The topic explained
LESSON 5A SPEAKING
- I can use phrases to buy myself time to think.
LESSON 5A SPEAKING
SPEAKING | Buying time
Stuck on a tricky question? Say this
In any interview situation you may be asked a tricky question and find that you just can’t think of what to say. You can use these phrases to buy yourself time to think.
- I’m sorry, I’m really nervous and my mind has gone blank. Let me think about it for a minute.
- That’s quite a tough question. Let me have a minute to think about it.
- Wow, that really needs a moment’s thought …
- Well, to be honest, that requires a bit of thought …
Not sure what they mean? Ask
- I’m not certain I follow you. Could you explain a bit more about what you mean?
- Could you just explain what you mean by …?
- I suppose it depends on what you mean by …
Keep talking while you think
- Well, I’m glad you asked that question …
- So, let me see …
- Actually, I don’t really have strong feelings either way …
Well, to be honest, that requires a bit of ___ …
I’m not ___ I follow you.
I suppose it ___ on what you mean by …
Wow, that really needs a ___ thought …
What function does the first word have in each case?
