tech
March 3, 2026
Stop rambling, deflecting and hedging—how to sound confident when you're put on the spot
"Few things are more nerve-racking than speaking off the cuff," says executive coach Melody Wilding. Here's how to handle unexpected questions with poise.
TL;DR
- Speak from your specific scope by clearly defining the boundaries of what you know based on your role, experience, or information access.
- Buy time by asking a clarifying question in return, which allows you to gather thoughts and frame your response.
- Address the underlying need of the question, which is often a request for reassurance, guidance, or action.
- If you don't have an immediate answer, frame the delay as beneficial to the asker, promising accuracy or a more thorough response.
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