At the recent Academy Awards ceremony, what might have kept Will Smith from slapping Chris Rock? Perhaps you’ve wondered. I keep coming back to the importance of having a repertoire of comebacks.
At Arianna Huffington’s online site Thrive Global, I published “Did You Really Say That?” The article focuses on what women might say in challenging situations. Male or female though, we all experience situations that leave us speechless. Rather than find yourself taking a verbal or physical swing at someone or realizing too late what you might have said, it’s useful to have responses at hand.
Among the ones in “Did Your Really Say That?” is the title itself. This simple phrase can give the offender a chance to reflect, rephrase and perhaps to apologize. Effective comebacks save face for the offended. They warn offenders that they’re walking a thin line. This sure beats skulking off feeling hurt, angry or embarrassed. As an extra bonus, relationships can be saved in the process.
So, take a few minutes to look over the list in “Did You Really Say That?” or others in my co-authored book Comebacks at Work. Develop your own repertoire. Consider events in your life when these comebacks would have come in handy. Next time you feel offended, you’ll be ready.
9 Responses to A Lesson From The Academy Awards