Talking is a form of verbal defense that could cause an attacker to reconsider their choice, and has the potential to buy us some time to try more strategies. It can include lying, such as pretending that someone is expected to drop by. It can include naming the act as rape. It can include negotiating. Negotiation has been used successfully to change the elements of assaults in ways such as having weapons put aside and requesting that a condom be worn.
Fighting is the option about which there are the most misconceptions.
It is untrue that women who fight a potential rapist are more likely to be killed. And it is untrue that women must be black belts in a martial art to fight effectively. If we choose to fight, we must be committed to injuring the rapist. Expect blows to be returned. Our wits, the element of surprise, and well-placed strikes to vulnerable body parts are our greatest weapons for creating an escape with physical defense.