How to Shine Under Pressure
We’ve all been there—someone asks you a question, challenges your point of view, or you’re called on unexpectedly to share your thoughts in a group. The pressure rises, your mind races, and suddenly, the right words escape you. It’s a frustrating feeling, and it can happen in all sorts of situations—whether you're speaking to a superior, engaging in a group discussion, or navigating a disagreement.
But here’s the truth: speaking under pressure is a skill you can develop. So, how do you keep calm and deliver a clear, confident response when the stakes are high?
Slow Down Your Thinking
When you're caught off guard, your mind naturally speeds up. The trick is to slow down. Take a deep breath and give yourself permission to pause. You don’t have to fill every silence immediately. This gives you time to gather your thoughts and craft a response that’s not only accurate but impactful.
Show You’re Listening One of the most effective strategies for impromptu speaking is to acknowledge what the other person has said. It gives you time to think and shows that you’re engaged. A simple, “I hear your point,” or “That’s a great question,” can provide a buffer while you organize your thoughts.
Stay Focused on the Key Message In high-pressure moments, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Instead of overthinking, focus on delivering a simple and clear message. What’s the one thing you want to get across? Stick to that. Often, less is more in these situations.
Practice Makes Progress The more you practice impromptu speaking, the better you'll become. Start by challenging yourself in low-stakes environments, like casual conversations or team meetings. Over time, you’ll build the confidence to handle more intense situations.
Powerful Questions to Reflect On: When was the last time you found yourself wishing you had spoken up but didn’t?
How would your life be different if you could handle impromptu speaking with confidence?
Now imagine this: You’re in a meeting, and someone challenges your point of view. Instead of freezing, you take a breath, acknowledge their perspective, and deliver a clear, concise response. You feel calm, confident, and in control. That’s the power of mastering impromptu speaking.
Ready to Elevate Your Pitch?
If you want to learn how to speak confidently in any situation, whether it's addressing a superior, voicing your opinion in a group, or handling challenging conversations, it’s time to take action. Head over to my Elevate Your Pitch Online Workshop to discover how you can turn high-pressure moments into opportunities to shine.
Don’t let the fear of speaking under pressure hold you back. Join the workshop and start mastering your impromptu speaking muscle today!
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