You now understand that feedback triggers threat responses in the brain. Let's practice recognizing these reactions so you can respond appropriately when they happen.

Remember: defensive reactions are biology, not character flaws.

Engagement Message

What's the most important thing to remember when someone reacts defensively?

Type

Swipe Left or Right

Practice Question

Practice identifying threat versus safety signals. Swipe each behavior left if it shows THREAT response or right if it shows SAFETY response.

Labels

• Left Label: Threat Response
• Right Label: Safety Response

Left Label Items

• Rolling eyes when you're speaking
• "You don't understand what really happened"
• Immediately justifying or making excuses
• "Everyone else does the same thing"

Right Label Items

• "That's helpful feedback, thank you"
• Asking for specific examples
• "I want to improve, what should I focus on?"
• Pausing to think before responding

Type

Sort Into Boxes

Practice Question

Sort these verbal responses into the correct category based on whether they indicate psychological safety.

Labels

• First Box Label: Feels Safe
• Second Box Label: Feels Threatened

First Box Items

• Asking questions
• Taking notes
• Saying thanks
• Requesting help

Second Box Items

• Making excuses
• Blaming others
• Getting defensive