Grab them with your response

So, tell me about yourself.

What’s happening on the big project?

How are our quarterly numbers?

If you want to sound confident, your response to any question should be clear and engaging. 

“Ummm, that’s a good question...” does not communicate confidence. 

Neither does, “Well, that depends...”

In Impromptu: Leading in the Moment, Judith Humphrey tells us to start every answer by showing we’ve heard the question and want to engage in a positive way. 

“Tell me about yourself.” 

 “I’d be happy to….” 

She calls this a “grabber.” It grabs the listener by the lapel and says, hey, come with me. 

“How is the project coming?” 

“It’s on track...” 

Grabbers respond to the question but do not provide a full answer. They provide a bridge from the question to the answer.

So what do you say next? That’s for tomorrow’s Daily Tip.