QUICK RESET

Get back in control of your response.

Pressure can disrupt your breathing, concentration and ability to find the right words. Choose one physical cue or a prepared response to help you regain control.

1. RESET YOUR BODY

Notice your pressure signal. Choose one cue. Practise it until it becomes familiar.

CHEST TIGHT / BREATHING FAST

Exhale first. One slow, controlled exhale before speaking.

STOMACH DROPS / NERVOUS SURGE

Press your heels into the floor. Hold briefly, then release.

JAW CLENCHED / SHOULDERS TENSE

Release your jaw. Relax your tongue and let your teeth separate.

HANDS RESTLESS / FIDGETING

Press thumb to fingertip. Use this discreet, practised movement as your cue to steady your response.

MIND GOES BLANK / FOCUS SLIPS

Find one keyword. Identify the word that captures your point: risk, decision, recommendation, ask. Start there.

Build the Habit

Identify your most common pressure signal and practise one cue consistently, even when you're feeling calm.

 

2. FIND YOUR WORDS

You don't have to invent the perfect response under pressure. Prepare a few phrases you can rely on.

WHEN YOU'RE INTERRUPTED

"I'm going to complete the point, then I'll come to your question."

WHEN YOUR RECOMMENDATION IS CHALLENGED

"Here are the trade-offs we would be making if we go that route..."

"That's important feedback and I think we can address it while still pushing forward on my recommendation."

WHEN YOUR CONCERN IS DISMISSED

"The risk of not addressing this now is..."

WHEN THE DISCUSSION GETS DERAILED

"Let's bring this matter to a close first so we can give that topic the attention it deserves after."

WHEN THE CONVERSATION BECOMES HEATED

"These are the concerns that I'm hearing. Let's agree on what needs to be decided today and what can be a separate conversation."

WHEN YOU NEED TO REGAIN YOUR THINKING

"Give me a moment to put that clearly."

WHEN YOU DON'T HAVE AN ANSWER YOU CAN STAND BEHIND

"Here's what I can confirm. I'll need to verify the rest before giving you an answer."

WHEN YOU FEEL YOURSELF GETTING DEFENSIVE

"Help me understand what you're seeing differently."