💬 7 Scripts for When You’re Caught Off Guard

A QUICK TIP TO STRENGTHEN YOUR SELF-BELIEF

When a self-critical thought shows up, say: “There’s the self-doubt voice again.”

🧠 Why it works: Naming a thought creates space between you and it.

👉 Use it: When you catch yourself spiralling.

🔍 DEEP DIVE

💬 7 Scripts for When You’re Caught Off Guard

You’re put on the spot.

A question you didn’t expect. A challenge from a senior peer. An interruption you didn’t see coming.

Your mind races — either nothing comes out, or you over-explain until you lose your point.

Why It Happens

When you’re caught off guard, your brain reacts as if there’s a threat. Cortisol (your stress hormone) spikes, narrowing your focus and scanning for danger.

At the same time, activity in the prefrontal cortex — the part of the brain responsible for language and clear thinking — drops.

That’s why you can suddenly feel blank, lose your words, or rush into over-explaining.

It isn’t a lack of ability; it’s your system trying to keep you safe, even when the “threat” is only a tough question or challenge in the room.

💡 Insight: The key isn’t knowing everything. It’s having simple scripts ready that buy you time, steady your voice and maintain your authority.

Try These Scripts

1. When you need a moment to think

• “That’s a good question. Let me take a second to gather my thoughts.”

• “I want to give this my full attention. Can I come back to it in a moment?”

2. When you don’t know the answer

• “I don’t have the detail right now, but I’ll confirm and get back to you.”

• “What I can share is the context we do know — and the next step we’ll take.”

3. When someone challenges you

• “I hear your point. Here’s how I’m looking at it…”

• “That’s one perspective. Another way to see it is…”

4. When you’re interrupted or talked over

• “I’d like to finish my point — then I’m happy to hear yours.”

• “Let me complete this thought, and then I’ll hand over.”

5. When you’re asked for a decision before you’re ready

• “I’d like to consider the options before I decide. I’ll confirm by [time].”

• “I want to get this right. Let me check one detail and come back to you.”

6. When emotions spike in the room

• “Let’s pause for a moment — this is important.”

• “I can see this matters. Here’s how we’ll move it forward.”

7. When you’re asked something outside your remit

• “That’s not my area of expertise, but [name] can give you the best answer.”

• “I don’t want to give you half an answer. Let me connect you with [name].”

This Week’s Challenge

Pick one of these scripts and use it in a live conversation.

Notice how it creates space and steadies the moment without undermining your authority.

Final Thought

Being caught off guard doesn’t mean you’re unprepared.

It means your nervous system is doing its job a little too well.

With the right scripts, you don’t need to freeze or over-explain.

You can pause, reset and lead with authority, even when you didn’t see it coming.