I ask, did you hear what you just said to me and would you like to retract any or all of it before I respond to you?

I taught the most troubled students in our school system last year and as I was entering the building the biggest and baddest told me he hated me. I gave him a big smile, and asked and I care because?

Sometimes people think we are quiet because we are not smart but the reality of the situation is that we are very smart and we learn more if we observe and allow others to believe they have their act together.