Stand Firm
Be prepared to stand your ground when a bully tries to mess with you. If they humiliate you in front of others, turn the situation back toward him with an honest defense. Don’t be silent, or you will be perceived as weak. However, you should avoid the urge to criticize the bully in public, or you may be seen as the one doing the bullying.

Some bullies simply enjoy hearing themselves talk when there is a large audience. When there is no defense, sit back and allow the bully to make a fool of themself because that is exactly what they're doing when they go on a rant.
Gentle Hugs