. I understand him wanting to capitalize on his mass following and teaching to others who may not of heard of him, but his sparkle was lost within the words of the book. I would of much rather him release a TED talk. However the subtitle of the book--"Argue Less, Talk More" was certainly propagated but I am still missing that Jefferson flair that I wanted. It seems that he realized he needed to cater to that style of 30 second videos as made evident in 'Key Takeaways" at the end of each chapter. This missed the mark for me but I still admire his advice and will continue to learn from him.
November 26, 2024
Jefferson Fischer is Absolutely Amazing. You will find yourself asking what would Jefferson say within the first time you listen to any of his advice. I can’t wait for this book.
January 1, 2026
3.85/5 but let’s round up. It’s not a bad book per se. It is written in a way that reads easily and fast. Clearly states the summaries so it’s a great way to actually remember what was mentioned. HOWEVER I don’t think it can be used as easily as the author claims. The world is much more complicated and “NO is a full sentence” hasn’t worked for decades. If someone was to use this advice without a grain of salt I’d say go read a book on cultural differences first (i.e the culture map) - all in all, easy ready
March 18, 2026
This book gives such great tangible steps on how to deal with the tough conversations. Jefferson emphasizes not villainizing people we don’t agree with and treating everyone with respect. Definitely a book to go back to the next time you need to have a hard convo!
February 28, 2026
Really seemed like common sense, but conversation can be a tricky thing and I think his tips and tricks are very practical.
September 6, 2025
Like his Instagram, this is full of usable, easy to digest tips. However it would have been a much stronger book if he had taken into account a couple things- (a) that different identity groups have different levels of access to these strategies. (B) there are some things that can be argued over!
But I enjoyed this and will use a lot of the techniques!
But I enjoyed this and will use a lot of the techniques!
December 12, 2025
I am giving 4.5 stars for Jefferson Fisher’s novel “The Next Conversation: Argue Less + Talk More.” As a New Year’s resolution for 2025, I wanted to make a point to improve my communication skills, work on my personal developments, and focus on healing previous traumas and pain into a source of creative expansion of growth. I did not know who Jefferson Fisher was prior to picking up this audiobook, but I had seen where an acquaintance on here had this on their “want to read” list and then I noticed that it was a nominee for Goodread’s “Best Audiobook of 2025.”
I had already read a few other communication books this year which ranged in how helpful I found them, with books like “Talk: The Science of Conversation and the Art of Being Ourselves” (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️) and “SuperCommunicators: How to Unlock the Secret Language of Communication” (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️) being incredibly helpful, to “Aglospeak: How Social Media is Transforming the Future of Language” (⭐️⭐️) which I was being generous with the two star rating.
So when I heard the introduction of Jefferson’s book, I was nervous that he was going to be more like the author of Aglospeak, especially because he got his level of fame from going viral on social media as a lawyer giving out his conversational tips and tricks. I was definitely judging the book to actually getting started. I almost returned the book then and there, and let me just say: I AM GRATEFUL I STUCK IT OUT! Almost all of my reservations would pop up as an emotional reaction to the way he brought something up, and almost as quickly as it would ruffle my tail feathers, he then addressed my area of concern. Just an example of this, would be his section that is all about stopping people from interrupting us by politely redirecting them back to your conversational goal. I thought at first he was going to be implying that people interrupt out of a malicious intent, which is just not true for those of us who are neurodivergent and have ADHD or Autism. A lot of time, us neurodivergent are trying to relate to the speaker and they don’t want to lose their train of thought. I was grateful that he made the distinction/clarification. Plus, he was able to shine a light up to how the neurotypicals might feel while engaging in a conversation with me or others with ADHD. There were a few situations such as that one which had given me a knee jerk scowl to then being able to clearly explain what he meant, and by the end of that, I felt much better.
I personally found this book to be very helpful; While I loved the other two communication novels I mentioned above (Talk & SuperCommunicators) and had learned from each of them, I think in the end I can say that “The Next Conversation” has been the most helpful for my particular situation. Essentially, when I’m taking to people in person sometimes, I will be left feeling misunderstood or that they are looking at me with confusion. I have uncovered in therapy over the last two years that my speech patterns and way that I talk is evident of being in an emotionally/verbally abusive home or relationship. (In my case, it stems from childhood, but had festered and grown terrible due to the relationship I had been in, which still negatively impacts my home life still.) While I know half of my problem is lacking self esteem and confidence, Jefferson was able to help me see how I can improve upon my short comings in the conversation department.
Instead of feeling triggered that he takes aim at how women tend to communicate (which I had felt a bit before taking a deep breath and just listening), I realize that I could take all of his pointers to help build my self esteem back up. So essentially, he has given me both a pep talk, has made me belief in my own ability to improve, all the while giving his readers the stepping stones to start working on stronger conversational skills and confidence. And for that, I’m grateful.
I haven’t had a chance to check out his secret chapter yet, but I have a feeling that I’m going to find that specific chapter the most informative since it was that type of character who had eroded my self esteem slowly over the last decade + a half. While some of these pointers might be common sense, they were all things that I needed to review and be reminded of. And at the end of the day, I think this book, and his practices that he gives us, have now become a helpful tool in my toolkit. This will be one that I recommend for my friends, and I look forward to reading more of his books in the future.
Thank you, Jefferson!
I had already read a few other communication books this year which ranged in how helpful I found them, with books like “Talk: The Science of Conversation and the Art of Being Ourselves” (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️) and “SuperCommunicators: How to Unlock the Secret Language of Communication” (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️) being incredibly helpful, to “Aglospeak: How Social Media is Transforming the Future of Language” (⭐️⭐️) which I was being generous with the two star rating.
So when I heard the introduction of Jefferson’s book, I was nervous that he was going to be more like the author of Aglospeak, especially because he got his level of fame from going viral on social media as a lawyer giving out his conversational tips and tricks. I was definitely judging the book to actually getting started. I almost returned the book then and there, and let me just say: I AM GRATEFUL I STUCK IT OUT! Almost all of my reservations would pop up as an emotional reaction to the way he brought something up, and almost as quickly as it would ruffle my tail feathers, he then addressed my area of concern. Just an example of this, would be his section that is all about stopping people from interrupting us by politely redirecting them back to your conversational goal. I thought at first he was going to be implying that people interrupt out of a malicious intent, which is just not true for those of us who are neurodivergent and have ADHD or Autism. A lot of time, us neurodivergent are trying to relate to the speaker and they don’t want to lose their train of thought. I was grateful that he made the distinction/clarification. Plus, he was able to shine a light up to how the neurotypicals might feel while engaging in a conversation with me or others with ADHD. There were a few situations such as that one which had given me a knee jerk scowl to then being able to clearly explain what he meant, and by the end of that, I felt much better.
I personally found this book to be very helpful; While I loved the other two communication novels I mentioned above (Talk & SuperCommunicators) and had learned from each of them, I think in the end I can say that “The Next Conversation” has been the most helpful for my particular situation. Essentially, when I’m taking to people in person sometimes, I will be left feeling misunderstood or that they are looking at me with confusion. I have uncovered in therapy over the last two years that my speech patterns and way that I talk is evident of being in an emotionally/verbally abusive home or relationship. (In my case, it stems from childhood, but had festered and grown terrible due to the relationship I had been in, which still negatively impacts my home life still.) While I know half of my problem is lacking self esteem and confidence, Jefferson was able to help me see how I can improve upon my short comings in the conversation department.
Instead of feeling triggered that he takes aim at how women tend to communicate (which I had felt a bit before taking a deep breath and just listening), I realize that I could take all of his pointers to help build my self esteem back up. So essentially, he has given me both a pep talk, has made me belief in my own ability to improve, all the while giving his readers the stepping stones to start working on stronger conversational skills and confidence. And for that, I’m grateful.
I haven’t had a chance to check out his secret chapter yet, but I have a feeling that I’m going to find that specific chapter the most informative since it was that type of character who had eroded my self esteem slowly over the last decade + a half. While some of these pointers might be common sense, they were all things that I needed to review and be reminded of. And at the end of the day, I think this book, and his practices that he gives us, have now become a helpful tool in my toolkit. This will be one that I recommend for my friends, and I look forward to reading more of his books in the future.
Thank you, Jefferson!
April 19, 2025
Excellent book on communication and the best I read on this important subject. We mostly learn good communication over time with experience and through trial and error method. This books gives a chance to speed up the learning part of communication with the basic principles and techniques.
The primary rules emphasised here are control , confidence and communicate to connect.
Some of the interesting perspectives mentioned in the book :
1. The person you see is not the person you are talking to as every person has surface and depth.
2. Beating out someone in an argument may feed your ego and give you dopamine, but it will still leave you hungry. Rarely , if ever , winning in communication lead to better things in your life.
3. Have a goal in communication and it should be curiosity to learn something rather than proving your point.
4. The connect with someone self awareness, understanding the other person and self assurance are important skills.
5. The hotter the argument the longer it will take to cool down , have understand of the ‘ Trigger ‘ phase and control activating it.
6. People Triggers are Physical and psychological and psychological are further divided into social evaluation and personal identify triggers. These triggers can make both parties defensive and the objective of communication can be lost.
7. Some tools for control in communication are a. Make your breath your first words. b. scan your body and emotions and label them. C. small talk .
8. In trigger phase it’s important to pause to ensure you respond logically and not emotionally. Use of silence reflects intention and when times it it’s a sign of confidence and self control.
9. Confidence is a feeling , it can be found in doing and doing is assertiveness. Assertiveness is how you express confidence and they feed into each other. Build a vocabulary of assertive words.
10. Some techniques a. Every word matters b. prove to your self that you believe in your abilities c. express your needs unapologetically. d. Speak only when matters e. Say less as every work needs brain processing power f. Remove fillers g. Never undersell h. Cut the excess. I. When in doubt fall back on experience. J. Use ‘ I am confident’.
11. Whiling dealing with difficult people when they insult or offend you , follow the below : a. Give a long pause b. Slowly repeat what they said. C. Keep breath control to ensure you don’t tighten your body or muddle your thinking.
12. When rude or dismissive a. Short pause b. Ask question of intent c. wait
13. Build boundaries in your conversation, give the other person an operators manual for how to communicate with you and not a remote control.
14. Set direction by telling what you want to speak about . You project the intended results and setting the detection of the conversation. Frames enhance listening as the other person does not have to listen for anything else.
The primary rules emphasised here are control , confidence and communicate to connect.
Some of the interesting perspectives mentioned in the book :
1. The person you see is not the person you are talking to as every person has surface and depth.
2. Beating out someone in an argument may feed your ego and give you dopamine, but it will still leave you hungry. Rarely , if ever , winning in communication lead to better things in your life.
3. Have a goal in communication and it should be curiosity to learn something rather than proving your point.
4. The connect with someone self awareness, understanding the other person and self assurance are important skills.
5. The hotter the argument the longer it will take to cool down , have understand of the ‘ Trigger ‘ phase and control activating it.
6. People Triggers are Physical and psychological and psychological are further divided into social evaluation and personal identify triggers. These triggers can make both parties defensive and the objective of communication can be lost.
7. Some tools for control in communication are a. Make your breath your first words. b. scan your body and emotions and label them. C. small talk .
8. In trigger phase it’s important to pause to ensure you respond logically and not emotionally. Use of silence reflects intention and when times it it’s a sign of confidence and self control.
9. Confidence is a feeling , it can be found in doing and doing is assertiveness. Assertiveness is how you express confidence and they feed into each other. Build a vocabulary of assertive words.
10. Some techniques a. Every word matters b. prove to your self that you believe in your abilities c. express your needs unapologetically. d. Speak only when matters e. Say less as every work needs brain processing power f. Remove fillers g. Never undersell h. Cut the excess. I. When in doubt fall back on experience. J. Use ‘ I am confident’.
11. Whiling dealing with difficult people when they insult or offend you , follow the below : a. Give a long pause b. Slowly repeat what they said. C. Keep breath control to ensure you don’t tighten your body or muddle your thinking.
12. When rude or dismissive a. Short pause b. Ask question of intent c. wait
13. Build boundaries in your conversation, give the other person an operators manual for how to communicate with you and not a remote control.
14. Set direction by telling what you want to speak about . You project the intended results and setting the detection of the conversation. Frames enhance listening as the other person does not have to listen for anything else.
April 1, 2025
I struggle with giving this such a low rating, but I found so much bad advise in this book. This is written by someone with privileges of the type that if pulled over for DUI would say “do you know who I am (or who X is). To that let’s get real there is advice in here so bad that it would get you fired if you put it into practice. Other suggestions made in a book about “not arguing” will start arguments and physical violence. Also possibly bully people to suicide because it’s ok to be a douche bag, it’s ok to be a racist, a fascist, or just an asshole…
There is a lot of contradictory examples and ideas shoved at you, sometimes with in the same paragraph (I’m assuming paragraph due to how quickly the turn around is within the audio book). I can;t recommend this, i’m not even sure how I finished it
There is a lot of contradictory examples and ideas shoved at you, sometimes with in the same paragraph (I’m assuming paragraph due to how quickly the turn around is within the audio book). I can;t recommend this, i’m not even sure how I finished it
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