Problem Solving
creative problem solving course... For anyone who would like to feel more confident in solving problems, and have access to a range of techniques and skills that will help.
90 minute, half & full day workshopsThinking Skills:Thinking on Your Feet
Thinking Skills:Thinking on Your Feet
Training Courses
If you've ever been confronted with a question or a challenge you don't immediately or confidently have a response to, then these thinking skills programmes &courses are for you...
You can't be prepared for every eventuality - or can you? Being put on the spot - deliberately or otherwise - is uncomfortable, and may even damage your reputation if you don't have a good response. These training courses will give you skills and techniques so you can quickly and effectively think on your feet.
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view availability & bookThinking on Your Feet Workshop Content
Anticipation
If presenting, of course it isn't possible to prepare for every eventuality - but it is possible to anticipate the likely questions or challenges you might face.
Buying time
If you're put on the spot, and have to react quickly, how can you buy some time to think? We have 8 key suggestions that will achieve just that.
Rapid Thinking Frames: an overview
A rapid thinking frame does what it says on the tin: it provides a series of frames, concepts or models that, once learned, will help you immediately structure and deliver an appropriate response.
5 thinking frames
There are many possible thinking frames - in these courses we will take you through 5 of our favourites:
- PPF
- SCOPE
- 6 Hats
- PPC
- RAC
Spaghetti into sausages
When faced with something unexpected that needs a response, the mind can go into 'spaghetti' mode - one thought leads quickly to another, spiralling around in your head, with an ever-increasing set of loose ends...and what's needed, as a response, is a nice, linear set of clear thoughts, articulated in fluent sentences, one word after the other - a sausage line. Is this you? If it is, we'll show you how, when under pressure, to convert spaghetti into sausages..
Staying calm under pressure
Often in such situations, emotion takes over, and disables the rational, thinking brain. Here's how to stay calm, and as a result, find appropriate responses.
Who is thinking on your feet training for?
Our thinking skills programmes are ideal for anyone who regularly is confronted with the need to think on their feet, and would like access to tools, tips and techniques to develop this skill. In particular it is suitable for anyone who wants to:
Know how to buy time to think when under pressure.
Call on tried and tested ways of helping you think constructively on your feet.
Sound relaxed and convincing when under pressure.
Convert a spaghetti brain into a sausage machine...!Prefer to talk to a human?
We'd love to (e)meet you. Book a video call now and we can have a vitual coffee and chat about what you're looking for.
schedule a chatThinking on Your Feet Workshop Activities
First, what is the problem? Then two key strategic responses: - buying time, and thinking quickly. Then practicing each technique, so that they become increasingly effective as they become embedded.
Never 'death by powerpoint'
We always provide a variety of learning approaches in each of our workshops.
Each workshop typically includes learning input from the trainer, supported by a range of mixed media, interactive elements, discussion and group work. Most workshops also include case work and practical skill-development activities to apply the learning, with more time dedicated to this in the longer courses.
'Want more?' resource pack
In addition to providing a copy of any slide deck, we always provide a ‘want more’ section, of curated resources including book summaries, podcasts, downloads and articles.
learning recap quiz
facilitator’s ideas & suggestions
action learning set
paired activities
open discussion
core learning input
role play & simulation
brainstorm
The course was over too quickly, and had definitely whetted my appetite. The ‘want more’ section was a brilliant additional support, allowing me to explore the topic further.
What are the benefits of thinking on your feet training?
Use ways to help you buy time
Stay calm when under pressure
Know and use a set of rapid thinking frames to provide a quick and effective response
Feel more competent and relaxed when presenting
Thinking Skills Programme Frequently Asked Quesitons
How can I stop panicking when put on the spot?
Consider what it is that is causing you to panic: if you can stop, prevent or manage the cause, then you don't have to manage the effect.
I tend to come up with stock answers: how can I prevent this?
There are more effective response technique than you might realise or be aware of. The response needs to sound appropriate and confident, and there are several techniques that will allow you to do this.
How can I ensure I can manage any follow up to my response?
A great question. The answer is to select a first response that you are happy to have followed up. It's a bit like chess: you need to think more than one move ahead. Another option is to turn the tables - by offering a first response, you can immediately end it by asking a question yourself - requiring the initial questioner to think on their feet...
Which of your thinking skills programmes or courses would be best for me to take?
Are you good at absorbing key information and practicing on your own at home? If the answer is yes, then the short or half day course may be all you need; but if you need an opportunity to practice with others, several times, to feel more confident, then the full day will be most helpful, since the whole afternoon is given over to 'thinking on your feet'!
Related courses & resources...
Resilience
resilience training... For anyone who wants to check out and improve their own resilience or support others who may not be so resilient.
Decision Making
decision making training... For anyone who wants either ‘to review what’s out there’ in terms of decision-making techniques, or who wishes to improve their way of making any decision.
The Tea and the Stick
'The Tea and the Stick'
Two choices - both equally problematic. Which would you choose? A really good example of thinking outside the box, and challenging assumptions...
Top Ten Tips on...
Creative Thinking
Creativity is an increasingly valued skill, and something we can all learn. Here are 10 suggestions that can help...
Video:
Saying ‘No’
A short video offering a simple technique for saying no in a positive and helpful fashion...
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We'd love to e-meet you... let’s go for a virtual coffee :)
For workshops and coaching sessions, you can check availability & book using the form below. Pay now online, or later by invoice - it's up to you.
