Are you lacking the confidence to start a conversation?
You may feel that you need more time to think about what to say.
Many phrases in English will provide you this time!
Listen in today and learn English phrases to buy you some time before speaking.
Need more time?
Lindsay asks Michelle if she ever needs more time to think before she speaks.
Michelle shares that she does and that this is pretty common.
There will be moments when you need more time to gather your thoughts before you speak.
Lindsay adds that most of the time you don’t have time to pause and think when you’re in a discussion.
Awkward silence while you consider can ruin a connection.
However, it can also be a problem when you respond too quickly and say something you don’t mean.
Today you’ll learn what you can say while you consider your words.
How to gain confidence
The All Ears English team seeks to help you connect in English.
Our episodes are geared at helping you speak more confidently in English.
You may check out episode BE 285: Why Time Matters in American Business Culture.
This inspired today’s episode about phrases for buying time in the business setting.
Buying time
We all face high pressure situations at work when it is vital that we say the right thing.
This may be when giving a presentation or while leading a meeting.
Knowing when to pace yourself and buy time to gather your thoughts is crucial at those moments.
Today’s phrases will fill awkward silences or let your audience know you need more time.
#1: Give me one second
This is a very common phrase used to let someone know to wait while you do something or gather your thoughts.
Example:
Let me pull up the graphs here. Give me one second.
#2: Hmmm…
When we’re thinking, we often pause and make a ‘hmmm…’ sound.
It can be different in different countries.
In America, this is a common sound made while one is thinking.
Example:
I understand. Let’s look at these numbers. Hmmmm… I see what you’re saying.
#3: Let me think about that
This is a very direct way to say you need to think before responding.
Example:
That’s a tough call. Let me think about that.
#4: I need a minute to gather my thoughts
Same as the above, you’re articulating that you need time to process something.
Example:
I need a minute to gather my thoughts. Let’s take a short break.
#5: One moment
Similar to ‘give me a second’, with this phrase you are asking the person to wait.
You are requesting time to gather your thoughts.
Example:
I see your idea. One moment. Yeah! I think it’s a good idea.
Confidence and honesty
It is legitimate to let someone know you need more time to think about what to say.
Rather than saying the wrong thing, it is best to pause before speaking.
It can also show you’re confident and honest.
Everybody has moments where they are not sure what to say.
Do this with confidence rather than panic.
Stay calm
It is also vital to stay calm when using today’s phrases.
Take a second to breathe and keep your composure when you feel you’re stuck and don’t know what to say.
If you feel you’re about to panic, take a deep breath through your nose and release it out through your mouth.
Remain calm as much as possible and take a moment to gather yourself.
Roleplay
Here is a quick roleplay from Lindsay and Michelle using the vocabulary and tips shared in today’s episode.
In this scenario, they are in a meeting and Michelle is anxious.
Lindsay: So hey, what do you think about that proposal?
Michelle: Yeah. Good. Well, I need a minute to gather my thoughts.
Lindsay: Okay, that’s fine.
Michelle: Hmmm… So I like where this is going, but I do think we can improve it in a few ways.
Lindsay: Okay, let’s pull up the charts. One moment.
Michelle: Okay. See here, this is evidence. I don’t think we should work with this company anymore.
Lindsay: Really? Hmmm… Let me think about that. Why?
Michelle: Give me a second. It’s just not in line with our overarching goals.
Lindsay: Well, that’s true.
Takeaway
It is normal to be nervous in meetings, especially if you’re in a leadership position at work in English.
However, you shouldn’t let anxiety negatively affect your career.
There will be moments where you’ll doubt yourself or be at a loss for words.
Use the phrases and tips shared in today’s episode to communicate that you need time to gather your thoughts.
Remember Connection NOT Perfection™ is what we stand for!
What phrase from today’s episode will you use at work?
Share it in the comments below.
