The Art of Thinking on Your Feet
                     The Art of Thinking on Your Feet
Chaitanya Kumari
Writes informational articles on ancient Indian 
artisan vocational education, 64 kala or 
vocational education, along with others articles on 
finance, health, sanathana dharma and wisdom.
Thinking on your feet’ refers to a person’s ability to quickly respond to 
circumstances and problems. Specifically, it involves how an individual handles 
unexpected issues and situations that arise suddenly. When one is adept at ‘thinking 
on their feet,” they face no hassles in arriving at quick and appropriate decisions. It 
is a highly pivotal skill that is much more necessary in contemporary times.
 People have to make it a habit to think analytically. Every situation that arises 
needs to be analyzed from varied angles. It is only then that they will be able to 
both find the right solutions and effectively convey their ideas and opinions.
 This is the age where the aspect of speedy responses has become more relevant 
than ever before. People now do not have the patience to wait for an extended 
duration to receive responses to their queries. In this context, it is only people 
having the skill to think on their feet who can rise to the occasion and do the 
needful.
 Keeping anxiety in check is imperative when a person is serious about 
mastering this ability. Otherwise, it gravely hinders the thought process and 
raises the risk of making wrong decisions.
 High anxiety levels also impede people from properly communicating their 
views and opinions. There is a strong possibility of miscommunication.
 Here, people are advised to depend on deep breathing and other simple 
relaxation techniques. When anxiety is under control, “thinking on your feet” is 
comparatively easy.
 If an individual is aware of a specific circumstance they need to handle in 
advance, they should begin preparing themselves mentally. When the actual 
moment comes, they will be able to remain calm and composed. Even sudden 
issues can be aptly managed.
 It is not always necessary to give instant replies to queries during discussions. 
Sometimes, a more viable approach will be to pause for a short while and 
regroup the thoughts. This is a crucial facet of ‘thinking on your feet,’ which 
will assist you in giving replies that don’t sound inappropriate.
 Nowadays, almost everyone is exposed to an overwhelming amount of 
information on digital media. As a result, people are often reluctant to listen to 
complex and detailed answers. The skill of ‘thinking on your feet’ ensures that 
replies are concise while still covering the key points of the topic.
 To hone the ability to “think on your feet,” it’s indispensable that you possess 
extensive knowledge of the related subject. If you are knowledgeable, you have no 
hindrances to respond appropriately. Your replies are unambiguous and the 
audience can easily comprehend the points conveyed.
 The skill guides a person in the right way during meetings. This means that if a 
person does not possess the knowledge to answer a specific query, they will 
immediately admit it. They then pass the question on to another participant who is 
in a better position to respond. The key aspect here is that people who think on 
their feet avoid saying something irrelevant or lacking factual basis.
 Any other skill, ‘thinking on your feet’ can be improved with consistent practice. 
This ability is very helpful for professionals in high positions who are regularly 
involved in deliberations, as they are often required to make major decisions.
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