How to succeed in your career


Five Secrets to Thinking on Your Feet

Many times we are put into situations whereinformation.
we are asked a question and need to give an
answer on the spot, or "think on your feet."* Allows you to take control of the question
It could be a sales or customer serviceby rephrasing the question to a more positive
situation, your manager asking you for alight  if  needed.
progress report, a request for your ideas on
a  new community project, or a job interview.* Enables everyone, if in a public setting,
to  hear  the  question.
During these times we can feel the pressure.
Our heart begins to race, we start to sweat,4.  Focus  on  One  Main Point and Support It
we feel our knees knocking, or we want to
hide under a rock. This is because sometimesThe number one reason why we sometimes freeze
the answer we give could mean that big sale,up when asked to think on our feet is because
the customer being satisfied, a promotion orwe have so many ideas running around in our
raise,  or  that  dream  job.minds. We  don't know which idea to mention.
The following are five secrets to help youHere's the solution: Go with the first idea
master  your  "thinking on your feet" skills:that comes to mind and say it. By sticking
with that one point you can focus on two or
1.  Listenthree supporting points. You sound more
direct and confident when giving your answer.
Many times when we are in a high pressure
situation where we are so nervous we really5.  Summarize  and  Stop  (SAS)
don't hear the actual question. Been there,
done that. To make sure we understand theEnd your answer with some SAS (Summarize and
question and give the right answer do theStop). Give your answer, summarize, and
following:stop. Don't apologize and don't ramble on
beyond the finish. Try this trick: repeat
- Breathe slower (Benefit: Relaxes body andthe essence of the question. For example,
mind).you may be asked, "Why did you stop the
project?" In your summary you might say,
- Look directly at the questioner. (Benefit:"And that's why we decided to start another
Increases  comprehension.)project." Then  stop.
- Ask questions (Benefit: increases clarityGive your answer, let them know the end is
and  shows  you  are  listening).near  by  saying:
2.  Pause  to  Organize"In  summary..."
It is okay to pause. Pause to gather your"In  conclusion..."
thoughts. When you pause you look and sound
poised and in control. Remember, there isThen  simply  stop. Remember  SAS.
power  in  silence.
Apply these techniques so that you can become
3.  Repeat  the  Questiona master at "thinking on your feet" and give
great answers. You can practice these skills
This  has  several  benefits:by joining Toastmasters. In their meetings
they have an exercise called "table topics,"
*  Buys  you  time  to  think.in which you can practice this skill in a
supportive environment.
* Communicates a complete piece of



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