When Someone Puts You On The Spot, Say This

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. ------------------------- 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 --------------------------- Connect with me: https://jessicachenpage.com/ LinkedIn:   / jessicachenpage   Instagram:   / jessicachenpage   🎉 Buy my book: “Smart, Not Loud: How to Get Noticed at Work for All the Right Reasons: https://smartnotloudbook.com/