“Katherine, have a go at it?”
How to Respond When You’re Put on the Spot in a Meeting
It may not be a regular occurrence but when you’re put on the spot in a meeting, it can be an unnerving moment. Instead of keeping your eyes down and hoping you don’t get called on, prepare for these opportunities – and make the most of them. Look through the agenda ahead of time and for each topic, make some quick notes about any questions you have and any points you might make. Trust yourself. Don’t dismiss your ideas as irrelevant or ordinary. Your ideas, questions, and views are often more unique than you think. When you respond, speak slowly and confidently and set up your comments with some context so your audience knows where you are headed. Practice set responses so you aren’t completely caught off guard. For example, it can be helpful to say “I don’t have that information but I will get it to you by 1:00 PM. Or “Here is what I’m taking away from this conversation.” And always end by asking, “Did I answer your question?” to make sure you’ve met the asker’s expectations. Of course, in these moments, don’t speak just for the sake of responding. Only take the floor if you have something of value to say in response.