Why Didn't I Say That?

by Donald Carroll

Perfect idea, perfect execution - give readers a list of possible responses when confronted with a bore, a nag or other verbal bully. In short, as the author himself describes it, this is a guide to the "art of verbal self-defense". Designed for everyone who figures out what they SHOULD have said only AFTER a painful confrontation is long over, this book preps the reader so that the next time around the balance may shift. Some of the responses are admittedly mean, off-putting or sarcastic - but then, if osmeone is equally offensive, perhaps a dose of the same medicine isn't always a bad idea. This is a classic. Not for every reader, however...just the ones who don't like being verbally bullied.

Genres: Communication

Paperback

First published January 1, 1980

About the author

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Reviews

[Colleen Wainwright]

The thesis of this book—that rather than responding to the subtext of annoying/hostile/clueless, you reply (if you reply) to the actual question being asked—is enormously empowering.

Alas, for the most part, the examples are far less useful. Not all humor travels well; doubtless, my own little blog posts, essays, and articles will fail to deliver with time.

But that thesis? Would make a great blog post.