The Next Conversation

In the Afterword, Fisher returns to the courtroom to close the book where much of it began. He tells the story of Clemon Lee, a 61-year-old janitor preparing to testify in a personal injury case. Clemon was dressed in his best (and only) suit—his church clothes—and was visibly anxious about being misunderstood on the stand. His concern wasn’t about the facts of the case but about his voice and use of language. Fisher uses this moment to underscore a central takeaway of the book: Effective communication is not about eloquence or polish but about presence, clarity, and truth.

Fisher coached Clemon using the same strategies he’s introduced throughout the book—intentional breathwork, self-talk rooted in values, and a reframing of the situation from performance to authenticity. This distills Fisher’s deepest message: Connection begins with being fully, unapologetically oneself.

Contextually, this story highlights one of the book’s implicit values—that communication anxiety is shaped by more than just personality. Social class, educational background, racial bias, and cultural expectations often influence who feels comfortable speaking up and who fears being dismissed or disrespected. Clemon’s discomfort is not just personal but systemic. Fisher’s response, then, is both practical and empathetic: Confidence must be built, not assumed, and it starts with safety, preparation, and internal alignment.