"I usually can't think of those things til later" That's what Horton said just after he released the tree trunk (while saying "This is where we get off!") which catapulted the vulture into a mountainside. I don't know if it's true for everyone; but I know that's true for a lot of people. They usually end up kicking themselves for days afterwards for not realizing the perfect comeback for the moment. The truth is, to be able to comeback the way you want to, takes practice, and I am sorry to say, some above average intelligence. You got to think on your feet you know. Spur of the moment stuff that'll put the guy in the spot. This means that you have to know things that the other guy doesn't. You also have to recall facts that are old, obscure and may seemingly not be relevant to the case. I guess the most important talent is the ability to identify when the conversation has crossed the boundary of "nice". Too often the victim is pushed onto the backfoot by continuing to "nice" long after the other guy has crossed the boundary. You can't please everyone, and as soon as you realize that the other guy has switched to rude or aggressive behaviour that's the moment that you need to turn yourself onto the same page. It doesn't happen often, but when it does, be prepared to make it as ugly as he is going to push it.
I have to say that some people are definitely better at "talking" than others. The natural talent is undeniably obvious as they identify ugly situations quickly and respond accordingly. They are admired because of their talent and end up doing big things later in life. Most of the great leaders fall into this category. Since there are more great leaders than ordinary people, I guess we can safely assume that most of us fall into the category of not being quick on our feet. I guess that's why the world still has enough nice people to go around.
I know that most of you guys must be thinking "You hit it right on the button pal. So what do us good guys do? What do I do when I am caught in the situation you talk about in your blog?". Well, lucky for you, I have a few methods that are guaranteed to work in those difficult situations.
Step 1: As he is pushing you back with his intimidating talk, put your hand to his face and say "Talk to the hand".
(Ideal outcome: He turns around and walks away. You turn to your admiring onlookers and bow twice to quell the ensuing applause.)
Step 2: If he doesn't turn around and walk away, he's going to blink absurdly at your reaction and come at you again with more verbal barrages. So your next step becomes quite simple. Clench fist....and POW! Right in the kisser!
(Ideal outcome: He falls flat on the ground with the crowd cheering you in the background.)
Step 3: If he didn't fall, quick turn and RUN!
There you go, 3 simple steps to punch the arrogance out of the nincompoops for the next 5 years.
Wise Tip: Just to be sure he remembers for the lesson for FULL 5 years, you might want to kick him a couple of times while he's on the ground to be absolutely certain! And if you want to make him remember for the next 10 or say 20 years, I got no objection. It's always good sense to plan for the future.
