If you’re caught off guard, use these smart responses to remain cool and in control.
There’s nothing worse than being put on the spot with no clue how to respond. That split second of silence feels like an eternity, and the pressure to say something—anything—can lead to an awkward ramble or a totally blank mind. It happens to everyone, whether it’s a tricky question, an unexpected comment, or someone demanding an answer you’re not ready to give.
But the good news? You don’t have to freeze or fumble your way through it. A well-placed response can buy you the time you need to think, keep the conversation flowing, and make you look effortlessly composed.
1. I need a second to process that—give me a minute.
Sometimes, a question or comment catches you so off guard that your brain needs a moment to catch up. Instead of scrambling for an answer, this phrase buys you time while keeping the conversation moving. It also sets a boundary, letting the other person know you won’t be rushed into responding.
People respect confidence, and this response shows that you’re in control. It works especially well in serious conversations where you want to be thoughtful before speaking. Rather than filling the silence with nervous rambling, take that pause, according to Chris MacLeod at Succeed Socially. You’ll come across as more composed, and chances are, the person asking will appreciate your honesty.
2. That’s a great question—I want to think about it before I answer.
No one expects you to have all the answers on the spot. This phrase acknowledges the question while making it clear you’re giving it the attention it deserves. It’s a great way to show thoughtfulness without committing to a rushed response, reminds Vinh Giang in a LinkedIn Post
People appreciate when you take their words seriously, and this phrase signals that you value the conversation. It also puts you in control of the pace, which is helpful in situations where you feel pressured to respond too quickly. Instead of feeling flustered, you’ll project calm confidence—something that always leaves a strong impression.
3. Wow, I wasn’t expecting that—I need a second to gather my thoughts.
Some questions hit like a curveball, and it’s okay to admit that. Rather than fumbling for words, this phrase lets you take a beat without looking lost. It also subtly shifts the focus onto the unexpected nature of the question, buying you extra time. Also, there’s nothing wrong with admitting you don’t know the answer or how you want to respond, say authors at Women Taking the Lead.
Using this response keeps things light and natural. Instead of standing there in awkward silence, you’re engaging in the conversation while signaling that you’ll respond once you’ve collected your thoughts. The best part? It works in both casual and serious situations, making it one of the most versatile ways to stall for time.
4. I have a few thoughts on that—give me a sec to sort them out.
Sometimes, you do have an answer—it’s just not fully formed yet. This phrase reassures the person asking that you’re engaged while giving you the space to organize your thoughts. It also prevents you from blurting out something half-baked that you might regret later.
This is especially useful in professional settings where you want to sound polished but need a second to put your response together. Instead of feeling pressured into an immediate reply, you’ll be able to think things through and articulate yourself clearly. Bonus: It makes you seem thoughtful and deliberate, which never hurts.
5. Let me marinate on that for a second.
This phrase adds a touch of personality while keeping things lighthearted. It tells the other person that you’re considering their question without making it sound like a big deal. And since it’s slightly unexpected, it can even ease tension in a conversation.
People tend to rush into answers because they feel uncomfortable with silence. But a well-placed pause—especially with a phrase like this—shows confidence. It also signals that you’re not afraid to take a moment before responding, which can make you seem more composed and in control.
6. I don’t want to give you a half-baked answer—let me think about it.
Honesty is always a good approach, and this phrase delivers it in a way that makes you sound thoughtful rather than unprepared. It also sets the expectation that you’ll respond when you’re ready, rather than being put on the spot.
This is a great way to handle tricky or sensitive topics where an off-the-cuff response might not be the best move. It keeps the conversation open without forcing you into a quick answer you might later rethink. Plus, it shows that you take the discussion seriously, which is always a good look.
7. That’s a lot to take in—I need a moment to process it.
Not every conversation moves at the same pace, and sometimes, a statement or question requires a little extra time to absorb. This phrase gives you permission to slow things down while making it clear you’re engaged.
Using this response can also help set the tone for a more thoughtful discussion. It shows that you’re not just reacting—you’re actually considering what’s being said. And in an era where everyone is quick to fire back, taking a moment to process can make you stand out in the best way.
8. Interesting—I want to make sure I respond the right way.
This phrase works wonders in situations where you don’t want to say the wrong thing. It acknowledges the conversation while giving you the space to carefully choose your words. That’s especially useful in delicate or high-pressure discussions.
By using this response, you show that you’re being intentional with your words. That alone can help diffuse tension, since it signals that you’re invested in handling the conversation with care. It also gives you a chance to redirect the discussion if needed.
9. I have thoughts, but I need a second to put them into words.
It’s completely normal to have an internal reaction but struggle to articulate it immediately. This phrase gives you a buffer while making it clear that you’re engaged. Instead of panicking, you’re taking control of the conversation’s pace.
This works well in situations where you feel strongly about a topic but don’t want to blurt out something impulsive. It allows you to collect yourself, choose your words wisely, and avoid any awkward missteps. Plus, it keeps you from feeling pressured into a rushed response.
10. Huh, I’ve never thought about it that way before.
Sometimes, a question or comment genuinely catches you off guard. Rather than scrambling for a response, this phrase allows you to acknowledge it without needing to answer immediately. It also makes the other person feel heard, which can help strengthen the conversation.
By using this, you’re showing openness rather than hesitation. It invites further discussion without forcing you to commit to an immediate stance. And in conversations where nuance is key, that little extra time can make all the difference.
11. Good question! I’m not sure how I want to answer that yet.
There’s something disarming about giving an honest, straightforward response. Rather than pretending you know exactly what to say, this phrase lets you acknowledge the moment without looking caught off guard.
It also shifts the focus back onto the question itself, which can sometimes lead to a more thoughtful exchange. Instead of rushing into an answer you might later rethink, you’re giving yourself the space to respond with intention. And that’s always a power move.
12. That’s something I want to give a real answer to, not just react.
In a world where people respond without thinking, this phrase shows that you approach conversations with care. It lets the other person know that their words matter while giving you the breathing room to respond when you’re ready.
Using this response also adds weight to the conversation. It tells the other person that you’re not just making small talk—you’re considering their words thoughtfully. And that kind of intentionality always makes an impact.
13. I need to sit with that for a second before I respond.
Sometimes, a question or statement stirs something deeper than expected. This phrase buys you time while showing that you take the conversation seriously. It also prevents you from saying something you might regret in the heat of the moment.
By choosing to sit with your thoughts before speaking, you’re demonstrating confidence and control. People often appreciate when someone takes their time to answer rather than rushing into a response. And if nothing else, it keeps you from saying something you don’t actually mean.