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