When Someone Puts You On The Spot, Say This

Jessica Chen

Jessica Chen

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Jessica Chen is an instructor at Columbia University. Do you freeze when someone puts you on the spot at work? Here are 3 proven techniques to stay calm, think clearly, and respond with confidence — even in your most uncomfortable moments.
Whether it's a tough question from your boss, a client pushing back on you, or a high-stakes interview — being put on the spot can rattle even the most experienced professionals. But here's the truth: staying composed under pressure isn't a personality trait. It's a strategy you can learn.
In this video, you'll discover:

✅ The "Down-Up-Point" movement — the 2–3 second technique that stops you from looking rattled before you even speak
✅ The "Acknowledge, Bridge & Pivot" method — how to flip a tough or negative question into a confident, forward-looking answer
✅ How to handle persistent pushback — what to say (and how to say it) when someone keeps pressuring you on the same point
✅ A simple phrase to use when you genuinely don't know the answer

💌 Get my FREE Communication Mindset Workbook if you want to build a confidence mindset to advocate for yourself. Type: SKILL below and I will message you the link.

🎉 Buy my book: “Smart, Not Loud: How to Get Noticed at Work for All the Right Reasons:
https://smartnotloudbook.com/

Jessica Chen teaches communication skills at Columbia University.

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0:00 Intro
01:11 Introduction of jessica chen
00:40 How to follow up after your ask
3:55 How do you handle yourself in a tough situation
4:30 Down-Up-Point strategy
5:42 Answer with conviction
8:40 How to answer negative questions
9:37 Responding to push-back

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Connect with me: https://jessicachenpage.com/
LinkedIn: LinkedIn: jessicachenpage
Instagram: Instagram: jessicachenpage

🎉 Buy my book: “Smart, Not Loud: How to Get Noticed at Work for All the Right Reasons: https://smartnotloudbook.com/