9/12/2005
Want to know how to stop rudeness in its tracks?
8 out of 10 Americans say that rudeness is a serious problem (Pew Charitable Trust research study).
Imagine this: You had a long day at work. You’re tired and expect to unwind on your train ride home. You take your seat and within minutes, you hear the melodic ring of a cell phone coming from the purse of the woman sitting next to you. You hope she won't take the call, but she does. She talks loud enough for everyone around her to learn about the details of her visit to the doctor and why she’s mad at her boss. With each passing moment, you get closer and closer to blowing your cool…
Do you respond like a pitbull or a doormat? Do you...
1) Attack and mouth-off, “Who do you think you are? Zip it lady and turn that stupid phone off now!”
2) Keep quiet. Say nothing to the rude person and let you're frustration, anger and blood pressure build.
Whether you're a pitbull or a doormat, you won't get you what you want - an end to the offensive behavior. What will end the rude behavior is a third option, the "Rudeness Cure" - the effective verbal defense for fending off attacks from the rude, selfish, greedy, uncivil, unethical and down-right aggravating offenders we encounter.
Listen to Laurie's radio interview on National Public Radio's WNYC station on The Leonard Lopate Show to learn the powerful 3-Step Rudeness Cure. Click on http://www.wnyc.org/shows/lopate/episodes/08232005 scroll down and listen to the show segment entitled "Instant Persuasion."
