What is the Buddhist way to handle when somebody publicly attacks you (verbally, (not physically)?
As always, when attacked, one should deflect that energy back to the person attacking.
When attacked verbally, the first reaction is no reaction. One must determine if the attack is even worth some kind of response; often the attack will look foolish if there is no reaction. There are times when a response is needed. At these times, the calm and quiet manner in which one responds is as important as the response itself.
After careful thought and consideration, the response should reply to the foolishness of the attack.