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