| Many times we are put into situations
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| | * Allows you to take control of the
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| where we are asked a question and need to
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| | question by rephrasing the question to a
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| give an answer on the spot, or "think on
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| | more positive light if needed.
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| your feet." It could be a sales or
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| | * Enables everyone, if in a public
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| customer service situation, your manager
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| | setting, to hear the question.
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| asking you for a progress report, a
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| | 4. Focus on One Main Point and Support It
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| request for your ideas on a new community
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| | The number one reason why we sometimes
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| project, or a job interview.
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| | freeze up when asked to think on our feet
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| During these times we can feel the
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| | is because we have so many ideas running
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| pressure. Our heart begins to race, we
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| | around in our minds. We don't know which
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| start to sweat, we feel our knees
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| | idea to mention.
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| knocking, or we want to hide under a
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| | Here's the solution: Go with the first
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| rock. This is because sometimes the
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| | idea that comes to mind and say it. By
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| answer we give could mean that big sale,
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| | sticking with that one point you can
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| the customer being satisfied, a promotion
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| | focus on two or three supporting points.
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| or raise, or that dream job.
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| | You sound more direct and confident when
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| The following are five secrets to help
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| | giving your answer.
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| you master your "thinking on your feet"
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| | 5. Summarize and Stop (SAS)
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| skills:
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| | End your answer with some SAS (Summarize
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| 1. Listen
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| | and Stop). Give your answer, summarize,
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| Many times when we are in a high pressure
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| | and stop. Don't apologize and don't
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| situation where we are so nervous we
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| | ramble on beyond the finish. Try this
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| really don't hear the actual question.
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| | trick: repeat the essence of the
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| Been there, done that. To make sure we
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| | question. For example, you may be asked,
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| understand the question and give the
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| | "Why did you stop the project?" In your
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| right answer do the following:
| |
| | summary you might say, "And that's why we
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| - Breathe slower (Benefit: Relaxes body
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| | decided to start another project." Then
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| and mind).
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| | stop.
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| - Look directly at the questioner.
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| | Give your answer, let them know the end
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| (Benefit: Increases comprehension.)
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| | is near by saying:
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| - Ask questions (Benefit: increases
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| | "In summary..."
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| clarity and shows you are listening).
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| | "In conclusion..."
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| 2. Pause to Organize
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| | Then simply stop. Remember SAS.
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| It is okay to pause. Pause to gather
| |
| | Apply these techniques so that you can
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| your thoughts. When you pause you look
| |
| | become a master at "thinking on your
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| and sound poised and in control.
| |
| | feet" and give great answers. You can
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| Remember, there is power in silence.
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| | practice these skills by joining
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| 3. Repeat the Question
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| | Toastmasters. In their meetings they
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| This has several benefits:
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| | have an exercise called "table topics,"
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| * Buys you time to think.
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| | in which you can practice this skill in a
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| * Communicates a complete piece of
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| | supportive environment.
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| information.
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|
