What are the key elements to have, when someone is trying to intimidate you? or talk down to you?

Question

example: Boss at work, or someone outside of work.

Answer 1

(1) A good, strong sense of self AND (2) A low tolerance for other peoples crap

Answer 2

Intimidations works when someone uses their strength (physically, emotionally, psychologically) against your weak point in order to dictate your behavior.

"Talking down" to someone is simply one way of trying to establish dominance. It's the easiest to overcome, since it can be reversed by wit/sarcasm ('geez, I didn't know bowling balls had holes in them. Now I understand why people like the sport of bowling so much), knowledge ('actually, Johnson emailed me the report yesterday, since I still have the dated email on my computer.') or the simple refusal to be cowered by the language (absolutely, I'll get right on it.) Depending upon the situation, refusing to acknowledge the intimidation, REALLY refusing to acknowledge it, can be even more effective, since the person is basically trying to get a 'rise' or response from you, which only proves their point that they are able to 'control' the situation.

As for outside of work, the same rules apply, although one could also add physical/legal action, but if the intimidation is going into that sort of territory, it often spirals quickly and out-of-control, so it should be a last resort.

The intimidator WANTS you to be 'responding' to them, not dictating the action. Refuse to rise to the bait, and you are halfway to winning the battle.

Answer 3

All you need to do is be confident, don't let others stupid criticisms affect you. With regards to your boss, some superiors are real pedantic you just have to prove how competent you are. If the one who is trying to intimidate you is your crush, all you need to do is show how affectionate you are.

Answer 4

don't let em know you are scared, look strait in the eye, reply back in a good manner, but look at em in the eye, don't get physical, unless you have to defend yourself from harm, keep cool and resolve it there face to face word to word, and sake hands after.

Answer 5

Know who you are, know what the subject is and be positive. Remember, if they are trying to tare you down, you must be something they worry about, as in (He's going to take my job)