When someone tosses a tough question your way, your brain might go blank before your mouth opens. That’s normal—but it’s not permanent.

          The trick is to pause with purpose, not panic. The repeat-pause-answer method lets you buy time gracefully: repeat the question (“That’s a great point—how would it work if…”), breathe, and then answer simply.

           The clearer your reply, the more credible you sound. And when you bridge your response back to your key message, you stay in control of the conversation—without losing your cool. 

 “It is not the answer that enlightens, but the question.” – Eugène Ionesco