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