Overview

This course is about building or developing the skill of being able to respond effectively, in real time, to any and every question or challenge thrown at you – however unexpected.

When we flounder or can’t find the words we need – when we need them – we lose credibility. On the other hand, overly slick responses or ‘clever’ evasion isn’t the answer either. When we are asked questions or challenged we need to come up with clear, concise and credible responses, quickly!

That is what this course does. Using the power of structure, you will learn how to take control and stay in control, providing meaningful and easy to understand answers to even the most challenging questions and requests for updates.

Who is this course for?

• Anyone who needs to get their point across clearly, concisely, persuasively and memorably.
• Anyone who is involved in meetings, presentations, discussions and briefings – and is likely to be asked questions without time to prepare in advance.

"I've seen colleagues' credibility undermined when they've been caught out by an unexpected question. That's never going to happen to me now!"

Key Benefits

Confident - you know that you will be able to handle any question or challenge.

Clear - you structure responses that are easy to understand and credible every time.

Concise - you get to the point quickly and say what you need to say efficiently.

How does this course differ from Presentation Skills or Communication Training?

Think Before You Speak focuses on the many occasions when we are asked an unexpected question, challenged out of the blue, or simply need to give a quick update on a situation or explain a decision. In these situations, there is no time to prepare and we need to come up with the right words, in the right order, NOW!

This course will give you the confidence you need to respond credibly and persuasively by learning the skills to:

• Ensure that your initial response makes sense!
• Structure your ideas so that they are understood and remembered
• Flesh out your thoughts and ideas with memorable examples.

Really enjoyed this highly practical and well delivered class. Sara tailored what they offered to the group, answered questions and built our confidence delivering the frameworks. I worked with everyone in the group which was brilliant and I will highly recommend this course to others. Great course, well delivered with top content. Only comment is that some of the slides were complicated and transitions not always smooth but very minor point.

One of the best training course I've participated in. Lots of practice which although challenging was really valuable. Great trainer, very engaging and also adaptable

The Course

A highly practical day focused on mastering the skills that have the greatest impact on your ability to respond effectively in the moment, every time:

The Initial Response (buying yourself time) – accepting the question, clarifying meanings and intent.

The Full Response – A deceptively simple but extremely powerful framework for responding credibly every time.

2, 3 and 4 Part Structures – The power of three to structure ideas – and how to deviate to alternatives as necessary.

Adding Colour – Using anecdotes, stories and examples to expand your points

Dealing With Complexity (appearing to ‘blag it!’) – Combining approaches and strategies in situations requiring more complex explanations

Short & Sharp – adapting when you only have a few seconds to give your response.

Online Course Details

This course is also available in-house, please contact us to discuss your needs

*Membership from £50+VAT per annum - join now and save on training