Thinking on Your Feet

Imagine this: You’ve just pitched an idea to your company’s board of directors concerning how your company plans to save money in the next fiscal year. After the presentation, a board member raises his hand and asks a question, one to which you’ve not given much thought. What do you do? People find themselves in this situation, one in which they’ve been put on the spot, and don’t know how to think quickly. How does one think on their feet?

Have the question repeated or clarified. Often, questions pop up that haven’t been been carefully crafted. If you ask for clarification, the questioner may change the question, making it more specific or more elaborate. This repetition will not only buy you a little extra time to think, but will give you a better idea of what is being asked. Once you’ve had the question restated and still don’t know the answer, don’t try to bluff your way through. Admit that you don’t know the answer but commit to find out and follow-up!

Stall tactics. There are several tactics you can employ to make your stalling less obvious. Try restating the question. This makes it appear as though you are simply attempting to relay your understanding of what is being asked. Try clarifying or even re-framing the question. If asked how your company will save money, you might say, “There are two ways to save. Would you like to know what we will stop buying, or on what we will spend less money?” Another tactic: don’t be afraid to pause! We’ve mentioned this in previous blogs-- audiences don’t mind the temporary silence. Pausing gives you a moment to gather your thoughts, prevents you from rushing, and can make you look as though you are providing a more thoughtful response.

Keep it simple. At the moment of the question, any number of possible answers might flood your mind, creating a clutter of thoughts that can paralyze. Remember, you don’t need to give an extremely elaborate answer. One specific point with supporting evidence and/or examples will suffice. The key is balance -- too short an answer will create the opportunity to be pelted with even more questions. Too long an answer can turn into rambling, lose the interest of those listening, and you may risk sharing things that may be better left unsaid.

Wrap it up. Once you have given a sufficient answer, give a summary statement and stop. It is often tempting to keep explaining, but this may confuse the audience and undo the answer you’ve already given.

With these tips, you’ll be thinking on your feet in no time.