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What to Say When Words Escape You

November 25, 2023 By Nagesh Belludi Leave a Comment

What to Say When Words Escape You When faced with a tough question or unexpected situation that leaves you speechless, your best approach is to buy time. This prevents hasty, regrettable responses.

Respond with curiosity using open-ended questions like “Tell me more,” or “What are you hoping to achieve right now?” Neutral statements like “Let me get back to you” can maintain diplomacy and gain thinking space.

If all else fails, honesty works: say, “I’m not sure how to respond.”

Idea for Impact: In a world of quick, snappy answers, taking a moment to think before you speak is often wiser, especially in high-stakes situations.

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Filed Under: Effective Communication, Sharpening Your Skills Tagged With: Assertiveness, Conflict, Conversations, Etiquette, Negotiation, Social Skills

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About: Nagesh Belludi [hire] is a St. Petersburg, Florida-based freethinker, investor, and leadership coach. He specializes in helping executives and companies ensure that the overall quality of their decision-making benefits isn’t compromised by a lack of a big-picture understanding.

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