Book Review: The Next Conversation
What is it about?
The Next Conversation: Argue Less, Talk More by Jefferson Fisher is a simple and practical guide to having better conversations with the people around you - at work, at home, or in everyday life. It offers useful tips and easy to follow frameworks that can help improve how you listen, speak, and connect with others.
Why it appealed to me?
A friend at work shared Jefferson Fisher’s episode on The Diary of a CEO podcast with me. Unlike most podcasts that I stop after 30 minutes, I was hooked for the entire episode. It felt like something I should be taking notes on. I googled him right after and found this book he had recently written, packed with the same worldly, practical wisdom he shared on the podcast, and even more. I ordered it instantly and finished it within a week. It’s one of the few self-help books that truly helps not just with advice, but with exact things to say, when to say them, and how.
What stood out to me:
- Speak clearly and confidently. Instead of saying “Just checking in…” or “Basically, what I mean is…”, the book encourages cutting out fillers and owning your message. Simple, direct language often has more impact.
- Express your needs without over-apologizing. Swap “So sorry to bother you, but…” with “Could you help me with XYZ? Appreciate your time.” It’s polite, but also confident.
- Pause before reacting. Even before answering something as simple as “How are you?”, taking a short pause helps you respond with intention instead of defaulting to auto-pilot.
- Handle difficult people calmly. There’s practical advice on what to say when someone is being rude, dismissive, or passive-aggressive without letting them pull you into negativity.
- Don’t let others talk over you. I found the tips on handling interruptions especially useful. It shows you how to take back space in a conversation without being aggressive.
- Create safe spaces through your words. The book reminded me that being a good communicator also means being a good listener—someone people can trust and open up to.
- Control your tone and temper. It helps you recognize your emotional triggers and respond with calm, even during heated conversations.
- Be comfortable taking up space. Whether it’s in a meeting or a one-on-one, the book encourages you to stop shrinking yourself and start owning your value.
This book isn’t about faking confidence, it’s about building it through intentional language and awareness. It’s not about dominating conversations, it’s about being effective in them.
If you’ve ever walked away from a conversation thinking, “I wish I had said that differently,” this book is for you.
Should you read it?
The short answer is YES, especially if you often find yourself misunderstood, stuck in unproductive conversations, or unsure of what to say during difficult moments. The Next Conversation is for anyone who wants to communicate with more clarity, empathy, and intention. It’s an easy read, packed with real-life examples and phrases you can start using right away. Whether you’re leading a team, navigating personal relationships, or just want to be a better listener, this book offers tools that are both practical and powerful.