Today I want to tackle a topic that hits close to home for many of us: thinking on our feet and speaking up in the moment. It’s a skill I’ve had to learn over the years, and is a common topic in my coaching conversations.

I’ve been diving into Matt Abrahams’s book “Think Faster, Talk Smarter,” and it has some awesome strategies I want to share with all of you so that you can start using them today.

Here’s the thing: I know many of you brilliant women out there stay quiet in meetings or shy away from impromptu speaking because you’re afraid of sounding stupid or making a mistake. And yet, you have amazing ideas! Trust me, I’ve been there. But here’s the hard truth: by staying silent, we’re robbing the world of our valuable insights and perspectives.

So, let’s flip the script.

Here are some actionable steps and mindset shifts to help you think faster and speak up with confidence:

1. Embrace the “What-So What-Now What” Framework.​
   When put on the spot, use this simple structure to organize your thoughts:
   • What: State the facts or situation
   • So What: Explain why it matters
   • Now What: Propose next steps or solutions
2. Adopt a “Next Play” Mindset.​
   Stop dwelling on past mistakes or imagining future failures. Focus on the present moment and the opportunity to contribute. Remember, every time you speak up is a chance to make an impact.
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3. Reframe “Mistakes” as “Missed Takes”.​
   Think of speaking up like filming a movie. If a take doesn’t go well, you don’t quit the whole project – you just do another take. Give yourself permission to have “missed takes” and keep going.
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4. Build your “thinking on your feet” muscles with these quick exercises.​
   Incorporate these exercises into your daily routine. The more you practice impromptu speaking in low-stakes situations, the more confident you’ll feel when it really counts.
   • The 30-Second Challenge: Pick a random object in your room and talk about it for 30 seconds without pausing. Focus on describing its features, uses, or why it’s important.
   • The “Yes, and…” Game: With a friend or colleague, start a conversation where each person begins their sentence with “Yes, and…” This helps you build on ideas quickly and positively.
   • The Alphabet Game: Choose a topic and try to make a statement about it starting with each letter of the alphabet. This boosts your ability to generate ideas rapidly.
5. Create Your Anxiety Management Plan (AMP).​
   Develop personalized strategies to manage speaking anxiety. This might include deep breathing, power poses, or a pre-speaking mantra. Find what works for you and make it your secret weapon.
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6. Follow up.​
   If you forget something in the moment, that’s okay! Be sure to follow up with a quick email or Slack message with your insights and ideas.

Remember, your voice matters and the tech world desperately needs your unique perspective and insights. By mastering these skills, you’re not just advancing your own career – you’re paving the way for future generations of women in tech.

This week, I challenge you to speak up at least once in a situation where you’d normally stay quiet. Then, shoot me an email and let me know how it went. I’m rooting for you!

Here’s to thinking faster, talking smarter, and leading with confidence!

Keep awakening your inner leader,

Jossie
​Your Guide to Success in Tech Leadership

P.S. Last week, I had an engaging LinkedIn Live conversation with Toni Collis on a crucial topic: why we should stop asking women to work for free. If you missed it, you can catch the replay here: https://youtu.be/dbbEksfTrms​

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