Thinking on your feet
Question: Lately I have found it extremely difficult communicating in certain situations. At times when I'm put on the spot to answer questions I freeze up, and cannot respond. I feel that this problem is having a negative effect on how my co-workers see me. I fear that if I am unable to think on my feet I will continue to lose credibility. Is the ability to think on your feet something people are born with? Or are there any ways for someone like me to improve communications techniques, or lack thereof?
Answer: Many talented business professionals have not been able to respond in challenging situations. In some situations this has cost people promotions and other opportunities within jobs. Luckily effective impromptu speaking is not a skill that you must be born with. There are ways in which to improve these speaking skills. Here are a few tips you can use to help:
1. Be mentally ready. Avoid negative self-talk like, "I hope he doesn't ask me anything like that." Replace doubt and fear with a positive anticipation toward a chance to make a positive impact and good impression.
2. Get into an example immediately. This will free you the necessity of thinking hard about your next sentence, personnel experiences are easily recounted (even in impromptu situations). This will also allow you to get into the swing of speaking, and help eliminate first moment jitters. An example will also enlist the attention of your listener immediately.
3. Speak with animation and force. When you speak with energy and forcefulness, your external animation will have a beneficial effect on your mental process. Once your body is animated your mind will function at a rapid pace.
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