Re: Questions
Posted by Kenzi on December 22, 1999 at 00:07:07:
In Reply to: Re: Questions posted by Eliz. on December 20, 1999 at 21:22:03:
: : it...but even then, "#$%^ NO!" repeated firmly and often gets
the
: : point across.
: I haven't considered this in terms of clients, but definitely
showing
: anger, or at least indignation ("Miss Manners" recommends
practicing
: the phrase "I *beg* your pardon?!") can surprisingly diffuse some
: awkward situations - when someone keeps pushing. I'm so used to
: acting polite and trying not to show anger that I've actually had
to
: practice this. The result is often "hey, calm down" or "I was just
: kidding" - which should be met with a stern "see that you don't do
it
: again". (Don't apologize unless it very clearly was a
: misinterpretation on your part.) The second reaction also can take
: some practice.
I love this idea. It's polite so it appeals to us women with our
gender-specific desire to avoid conflict, but it clearly states
displeasure and self-control. I like to picture the "I beg your
pardon" with a dramatic gesture of hand to heart and raised
eyebrows. I'll have to practice that one.
I consider myself pretty outspoken and sure of myself but still "no"
is a tough one. "I beg your pardon" has a different ring to it:
powerful, calm, polite, sure.