Category Archives: Confrontation

The Pros and Cons of Gossip

Posted on March 2, 2013 by Kathleen Reardon

Sharing here a Harvard Business Review blog by Amy Gallo on gossip.  It’s one of those facts of life.  There are some useful comebacks here, too, for when you don’t want to be manipulated into being part of someone else’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Bullying, Confrontation, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Getting Too Wrapped Up in Negativity

Posted on August 21, 2012 by Kathleen Reardon

I recently wrote back to a “ponderer” who shared with me some issues that would surely be difficult to remove from anyone’s mind.  It just so happens that this week I’d been thinking about how much our comebacks are influenced by … Continue reading →

Posted in Comebacks, Confrontation, Emotional Comebacks | 2 Comments

Rush Limbaugh’s Verbal Camouflage “Apology” Not An Apology At All

Posted on March 4, 2012 by Kathleen Reardon

What is a sincere apology?  We’ve all received them.  We’ve all given them.  The real ones are sincere in word and expression.  When “I’m sorry” is accompanied by a defensive speech, it is not an apology.  Tagging on those words … Continue reading →

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Pivotal Moments That Change our Lives

Posted on September 29, 2011 by Kathleen Reardon

Today I  shared with a writer one of the pivotal moments in my life.  We all have them – those times when someone, usually more senior, says something that causes us to reflect and to change.  For me it was … Continue reading →

Posted in Choice Points, Confrontation | 1 Comment

Taunting and Verbal Sparring — Are They Not Your Style?

Posted on April 21, 2011 by Kathleen Reardon

Perhaps you listened to Here & Now on PBS today.  Professor Gary King of Harvard University was interviewed.  In a study involving 64,000 congressional press releases, he and his team discovered that our representatives taunt 27% of the time.  He … Continue reading →

Posted in Comebacks, Confrontation, Gotcha! | Leave a comment

Short-Cut Method To Long-Term Influence

Posted on April 19, 2011 by admin

In my persuasion writing, I introduced a method of formulating persuasive responses called The ACE Model.  Persuasion research indicates that most rational attempts to influence appeal to appropriateness, consistency or effectiveness of an action.  Appropriateness appeals focus on whether what … Continue reading →

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What are Comebacks? Why do You Need To Have a Repertoire?

Posted on January 14, 2011 by Kathleen Reardon

I’ve wondered at times lately whether the title of our new book throws people off. Comebacks are viewed by some as quips rather than what to say in difficult situations. The broader definition of comebacks includes long and short ways … Continue reading →

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When Hateful Communication Prevails

Posted on January 8, 2011 by Kathleen Reardon

If we accept outrageous lies and hateful attacks as just the way things are, then that’s how they’ll continue to be.  Whether you’re a Democrat or Republican or somewhere in between, respect shown to hateful media personalities eliciting fear and … Continue reading →

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Who Tends To Be Happier? A Thought For The Year Ahead

Posted on December 19, 2010 by Kathleen Reardon

Perhaps you read the “Economist” article about people being happier as they get older. It’s worth a read.  Here are a couple of excerpts to give you the general idea: Ask a bunch of 30-year-olds and another of 70-year-olds (as … Continue reading →

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Radio Interview – Bill Kearney, Concord NH WKXL

Posted on December 14, 2010 by Kathleen Reardon

This interview was a really good one because Bill had clearly read Comebacks at Work.  He asked great questions, so I thought I’d share the interview with you along with some additional ideas. Click here to listen to the interview. … Continue reading →

Posted in Choice Points, Comebacks, Confrontation | 1 Comment