Ever crushed a presentation only to have a colleague, manager, or worse, a senior exec hit you with a question you weren't exactly prepared for?
Been there, done that, bought the imposter syndrome t-shirt (and promptly returned it because who needs that negativity in their closet?).
Thinking on your feet is a crucial skill for anyone in STEM, especially for women who are already battling unconscious bias and the pressure to prove themselves twice as hard. But fear not, fearless leader!
Here are 7 battle-tested strategies to help you speak on the spot and come across like the confident, capable professional you are:
1. Breathe, Beautiful, Breathe: The amygdala, that delightful part of your brain responsible for fight-or-flight, kicks into overdrive when caught off guard. This can lead to rambling, mumbling, or worse, complete radio silence. So, the first thing you need to do is take a deep breath (or three). It might feel awkward, but trust me, that extra oxygen will buy you valuable time to collect your thoughts and project an air of calm competence.
2. Listen Up, Buttercup: Maybe "buttercup" isn't the most professional term, but you get the idea. Before you launch into answer mode, make sure you truly understand the question. Repeat it back in your own words, or ask for clarification. This demonstrates active listening and gives you a precious moment to formulate a response.
3. Summarize and Conquer: So you've heard the question loud and clear. Now what? Here's a golden rule: summarize the question back to the asker. This accomplishes two things:
A) It shows you were paying attention (bonus points!), and
B) It gives you a chance to reframe the question in a way that allows you to answer it confidently.
4. The Power of the Pause: Silence is not your enemy, my friend. It's your secret weapon. Resist the urge to blurt out the first thing that pops into your head. Take a beat to gather your thoughts and structure your answer. People will respect the pause, interpreting it as thoughtful consideration rather than empty silence.
5. Slow Down, Speedy Gonzales: Speaking at the speed of a caffeinated hummingbird might seem impressive, but it often leads to garbled messes and missed points. Slow down your delivery. This allows you to enunciate clearly, confidently project your voice, and most importantly, appear in control.
6. The Backup Answer Brigade: A little secret that most successful speakers won't tell you is that they have a few generic answer structures in their back pockets. These are frameworks you can adapt to almost any question. For example, the "PAR" method (Point, Action, Result) allows you to address an issue and showcase your problem-solving skills quickly.
7. Know When to Stop, Girl! Once you've answered the question directly, resist adding fluff or filler. End your response with a concise closing statement that reinforces your key point. This leaves a lasting impression and avoids the dreaded "deer in headlights" look that comes with rambling.
Bonus Tip: Rewire Your Mindset
Sometimes the biggest obstacle to speaking on the spot is our self-doubt. That nagging voice in your head telling you you're not good enough? Yeah, that needs to go.
Consider investing in career coaching services like those offered by Linda Macelova Consulting. Linda specializes in helping women in STEM overcome limiting beliefs and develop the confidence and communication skills they need to thrive in their careers.
Remember, ladies, speaking on the spot is a skill that can be honed. By incorporating these strategies and working on your mindset, you'll be ready to conquer any unexpected question and solidify your position as a thought leader in your field.
Ready to get to the spotlight and silence your inner critic? Head over to LM Consulting and explore the coaching services designed to empower women in STEM. You can also book a free strategy session to discuss your specific needs and chart your path to public speaking domination!
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