Thinking on your feet is easy..only if you know the right tips and tricks.
Imagine being lowballed by a tricky question in an interview that can make or break your career. You must have felt all the pressures pulsating through you within the exact second.
Why is it so hard to think on the spot?
But here is the thing: getting stuck in an interview or presentation is better than you think.
Getting cold feet during interviews is very common!
Whether it’s unexpected questions lowballed at you, impromptu presentations, on-foot business proposals, or quick selling pitches, putting your thoughts in the right place is a crucial skill.
Thinking on your feet can boost your confidence and make you stand out immediately. Knowing what to communicate at the right time might even intimidate your opponent, and in a fast-paced world where you often have to take the hot seat, that can work in your favor.
To help you think clearly and faster on your feet, here are some doable tips that can help you next time.
Read: Dissociation Vs Disassociation; What’s The Difference?
How to Think on Your Feet
Have you ever wondered how some people are more witty and quick to respond to literally everything? Well, they may have a secret.
The secret to quickly thinking on your feet is to remain prepared. Yes, you read that right, prepared. How do you stay ready all the time? With simple tips and tricks that will save you under pressure and with unexpected questions;
Self – Talk
The biggest key to organizing your thoughts is coherent conversations. People with pleasant conversation styles usually are quicker to think on their feet.
That is mainly due to the motivation and confidence they positively reinforce when engaged in a dialogue with themselves. This allows them to think from the other end of the spectrum and respond similarly.
Now, in situations where you are preparing for your project and interviews, you should engage in as much self-talk as possible. This can be helpful when you have to answer a tricky question immediately.
Quick Tip:
When given a tricky question that provokes you to think on your feet, pull a thoughtful gesture, mentally step back, pause for a while, and repeat it as a question. If you have been practicing self-talk, your mind will come up with a relevant answer.
Want to learn more about self-confidence? Read more to find out! 10 Reasons Why Is Self-Confidence Important To Success?
Relax your Posture
Nothing can prepare for age questions valid. But there might be one body gesture that can buy you time in such a situation. Taking deep breaths. Now, you don’t want to show signs of panic visibly, but moving a little from a place while taking three deep breaths can immediately help you think clearly on your feet. simply ;
- Shift from one foot to another or change your standing or sitting slightly.
- Take a deep breath while consciously taking a pause
- Organizing your thoughts and reaffirming the question in your head
A quick tip: You should add in a hand gesture to show confidence while you take your time to think.
Listen and Repeat
Closely listening is critical for thinking on your feet. It would help if you stayed engaged and carefully listened to what the questioner was saying.
Often, listening goes beyond words. See how they are asking you. Sometimes, people hunt for their answers to questions through their body language.
One reason why it is so hard to think on the spot for Purple is due to their need for listening engagement. You might be surprised at How thinking on your feet psychology works.
Here is a quick way to do that…
Mentally, make a quick note of the essential words in the questioner’s question; now, repeat that to yourself and answer whatever first response you get in your mind.
Don’t Shy Away from Asking
You don’t want to blurt out the first thing that comes to your mind, so it is always best to ask the question again. This is an underconfident and anxious reply.
The latest research studies have shown that people who show confidence in their dealings are likelier to achieve academic and otherwise success in their long-term goals.
The question might also have been immediately thought of on foot and, therefore, might be better explained when given a second chance to explain.
Try some of the questions here while you buy yourself some time to think on your feet.
‘could you please elaborate on your question,’ ‘When you say (XYZ), is this what you mean (articulate the question in simpler words),’ repeat the question and ask them, ‘have I said it correctly?).
Make Sure to Answer What You Know First
Answering more or less than what you know might be tricky in such a situation. Therefore, your best shot should be to reply to exactly what you know first.
Keeping your answers brief and concise is the perfect sweet spot for any interview. Be concise in your reply.
If you don’t know anything, it’s okay to miss it. If the questioner prompts you again, instead of making something up, coming clean may work in your favor.
Prepare Beforehand
One of the best ways to think on your feet is to make sure you have some predicted questions in mind. It’s always best to counter-question your work and rehearse some answers in advance.
For instance, if you present a weekly performance report, you should drill down some obvious and counter-questions.
Here is some extra advice for your following interview: 8 Significant Tips To Kill Your Next Job Interview
You should audit your work to see if there is a possibility of confusion or questions that may make you think on your feet.
Your best shot at avoiding any last-minute thinking-on-feet scenarios would be to take some time to brainstorm some tough-to-ask questions.
Your Delivery Matters!
Having good oration skills is essential, especially when it is hard for you to think on the spot.
You don’t have to be an expert, but speaking may exude confidence.
Usually, questionnaires are also checking your level questions to ensure you stand out perfectly in that avoid that here is what you can do;
- Maintain an intense eye contact
- No slouchy shoulder, rather a firm straight back posture
- Avoid ‘ah, ‘umm.’
- Have a steady pace.
- Choose your words formally.
- Keep your voice firm and steady.
Wrapping Up!
Thinking on your feet can be one of the best skills you learn; once you know, apply all the tips above. With some faith and practice, you can outshine yourself in challenging situations.
For better interview prep, connect with a coach today to help you outshine in your professional career.
At Positiverealist, we have a dedicated team of professionals who can not only give you the right tools but also help you gain life-long skills.
