Respond with Confidence: Tips to Improve Your Communication Skills

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.

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[jeffersonfisher]

Pre-Order my new book today :) thenextconversation.com

[tonicleasby]

My biggest 'takeaway' from today's podcast is "learning to be ok with silence". I often respond too quickly without thought. This helps so much. Thanks for the great tip!

[Jasons_journeys_]

Getting comfortable with the pause or silence is the best technique ever

[judyrathwell]

Excellent advice and examples - "let your breathe be the first word you say" - LOVE THAT!

[kltholen]

Thank you Jefferson, at 59 I’m learning to stand my ground in a confident manner. Truly enjoy your content.

[MyFaith]

"Learning to be okay with silence", thank you for helping me communicate better.

[susancerroni]

I’m retired, but I still feel like I can use every one of your tips in some situation or other. I can’t pick out one particular topic you covered that I have not errored in. I lead everyone I know your way if they have not heard of you. You’re the best, Jefferson!

[karenartis]

I’m an HR Director and will intentionally use the awkward pause to get interview candidates to start talking . . .the things they tell me that I didn’t ask. . . I could write a book. I’m also a public speaking coach and an APA writing tutor/editor. Your advice is 100% correct regarding ‘uh, um’ and adding fluff words that don’t add meaning to the conversation/writing. When someone is speaking and ends an affirmative statement as a question (uptick in the in the voice at the end), the person doesn’t sound credible or authoritative.

[margielapresle]

You are definitely a godsend to mankind. We need your teachings in class rooms. Starting at the youngest ages and on up! The free information that I have received from your podcast has helped me immensely! I wish I had access to this teaching when I was much younger however I am very grateful to have come upon your shared intelligence at age 72. Communication skills are one of the golden keys to living a better life. Thank you for helping all who are listening to your advice. It’s a gift.

[victorbramastyo]

Thanks Jefferson! What some a great practical tips how to communicate more confident:

1. Eliminate fluffy/filler words with silence & breath
2. Using lower tone to end our sentence.
3. Eliminate adverbs “basically, essentially, literally” with straight to the firm word.
4. Ged rid of “Does that make sense?” change with “What are your thought?”, “Do you have feedback/opinion?”
5. Handle difficult question with: I haven’t across run this before, let me check with X, Y, Z” or “I’m confident based on my experience we can do X, Y, Z”

[VivianaBaenaLauschus]

Sooo much to learn from you! One of the best content creators I have found in the past few months. All the best from Argentina!

[renateann]

Love your gentle confidence. Thank you for giving this gift to us.

[bonnieg]

Jefferson, where have you been my whole life!!??? I have been searching for years for the exact content you share! The content you share is so on point, so complete, and so valuable; I can’t thank you enough. Other communication tools and phrases I’ve come across pale in comparison to your content. You definitely have a way with words lol. I can’t say enough about how helpful you have been. Thank you so much!!!! ❤❤❤❤❤ I’m sure many, many people feel the same way.

[puredopegenius]

Love how you inserted that “period” to define friend conversation.

[cecillyrowe]

love this one too. Judge Judy "um is not an answer " or young ppl saying "right " in an uptone. l'm thinking l hope so... you're the host of this event!

[jangod]

EXCELLENT points!! Love this. Thank you and I agree. Thanks for a couple laughs. I dislike fluff, drama and ums.

[Maybe-de]

Your great I don't know why it took so long for someone to address our poor language and communication skills I am in customer service for years and it has gotten profoundly worse. Thx for your response to this

[APope-qbyz]

Jefferson- you’re brilliant! I’m grateful for your honest & relatable content.

[sylviarogerson]

I hate it when others ask, "Does that make sense?" Feels demeaning. Jefferson, your content is always so helpful. Thank you!

[donnawest]

Once again, you hit the JACKPOT ! Take a breath ! No more "does that make sense?"