The effect of a staircase, wit on a staircase, or staircase mind can be compared with a more well-known proverb, such as the back mind is strong. That is, the correct answer comes after the conversation has been completed.
Origin of the concept
Who introduced the expression such as the effect of the stairs? This phrase belongs to the famous French writer, playwright and philosopher of the eighteenth century Denis Didro.
The situation in which Denis Didro used this expression was as follows: he was invited to the house of a French statesman whose name was Jacques Necker. During dinner, Diderot made a remark because of which he fell silent for a few moments, and then said that he was of the type of people who were sensitive and that he could only reasonably reason when he went down the stairs. The fact is that in such houses a special floor was built for receiving guests, it was called the "honorary floor", it was located on the second floor. Therefore, going down the stairs meant leaving the meeting and the inability to give an argument.
A bit about Didro
Born 10/05/1713 in the French city, which is called Langres. He is better known as the creator and editor of the Encyclopedia of Sciences, Arts and Crafts. In addition, his works include: "A letter on blindness for the edification of the sighted", "Philosophical principles of matter and motion" and many others.
In addition, his brushes also belong to plays such as: “The illegitimate son,” who saw the light of day in 1757, and “Father of the Family,” written in 1758.
Denis Didro was an outstanding person of his time, his life ended in 1784, he died due to respiratory tract disease, or, more precisely, from emphysema.
The effect of the stairs. Psychology
Sooner or later everyone came across a similar effect. The staircase effect is characterized by the fact that a smart thought or idea comes to mind when the situation has already ended, the action has passed and nothing can be returned.
There is even a whole book devoted to the effect of the French staircase, which is called "Wit on the stairs." It describes "historical" expressions that did not actually occur, but were invented later, when the conversation was over, and a good thought occurred to the person.
It can be overcome
What is climbing stairs? An effect like this can be overcome, for this you can develop a number of qualities, thanks to which you will not fall into a similar situation.
You can start training the so-called "suspended language". After all, the effect of the stairs is because you cannot find the right words. The degree of “hanging” of the language depends on a number of factors: your erudition, whether you have a sense of humor, knowledge of psychology, whether you have personal experience, how quickly you react to taunts and others. Having developed this in yourself, the risk of such an effect will decrease.
Look at public people and how they can show such an ability as wit. In addition to this, you can watch lectures, read books on topics that are interesting and which topics are discussed in the immediate environment.
You can also watch interviews with celebrities who are famous for their eloquence and they don’t climb into your pocket for a word. It's not about copying, you need to learn how to give a lightning fast answer. It will be easier to avoid the staircase effect if you already have a well-formed opinion about a particular event / phenomenon. For example, maintaining a conversation about Baroque will be much easier if you know about the features of this area and can name artists and their works.
You need to be able to control yourself, because when someone says taunts to you, the first thing you want to say is in return. And the right words do not come to mind. No need to follow your speeches, which were caused only by anger.
If you can master the ability to win in most disputes, as well as show yourself perfectly at events of various kinds, then this ability will be useful to you throughout your life. Since a person is a social creature, which means that we spend most of our lives among other people.
The ability to express your thoughts beautifully and harmoniously is a real art, having mastered it, communication with people will bring you only joy. After all, who and what would not be told to you, get out of this situation in the best way.
It’s not even a matter of competing or wiping someone’s nose, but that you will feel confident.