Yikes and Ouch!

When you are shocked by something someone said that is inappropriate in a meeting, your response can be: "Yikes!"

Trust me, the meeting will go silent.

All you have to say is, "I just never heard anyone say that out loud before." Or better yet, repeat what they said and then chime in with, "I just..."

Having you repeat it makes it even more glaringly unpleasant, and it keeps the focus on the offensive comment.

When you are hurt, a good way to respond is: "Ouch!"

Of course, you have to keep a straight face to help its full impact land for the other person. This is often followed by a quick apology.

Let that linger for a moment or two. Then, if you want, you can say, "I'm sure you didn't mean it to hurt me, but wow, it sure did."

Sometimes a single word can create more awareness than a lengthy response ever could.