I got this question from a mid-level leader in one of our Monday ISA sessions:

“What should I say when I completely blank in a meeting? I either ramble or freeze—and neither helps.”

We’ve all been there.

You’re in a room full of decision-makers. Someone asks a direct question. Your mind suddenly empties. And now all you can hear is your own voice... spiraling.

Why blanking out feels so high-stakes

This isn’t just a confidence issue—it’s a credibility issue.

If you freeze, you look unprepared. If you ramble, you lose the room. Either way, your ideas don’t land.

And when it happens in front of execs or clients, the stakes feel even higher. One messy answer can overshadow months of good work.

Let’s reframe the panic moment

Here’s the mindset shift we shared in Monday’s session:

Don’t aim for brilliance. Aim for structure.

When your brain locks up, it’s not because you don’t know the answer. It’s because your thoughts are tangled.

Structure untangles them.

Before tactics, here’s your internal checklist

When you feel that “oh no” moment creeping in, pause and ask:

1. What’s the one thing I want them to remember?
2. Do I have a reason or example to back it up?
3. Can I close with a question or segue?

If you can do those three things, you don’t need to be perfect—you just need to be clear.

Here’s the structure: PREP

We taught this on Monday. It’s your safety net when the pressure’s high:

✅ Point – What’s the main takeaway? Say it in one sentence. ✅ Reason – Why does it matter? Just one line. ✅ Example – Share a story or stat to bring it to life. ✅ (Optional) Point Again – Reinforce the takeaway. ✅ Segue – Transition out with a question or summary.

You can drop steps if needed. Even just Point + Reason works.

Delivery tips to sound more composed

These small changes make a big difference when you’re flustered:

• Pause before answering. Buy yourself time. You’ll sound more thoughtful.
• Lower your tone at the end of the sentence. It signals confidence.
• Use signposts. Phrases like “Here’s the key takeaway…” keep you organized and keep listeners engaged.
• Don’t fear repetition. If you lose them mid-answer, restate your main point. Twice is better than not at all.

Quick recap: What to do when you blank

1. Use the PREP framework
2. Start with the main point
3. Add a reason or example (or both)
4. Close with a seguePause, slow down, and lower your tone

💭 What’s your go-to structure when you’re put on the spot?

Want to speak clearly—even under pressure? The Impromptu Speakers Academy (ISA) is re-opening its waitlist.

Join now for behind-the-scenes access + exclusive discount when enrollment opens: 👉 ​Join the Waitlist​ 

– Preston