The Complete Idiot's Guide to Verbal Self-Defense

559 Pages·1999·21.06 MB·English

by  Glass L.

Page i
Verbal Self-Defense
by Lillian Glass, Ph.D.
A Division of Macmillan General Reference
A Pearson Education Macmillan Company
1633 Broadway, New York, NY 10019

Page ii
Copyright© 1999 Lillian Glass, Ph.D.
All rights reserved. No part of this book shall be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any
means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without written permission from the
publisher. No patent liability is assumed with respect to the use of the information contained herein. Although
every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this book, the publisher and author assume no
responsibility for errors or omissions. Neither is any liability assumed for damages resulting from the use of
information contained herein. For information, address Alpha Books, 1633 Broadway, 7th Floor, New York,
NY 10019-6785.
THE COMPLETE IDIOT'S GUIDE name and design are trademarks of Macmillan, Inc.
Macmillan Publishing books may be purchased for business or sales promotional use. For information please
write: Special Markets Department, Macmillan Publishing USA, 1633 Broadway, New York, NY 10019.
International Standard Book Number: 0-02-862741-5
Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: 99-64466
01 00 99 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
Interpretation of the printing code: the rightmost number of the first series of numbers is the year of the book's
printing; the rightmost number of the second series of numbers is the number of the book's printing. For
example, a printing code of 99-1 shows that the first printing occurred in 1999.
Printed in the United States of America
Note: This publication contains the opinions and ideas of its author. It is intended to provide helpful and
informative material on the subject matter covered. It is sold with the understanding that the author and
publisher are not engaged in rendering professional services in the book. If the reader requires personal
assistance or advice, a competent professional should be consulted.
The authors and publisher specifically disclaim any responsibility for any liability, loss or risk, personal or
otherwise, which is incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, of the use and application of any of the
contents of this book.
Page iii
Alpha Development Team
Publisher
Kathy Nebenhaus
Editorial Director
Gary M. Krebs
Managing Editor
Bob Shuman
Marketing Brand Manager
Felice Primeau
Acquisitions Editor
Jessica Faust
Development Editors
Phil Kitchel
Amy Zavatto
Assistant Editor
Georgette Blau
Production Team
Development Editor
Jessica Faust
Production Editor
Robyn Burnett
Copy Editor
Erik Dafforn
Cover Designer
Mike Freeland
Photo Editor
Richard H. Fox
Illustrator
Kevin Spear
Book Designer
Scott Cook and Amy Adams of Design Lab
Indexer
Tim Wright
Layout/Proofreading
Angela Calvert
Ellen Considine

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CONTENTS AT A GLANCE
Part 1: 1
Identifying the Verbally Venomous Opponent
1 3
Identifying the Verbally Venomous Opponent
Observe the person from head to toe in a way you never have before. Listen
between the lines to what they are really saying through their facial and
body language and the sound of their voice.
2 19
Knowing When You've Been Verbally Zapped
Translate what is meant by seemingly innocent statements that are really
verbal barbs. Take the quiz to see if you've been exposed to verbal abuse.
3 33
Verbal Abusers Are Losers
Find out the inner workings of different types of verbal abusers,
categorized according to the severity of their abusive behavior.
4 47
Verbal Murder—How and Why?
Learn some of the conscious and unconscious reasons for and the
consequences of being verbally murdered.
Part 2: 59
Preparing to Verbally Defend Yourself
5 61
Analyzing Your Strengths and Weaknesses
Learn ways to objectively examine how you come across to others—
everything from the way you walk to the way you talk.
6 79
Gaining the Physical Edge
Learn techniques for enhancing your image. These will create a more
powerful perception of you in others and instill more self-confidence in you.
7 91
Gaining the Verbal Advantage
How you sound when you speak cannot be overlooked if you want to win
the verbal war. Learn strategies for enhancing the way you speak.
8 105
Communication Skill Defense
Just as it is important to sound good in verbal warfare, it is important to
say the right thing. Learn the basics of communication that will make
others more receptive towards you.
9 117
Confident Conversation
Learn to develop the charisma to attract people, keep them interested, and
interact with them in the future.