Final answer:
In the context of trying to protect one's presenting self during an attack on one's behavior, the most effective strategy would be to paraphrase the speaker's ideas, indicating active listening and understanding, and to remain non-escalatory and respectful in communication.
Step-by-step explanation:
When trying to protect your presenting self as someone challenges your behavior, it is most socially effective to be defensive in a constructive way. This means you would actively listen to the other person's concerns, try to understand their perspective, and respond in a manner that is not escalatory or confrontational. The recommended response would be to paraphrase the speaker's ideas to demonstrate understanding and to avoid misunderstandings. This can have an affirming effect and deescalate potential conflict.
Additional strategies include using open-ended questions to learn more about the other person's position, expressing your own feelings and thoughts respectfully, and seeking problem-solving rather than placing blame. These approaches help maintain a positive interaction and facilitate a productive resolution to any disagreement. Avoiding an escalatory communication style helps to prevent the situation from worsening.