From Psychologies · simon-lea · · 1m
How to Respond When Someone Lowbrowed You
Ask a question to force someone to justify their insult.
In brief
Ask a question to force someone to justify their insult. When someone insults you, ask a question that makes them justify their words to regain dignity and open communication. Originally reported by Psychologies.
When someone insults you
When someone insults you, avoid escalating verbal aggression by using a strategic response.
Rhetoric expert recommends a response
A rhetoric expert suggests a method to handle insults without losing calm or dignity.
The reveal technique
Ask a destabilizing question that forces the person to reflect on their words and their impact.
Example questions
Questions like 'Do you think calling me stupid makes you want to understand what you say?' reveal the inappropriateness of the remark.
“Tu penses que me traiter de débile, ça va me donner envie de comprendre ce que tu dis ?”
Effect of the technique
This approach shifts the conversation from defensive to respectful communication, encouraging openness and mutual understanding.
What happens next
The person who insulted you is forced to reconsider their behavior and often moderates their actions.
The short version
When someone insults you, ask a question that makes them justify their words to regain dignity and open communication.
