Thinking on your feet
Answer anything with a clear structure and no time to prepare. Lesson 44 of 58: Professional, CEFR C1.
PREP: an answer to anything
- When you are asked something without warning, use PREP: Point (your answer in one sentence), Reason (why), Example (a specific case), Point again (sum up). “I think we should hire now. The team is at capacity. Last month we turned down two projects. So yes, hiring now would pay for itself.”
- My view is that… (Point)
- The main reason is… (Reason)
- For example,… (Example)
- So, that’s why I think… (Point again)
Other quick structures
- Past, present, future: “It used to…, now…, next…”. Problem, solution, benefit. Two sides and a verdict: “On one hand…, on the other…, overall…”. Pick one in the first two seconds and the rest of the answer builds itself.
- A year ago…, now…, and next…
- The problem is…, so I’d suggest…, which would…
- Tip: Short is strong. Answer in under a minute, then stop. You can always add more if asked.
Staying calm
- Take a breath before you answer: a two-second pause looks thoughtful. Repeat or rephrase the question to buy time: “So, what would I change about our process? Good question.” Then commit to a point.
- So the question is whether… (Rephrasing)
- If I had to choose one thing, it would be… (Committing)
Lines to have ready
- My view is that… (Point)
- The main reason is… (Reason)
- Take, for example,… (Example)
- So, in short,… (Point again)
- If I had to choose one thing,… (Committing to an answer)
Your turn to speak
- Answer these three, each in under a minute with PREP, without preparing: “What’s the best advice you’ve been given?”, “Should cities ban cars from the centre?”, “What would you change about your job?”
- I started each with a clear point
- I gave a reason and a specific example
- I finished by restating the point
- Each answer was under a minute
Watch your video back for
- Eye contact: on the camera, not the screen or the floor
- Posture: upright and still, shoulders down
- Hands: visible and open, moving with the words
- Face: it shows what you mean, and smiles where it should
Related
FinClamp: skills, brain and play. About · Contact · Privacy · Terms