Secret

Five Secrets to "Thinking on Your Feet"

• 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.
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   Every autumn my thoughts turn to making chili. The garden is about .....

   • 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.
   
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   A great life doesn't happen by accident. A great life is the result of allocating your time, energy, thoughts, and hard work towards what you want your life .....

   
   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

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ed Sykes is a professional speaker, author, and success coach in the areas of leadership, motivation, stress management, customer service, and team building. You can e-mail him at esykes@thesykesgrp.com">mailto:esykes@thesykesgrp.com, or call him at (757) 427-7032. Goto his web site, http://www.thesykesgrp.com/

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