When someone puts you on the spot here are 3 ways to respond. The first way to respond is to buy yourself some time, as in saying “Let me think about that and get back to you”. This can buy you sometime to come up with a great response. The second way you can respond when your feeling you have no ideas is “Just off the top of my head”. This makes it seems as though you are thinking and interested. The third response can simply be “Can you elaborate?” Get a clearer explanation to help with your response.
Key Takeaways:
- Don’t worry, admitting that you’d prefer to have a brief pause rather than flying by the seat of your pants doesn’t need to make you look unimaginative. Instead, drive the point home that you want to come back to the drawing board with valuable contributions.
- Furthermore, prefacing your suggestion with something like, “Just off the top of my head,” makes it clear that you’re thinking on your feet, and that your idea is in no way meant to solve all of the world’s problems.
- When you’re pressed to contribute your own suggestions, don’t hesitate to request some elaboration and clarification on an area you’re somewhat confused about.
“Whether it’s in a sit-down with your manager, a meeting with your team, or a call with an eager client, you’ll have something to fill the silence—without seeming unknowledgeable or unprepared.”
