Rahim: Err… Now that I’ve outlined the technology involved in 3D printing, let’s take a look at the pros and cons of integrating 3D printing into your manufacturing process.

First, the pros: 3D printing is flexible, fast and affordable. You might be asking yourself, “Wait a minute, aren’t 3D printers really expensive?”

Well, that’s the beauty of 3D printing, you don’t necessarily need to purchase a printer of your own. You have the option of… eh…hmmmm…eh…

I’m in the middle of a presentation, trying to convince one of our clients to invest in 3D printing. I’m in the flow, when suddenly my mind goes blank, I’ve forgotten the key word in my main argument! I know the word, it’s just hiding somewhere in the back of my brain! It was so embarrassing, humiliating!

Conor: Ooof, poor Rahim, does this sound familiar? I can definitely relate to this. I even get stuck for words in English, my own native language!

Welcome to today’s episode of Talking on the job, I’m your host and business English mentor, Conor. I’m here to help you navigate the world of English in a variety of business contexts.

Today’s episode is called Stuck for Words. We just heard Rahim getting stuck for words. Rahim couldn’t remember a key word in his presentation, he “drew a blank” as we say.

Forgetting key words or “drawing a blank” can happen to the best of us, but often at the worst moments. Especially when we’re nervous or under pressure.

For situations like this, there are some strategies that are easy to apply when you need them most. Some tools in your toolbox, if you will. Let’s look at some strategies.

First — it may sound obvious, but breathe! Our brains need oxygen, so give your brain some extra O2!

Now — can you think of a synonym for the word you are looking for? Let’s take a random word, like “prototype”.

Imagine you are giving a presentation on the design process for car part manufacturing.

What would you say instead of prototype? You could use a synonym, a word that has the same or similar meaning as prototype.

You could say “model” or “mock-up” and still make your point without anyone even noticing you had intended to say prototype.

Ok, if you are having a really bad day and can’t remember the word prototype, or that model and mock-up are both synonyms for prototype? Perhaps your morning coffee hasn't kicked in quite yet? Then try paraphrasing! Just describe the word you were stuck for!

How about saying: “In order to test out our design, we produce the car part and have it tested by different experts. Then, based on their feedback, we make changes to the design, produce a second version of the car part and test again.”

This can be challenging to do, so make sure you practice this skill! We’ll tell you how at the end of this episode.

Before we go back to Rahim and his presentation on 3D printing, take a moment to consider how you would handle a similar situation. If you got stuck for a word, would you use a synonym or would you paraphrase?

Well, let’s see how Rahim dealt with his situation and if you want to challenge yourself, try to guess the word he actually wanted to say!

Rahim: “Now that I’ve outlined the technology involved in 3D printing, let’s take a look at the pros and cons of integrating 3D printing into your manufacturing process. First, the pros: 3D printing is flexible, fast and affordable. You might be asking yourself, “Wait a minute, aren’t 3D printers really expensive?” Well, that’s the beauty of 3D printing, you don’t necessarily need to purchase a printer of your own. You have the option of paying another company who specializes in 3D printing to print your products on their printers.

Conor: Well done Rahim! Did you notice which strategy he used?

Yes, he paraphrased! He described the word that he couldn’t remember. He used other words to describe the missing word. 
 Any idea what the word was? Let’s listen to Rahim’s description again.

Rahim: Well, that’s the beauty of 3D printing, you don’t necessarily need to purchase a printer of your own. You have the option of paying another company who specialises in 3D printing, to print your products on their printers.

Conor: The word Rahim was describing was “outsource”. Rahim could also have used the synonym “subcontract”.

You see? With the right strategies, a potentially deal-breaking situation is no big deal at all!

So, how can you practice paraphrasing and using synonyms? Do you know the word game Taboo? Each player has to describe a word on a card, but they cannot say the word or part of the word. How about creating your own cards, using the new words you learn from this podcast? Or, words you read or hear at work. If you have online meetings in English, take notes of new or useful words and look them up after the meeting. Get your colleagues involved in creating some cards too. Once you’ve collected a few, you could play Taboo during your regular team meetings. Just set 5 minutes aside and watch how you all become experts at getting unstuck!

Be sure to catch our next episode where we’ll be helping you navigate the world of business English.