It’s probably happened to you. Someone asked you a question and your mind went blank, or you blathered on, hoping you would eventually make a point. How can you improve your ability to think on your feet, and answer questions at least semi-intelligently? Here are 10 tips and a few ways to practice:
- Expect questions—prepare for likely questions with talking points.
- Be grounded with key messages or themes/values that you can come back to
- Listen carefully (with your ears and eyes—body language can reveal attitudes)
- Repeat the question (or paraphrase your understanding of it. This also buys you time)
- Ask for more information/clarification. (Tell me a little more . . .)
- Pause. Breathe. (It will calm you, and give you a moment to think)
- Avoid being defensive (try to use “Yes, and . . .” to move the conversation forward)
- Answer in an organized structure: What’s your POINT? Use P.R.E.P.
- Conclude with a summary, especially if you have meandered a bit (get back to your POINT)
- Stop, and wait for a response (let people absorb what you said)
How can you practice “thinking on your feet” and get better at answering questions?:
- Practice with a friend or coworker
- Practice at family dinners (Table topics, or just make up your own)
- Join Toastmasters (meetings have an impromptu speaking portion, called Table Topics)
- Take an improv class (I took a couple classes, which got me out of my comfort zone in a fun way!)