How to give yourself more time to think when responding to a question?

There are a number of techniques that you can use to allow your brain quickly search for an answer before quickly splurting out and falling over your words.

Primers:
Ok, so there are a few different areas here, Firstly....Secondly...Finally...In addition....

Well, my position on that consists of several parts, firstly, ..

That's a very good question and I'll tell you why..{BRIDGE TECHNIQUE - to what you really want to say}

There are a few different perspectives here, from the buyers perspective...from the end user perspective
Repeaters:
How would I change global climate policy, that is a good question. Let me tell you how, , firstly,...
What is the unique differentiator, well there are a few streams here ..

Clarifiers:
Before I answer that I'd like for you to first to clarify what exactly you mean when you say...

Ok, Sure, I can address that, but first tell me wht that is so important for you..

Sure, I can answer that. Firstly, can you explain to me why this is important to your team..

Sure, but before I do that could you please define for me what you mean by ‘web presence.’ Are you referring to just our website, or to all of the inbound links and AdWords campaigns we’ve created?”)


Bridges:
Bridges are used to move from one topic to another, typically one you are more comfortable with.

You should prepare bridges to feel good statements before hand.

“I don’t know whether the budget will allow us to fund a new basketball program. What I do know is we are committed to providing students great opportunities to keep fit. "