Tactic
Steamroller
When someone will not let you answer, stop the truck.
How
- First, stop them: ‘Give me a second to answer this one before the next.’
- If they keep rolling, name it: ‘I thought you wanted an answer.’
- If they still will not pause, leave. You are not required to be trampled.
Questions to keep in your pocket
- May I finish this thought?
- Which question would you like me to take first?
In the wild
A loud coworker stacks four objections without breathing.
Raise a hand. ‘Let’s take the Bible-corruption claim first. Then we can do evil. I cannot do both at once.’ If they refuse, you are done for now.
Some steamrollers are nervous talkers, not enemies. Offer a pause before you walk away. Never return fire with volume.