NewThinking on your Feet

In fast paced high-pressure environments, the ability to respond clearly and confidently without preparation is a valuable skill. Many professionals find themselves caught off guard when asked to speak unexpectedly, contribute to meetings, or respond to challenging questions. This practical course is designed to help participants develop the mindset and behaviours needed to stay calm, think clearly and communicate effectively in the moment.

Through guided exercises, self-reflection and realistic practice, participants will build the confidence to navigate spontaneous situations with composure and credibility. This course is relevant for anyone who wants to improve their impact when speaking ‘off the cuff’ or handling unplanned conversations.


Key Training Features:

  • Understand what happens to the neuroscience of the brain when under pressure
  • Learn practical techniques to stay calm and focused when put on the spot
  • Explore the habits that support clear & confident communication
  • Develop strategies for structuring thoughts quickly and effectively
  • Engage in practice scenarios drawn from real workplace experiences  

Who Can Attend:

  • Open to all grades/levels
  • Relevant for all individuals in operational, policy, delivery, leadership, customer facing or project roles
  • Suitable for anyone looking to build confidence in high pressure communication

Pre-Requisites:

Participants may submit a short example of a situation where they struggled to respond spontaneously.


Learning Outcomes:

  • Recognise common barriers to clear thinking under pressure
  • Develop greater confidence in responding to the unexpected
  • Use strategies to organise thoughts quickly and speak with clarity
  • Manage nerves and stay composed in challenging moments
  • Practice high pressure speaking in a safe & supportive environment

Summary

Duration

10:00 - 13:00

Price

£595 + VAT

Location

Face to face or virtual

Dates

Virtual 27 July 2026 Book8

Virtual 6 October 2026 Book8

In-House Option

This course is available In-House and can be tailored to meet your individual training requirements.

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Lead Trainer

Mel Owers

Mel Owers

Mel holds extensive expertise in Leadership, Management & Interpersonal Skills Training, which has been underpinned by his professional knowledge and practical experience.

Read Bio
Mel Owers

Mel Owers

Mel had an outstanding career in the UK Civil Service up until 2011 and held roles such as HR and Organisational Development Manager. He is now a Self-Employed Freelance Independent Consultant, Management Trainer, Assessor and Business Coach. He is a qualified HR Professional of over twenty years with a wide range of both strategic and operational business experience. He is an outstanding trainer who has extensive expertise in Leadership, Management & Interpersonal Skills Training used with a wide range of leaders.

Mel is an excellent communicator, who makes training participative and engaging. He is a Chartered Fellow of the CIPD and has the Certificate in the Psychology of Management. Mel is qualified in Coaching and Psychometrics and frequently uses them as part of leadership development. In 2012, he became a CIPD Experience Assessor and has since assessed a range of HR Directors. In 2015, he led the assessment of a large organisation’s HR function in the UAE. Due to his business credibility, he was also asked to speak at a Leadership Conference about Emotional Intelligence alongside Nick Clegg, MP.

Training, education and qualifications

  • Psychometric Ability Testing & Personality Assessment (MBTi, OPQ, 16PF and EQ-i 2.0)
  • Chartered Fellow CIPD
  • Prince 2 Project Management
  • Business Coaching 
Courses
Tailored in-house training

Civil Service College can deliver In-House training within your organisation that is exactly tailored to meet your individual training requirements.

Book a course

Call 020 8069 9000 to take your booking or for advice on choosing the right course for you.

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