How to answer questions when put on the spot!

Key Concepts:

• Thought Slowing: Techniques to decelerate thought processes under pressure.
• Breath as a Tool: Utilizing breath to create a pause and improve response quality.
• Perception of Pauses: Addressing the misconception that immediate answers are always necessary or indicative of competence.
• Value Addition: Focusing on providing meaningful and thoughtful responses.
• Curiosity: Approaching questions with genuine interest and a desire to understand.

Slowing Thoughts Under Pressure: The Breath-Pause-Compose Method

The core issue addressed is how to effectively process questions and formulate responses under pressure, particularly in a work environment. The speaker introduces a method centered around the breath and strategic pausing.

The Deep Breath Technique

The speaker advocates for using a deep breath as the initial response to a question. This serves multiple purposes:

• Creating a Pause: It provides a moment to collect thoughts and avoid impulsive reactions.
• Projecting Calmness: It conveys an image of composure and control to the questioner.
• Facilitating Processing: It allows the brain time to fully understand the question and formulate a thoughtful answer.

Demonstration and Comparison

The speaker engages in a demonstration where they are asked the question, "Where do you think you're heading towards in life?" twice.

• First Response: An immediate, less refined answer is given. The speaker states their goal is to help people use their "instrument" (presumably referring to their skills or talents) to become more kind, compassionate, and empathetic.
• Second Response: After a deliberate pause facilitated by counting down from three, a more considered and impactful answer is provided. The speaker expresses a desire to teach people how to use their instrument to spread more love, kindness, and compassion in the world, while also having fun.

The speaker then asks which answer felt better, and the response is the second one. This highlights the tangible difference that a brief pause can make in the quality and impact of a response.

Addressing the Misconception of Immediate Answers

The speaker challenges the common belief that immediate answers are always necessary or desirable. They argue that many people operate under the assumption that a delay in responding indicates a lack of knowledge or competence.

• The "Immediate Answer" Game: The speaker identifies a self-imposed pressure to answer questions instantly, driven by the fear of appearing uninformed.
• Reframing the Pause: The speaker encourages a shift in perspective, emphasizing that a pause can project confidence and thoughtfulness rather than uncertainty.

The Breath-Pause-Compose Framework

The speaker presents a concise framework for responding to questions under pressure:

1. Breathe: Take a deep breath to create a moment of calm and facilitate processing.
2. Pause: Allow a deliberate pause before responding to gather thoughts.
3. Compose: Formulate a thoughtful and well-articulated response.

Adding Value and Cultivating Curiosity

Beyond the mechanics of breathing and pausing, the speaker emphasizes the importance of adding value to the conversation and approaching questions with genuine curiosity.

• Value Addition: Focus on providing meaningful and insightful answers that contribute to the discussion.
• Curiosity: Approach questions with a genuine interest in understanding the underlying issues and perspectives.

Notable Quotes:

• "One of the most wonderful ways to receive a question is with a deep breath."
• "The breath makes you seem calm, collected, composed. The pause, confidence."

Synthesis/Conclusion:

The video provides a practical and actionable strategy for managing pressure in communication, particularly in professional settings. By consciously incorporating breath and strategic pauses, individuals can overcome the urge to provide immediate, potentially less thoughtful answers. The Breath-Pause-Compose framework, coupled with a focus on adding value and cultivating curiosity, empowers individuals to respond to questions with greater confidence, clarity, and impact. The key takeaway is that a brief pause, facilitated by a deep breath, can significantly enhance the quality and perception of one's responses.