His comment caught her off guard.

She did not understand his motives. But the words and tone used seemed totally out of place. There was nothing that would have made her suspect such a reaction might occur at that moment.

It would be the last chance she would be caught in such a situation.

6 ways to respond to a belittling comment

1. Ask them to repeat it: Can you repeat what you said?

2. Tell them openly you disagree: Well, look, you're wrong about this, because I know a lot about this, and I do have something to contribute.

3. Call his attention: Let's see, comments like this are not necessary. If there is anything you want to tell me, you can do it without sarcasm, without hints and without doing it in such an aggressive way.

4. Ask about their intention: Why are you saying it, to embarrass me?

5. Don't say anything: Intentional silence, uncomfortable for other people while you stare into their eyes.

6. Make a long pause first, before answering, and then put their attitude and comment on the table, without falling into the trap of counterattacking and putting yourself on their level: I don't know if it was your intention, but what you said sounded like mockery, and if it seems so unnecessary to start analyzing what didn't work at the launch; let's move on, and I'll tell you all the alternatives I propose for the next one.

The minute you think you have the right to belittle others because you think you're better than them is the same minute you've proven you're worse. —Joanne Crisner Alcayaga