10 POWER
PHRASES
TO
MASTER YOUR
NEXT ARGUMENT
JEFFERSON FISHER
© JEFFERSON FISHER 2023 | 10 POWER PHRASES TO MASTER YOUR NEXT ARGUMENT
HEY Y’ALL,
IT’S JEFFERSON.
If you’re reading this, then it tells me you’re wanting
to improve your communication—and that makes me
smile big.
To help, I’ve created you a list of my favorite top
“10 Power Phrases to Master Your Next Argument.”
It’s a simple, straight-forward guide to make the hard
conversations a little easier.
And they’re not just phrases. They’re assets that turn
conflict into conversation, helping you assert yourself
with clarity and integrity.
I want to see you speak with confidence and show up
as your authentic self. I have no doubt that you can.
This free guide will show you how.
As always, I’m so glad you’re here.
Working hard for y’all.
- Jefferson
© JEFFERSON FISHER 2023 | 10 POWER PHRASES TO MASTER YOUR NEXT ARGUMENT
PHRASE #1: “MAYBE YOU’RE RIGHT.”
When someone is adamant that their way is the only right way—or that they have the
only right answer—planting your feet just makes it worse.
Instead respond with “Maybe you’re right.” It works because you are at least
considering the possibility that they could be right. And most of the time, that’s all
they want.
PHRASE #2: “I CAN DO BETTER.”
Arguing with someone over past actions? The last thing you want to do is relive it all
again and get trapped in a cycle of defensiveness and “yes, but...” retorts.
Instead, say “I can do better.” It instantly puts the flame out and puts you out in front
as the bigger person.
PHRASE #3: “THAT’S HELPFUL TO KNOW.”
When someone is criticizing you, it’s easy to get defensive. But a more productive
approach is to take a step back and consider the feedback objectively.
When you respond with “That's helpful to know,” you acknowledge their feedback
without agreeing. This immediately de-escalates potential conflict and extends an
invitation to dialogue, not a battleground for egos.
PHRASE #4: “I CAN’T HEAR YOU WHEN
YOU INTERRUPT ME.”
When it’s your turn in the conversation and somebody interrupts you consistently, how
should you respond? Say, “I can’t hear you when you interrupt me.”
You are letting them know that you cannot accept or process any of what they’re going
to say until you’re finished speaking. They’re going the wrong way on a one-way street
—and you’re drawing a clear boundary against it.
© JEFFERSON FISHER 2023 | 10 POWER PHRASES TO MASTER YOUR NEXT ARGUMENT
PHRASE #5: “WE REMEMBER THINGS
DIFFERENTLY.”
It's natural for each person to have their own perspective—but it’s not okay when
they try to push their perspective down your throat.
That’s when to assertively use the phrase “We remember things differently.” If they
argue and push back against you, just repeat it. Say, “We remember things
differently,” or “That wasn't my experience.”
PHRASE #6: “DON’T APOLOGIZE FOR MY
FEELINGS, APOLOGIZE FOR WHAT YOU DID.”
Ah, we’ve all experienced what I call a “no-empathy apology.” That’s where they say
something like, “Well, I’m sorry that you feel that way.”
Instead of getting all upset and going off on a tangent, you will assert yourself and
say, “Don’t apologize for my feelings. Apologize for what you did.” It’s like you
saying, “No, these are my feelings. I got those. I’ll be accountable for those. You be
accountable for you.”
PHRASE #7: “THANK YOU FOR TELLING ME.”
When someone shares a complaint or a deeply held feeling with you,
acknowledge their effort by saying “Thank you for telling me.”
It shows you're listening and you appreciate their honesty. This can calm things
down and make them feel respected. It's like a quick pause that says, “Your
point has been heard,” without getting lost in emotion.
© JEFFERSON FISHER 2023 | 10 POWER PHRASES TO MASTER YOUR NEXT ARGUMENT
PHRASE #8: “I’M NOT BRINGING UP THE PAST,
I’M BRINGING UP THE PATTERN.”
Need to address recurring issues with someone? This phrase helps you focus
on the real problem instead of getting sidetracked by specific incidents.
It shifts the conversation from blame to understanding. You're not dwelling on
old mistakes, but highlighting a consistent behavior that needs to be addressed
for things to improve.
PHRASE #9: “IF YOU CONTINUE TO
[INSERT BOUNDARY], THIS IS THE END
OF THE CONVERSATION.”
You must establish boundaries and communicate them clearly during a
disagreement. When someone crosses the line, calmly state, “If you continue to
[state the specific behavior], this is the end of this conversation.”
This enforces your limits in a direct, practical way, letting the other person know
you're serious about your boundaries and willing to take action to maintain them.
PHRASE #10: *SILENCE*
There are moments when the most powerful response is no response at all.
Sometimes, I say nothing for 10 to 15 seconds. I look off as if I'm processing it.
In the silence, the person is left to contemplate the weight of their own
statements—and it’s not uncommon for them to modify or even withdraw a
harsh comment. Remember, your greatest tool is silence because silence can
never be misquoted.
© JEFFERSON FISHER 2023 | 10 POWER PHRASES TO MASTER YOUR NEXT ARGUMENT
YOU DESERVE TO APPROACH
EVERY ARGUMENT CONFIDENTLY.
Each of these 10 phrases is a step towards building stronger relationships,
even in the face of disagreement.
As you apply these phrases in your daily conversations, watch how they
transform how you argue and how you connect with those around you.
Your Next Action Steps:
Share this guide! Know someone who would love this content? Share this PDF
with them.
Want a practical communication tip from me each week? You’re in the right
place. Every week I send a quick, fun email straight to your inbox—and by
downloading this PDF, you’re in the exclusive club now. (No action needed,
and you can unsubscribe anytime!)
Follow me on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, and YouTube. These are all
places I post actively—so be sure to follow and subscribe so you don’t miss
any content.
As always, I’m so glad you’re here. Working hard for y’all.
- Jefferson
P.S. Have I mentioned how grateful I am for you?
Here’s Where to Find Me:
@Jefferson_Fisher
@JustAskJefferson
@JeffersonFisher
@JeffersonFisher
Injured? Let me help.
409.444.3333
© JEFFERSON FISHER 2023 | 10 POWER PHRASES TO MASTER YOUR NEXT ARGUMENT