Ways To Sound Smart

Stacey Gawronski of Business Insider's , The Daily Muse had an article that popped 

"How to sound smart when put on the spot" 

I thought "Wow! Yes, that is needed and useful info, let me click through and read." 

And generally, it was useful, except for one. 

And that is why I am sharing with you,

So you know,

How to sound smart when put on the spot 

&

How to avoid looking like a liar when put on the spot. 

1. Focus on what's important

Stacey wrote: "If you're nervous [about speaking up in an impromptu setting], it probably means you're overly focused on how other people are going to perceive you. Instead, focus on what's being discussed and think about three questions: 'What do I not understand which could be better clarified?' 'What question could I ask that would advance the discussion?' 'What perspective or insight do I have that's shareable?'

That is really great advice. And also, great advice to have you sound credible. If you are focused on how others are going to perceive you  that means you are contemplating lying. And thus is what makes you nervous.

2. Repeat the question

Stacey wrote: "One of the hardest parts of contributing to a conversation or answering questions in meetings is feeling as though you are under pressure to produce an expected response. One way to overcome this feeling is to not jump into your feedback too quickly. If your response isn't clear, it can come off as an incomplete thought, or it may fail to address the question.

DO NOT DO THIS! No only will this spotlight that you are buying time, but also gives the feeling that you are about to lie whether you are about to lie or not. Anytime you answer a question with a question, it is a red flag for analysis that a possible lie is coming up next.

3. Call upon your knowledge

Stacey wrote: "People usually talk about the things that are of interest to them (professionally or personally), or information most relevant to the organization. Use your knowledge to generate questions that demonstrate your involvement in the conversation.

This is good. To put it another way, "He that controls the questions reins the conversation."  Use your question to nudge the topics to areas that are in your knowledge area.

4. Take a deep breath before you do anything else

Stacey quoted: "If someone asks you a question that catches you off guard, pause, look thoughtful, and say, 'That's a really interesting question. Let me take a minute to think about it.' This gives you a moment to take a deep breath and collect your thoughts before responding. You'll be less likely to get flustered. It's a strategy that works well in interviews, too, if you're asked a question you don't have the answer to." —Heidi Ravis

100% spot on! Simply be truthful. If you are nervous say so!

5. Project confidence 

Stacey quoted: "This all boils down to having confidence in yourself. If you know who you are and feel good about what you're doing, are regularly and positively engaged in your work, have learned the industry and, in general, have strong interactions with your peers and managers, you should feel comfortable sharing your insights and opinions in any given situation." —Kristina Leonardi

This is really saying practice makes perfect.

6. Stop being afraid

Stacey wrote: Get over your fear of looking stupid. If you make a mistake and say something that isn't immediately met with nods of agreement or approval, that's OK. Follow your inner voice, and have your own thoughts.

This goes back to practice makes perfect with the addition of being familiar with yourself. If you have practiced, your flaws are not as noticeable to others as they are to you.

7. Take a moment of silence

Stacey quoted: "Silence can be golden, so don't be afraid to use it. If you're unsure of how to answer a question, or are searching for the right words, it's OK to pause for a bit before speaking. You can say, 'Let me think,' or 'That's a great question,' while you piece your thoughts together in your mind. These phrases help buy you time until you're ready to present the ideas swimming in your brain." —Ryan Kahn

Don't leave your audience in black hole suspense! Highlight your brilliance with care and concern for giving them the best!

8. Provide your point of view

Stacey wrote: "I find it fascinating that when we're asked for our input on a given topic, we often freeze up, or we feel unqualified to speak. You hold back because you don't think you have enough expertise. But, you don't gain expertise by keeping your mouth shut. You gain it by putting your ideas out there, and following what sticks.

When asked for your point of view, grab that practice time!

9. Avoid going on the defense

Stacey quoted: "When we feel caught off guard, it can be easy to get defensive. If, during a meeting or spontaneous conversation, a colleague rattles off a litany of criticisms as to why your proposal won't work, resist rejecting them by responding with 'No, but...' Instead, try the 'Yes, and...' strategy, a technique borrowed from improv comedy. By saying, 'Yes, and... here's how we overcome those challenges...' you move the conversation forward. You inspire creative problem-solving, invite possibility, and create an atmosphere for constructive conversation." —Melody Wilding

This is brilliant!  When someone curtails you, get them back into your leadership fold by including and acknowledging their decent.

3 ways to sound smart when put on the spot! 

Here are the keys to sounding smart. 

1. Be honest.

• If you are nervous, say so. Take a moment and then speak. This will lead to having fewer times when you need to take a moment. If you do not know the full answer and need a moment to give a thoughtful answer say so. Take a moment and then answer. 

2. Practice.

• Put yourself on the spot. Put yourself in situations where being on the spot will be a part of the experience. 

3. Be inclusive.

• Include people into yours! Ask them questions that lead into your areas. If they are opposing acknowledge it and provide them a means. If you need a moment to answer, share with them that you are giving them more than just what is on the top of your head. 

Smart on the spot!