I SHOULDA SAID.....

 We've all been involved in situations where, when it was all over, we say to ourselves, "I shoulda said......"  Depending upon what kind of event was involved, the "shoulda saids" would vary in tone and content.

If you were being fired from your job, the "shoulda said" may be more forceful than under other circumstances, possibly even vulgar, profane, threatening or belligerent.  Under current economic conditions, you should probably mentally compose a list of things you may want to use and memorize them.  Often, in these emotional circumstances, the right words do not come readily to mind.  Having some memorized epithets gives you a better chance of not having to say to yourself later "I shoulda said".

Some people take pride in thinking they are good at thinking on their feet.  Don't be deceived.  All of us are subject to mental blocks at some time when the words just don't come.  It is better to have an arsenal ready and well practiced.

I'm certain you've had experiences in other areas, like being refused a refund, someone cutting into a line or some idiot coughing on you.  If you give it some thought, you may be able to come up with several universal, non-specific "shoulda saids" which could apply to all situations, a default, so if somehow a more appropriate response doesn't come immediately, you don't go away empty handed.