10 ways to respond when someone launches into a personal attack

"What would make you say something like that? "

"How did you arrive at that conclusion?"

Source: Never Split the Difference

"What are we trying to achieve here?"

Source: Never Split the Difference

"Well, you are entitled to your anger and your opinions. I don't see it that way."

Source: Rethinking Narcissism

Take what they say a paraphrase it. "Let me get this straight. You think it's a good idea to behave like that. [explain the way they are behaving in gross detail]"

Source: How to fail at everything and still win big

"How does making a remark like that empower me or empower you in any way?"

"Sorry I didn't hear what you said. Could you repeat that?" Keep doing it till they realize how poor their behaviour is.

Example: Mind Reading

Counterpart: "You did that because you enjoy seeing my unhappy."

Response: What is something you think I don't believe about this topic.

Source: Loserthink

You are not required to be the other person's punching bag. If things get heated. Just get up and walk away.

Job Interviewer: I see that you have only stayed in company x for a year. Why do you think they didn't want you?

Response: It's not because they didn't want me. It's because I chose to leave to find better opportunities.

"Wow! What a welcome. I didn't realize they had cage fighters in Toronto"

Source: Gordon Ramsey

"I appreciate you being open and honest. Most people are not confident enough to speak their mind. I am the same way too. So let me be equally candid..."