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Think on Your Feet®: The Civil Servant’s secret to clear communication

The Clock Plan is a core technique from the Government Campus approved Think on Your Feet®. It’s a simple, memorable tool that helps you organise your thinking in real-time, ensuring you lead with what matters most.

This is one of six practical tools you will master on this two-day workshop, designed specifically for the unique pressures of the UK Civil Service.

The Clock Plan in action

Imagine you’re asked: “Where are we on the new regional funding programme?”

Instead of navigating a maze of details, you could deploy The Clock Plan:

  1. Past (the context): “The regions have completed their planning, but procurement delays in the North West and South East created a two-week lag.”
  2. Present (the status): “Overall, implementation is on track, with two areas requiring attention.”
  3. Future (the way forward): “We’re working with local partners to expedite approvals, and I can provide a full update next Monday.”

In just three sentences, you’ve provided context, given a clear status update and outlined a forward-looking path. You sound in control, confident and respectful of their time.

Beyond the Clock: A toolkit for pressure

Think on Your Feet® is more than a single technique. It’s a complete methodology for thinking and speaking with impact when it matters most. The workshop equips you with a toolkit to:

  • Handle challenging questions with poise and structure.
  • Translate technical jargon into plain, impactful English.
  • Communicate up, across and out with greater authority.
  • Instantly adapt your message to the priorities of your listener.

So you can cut through complexity, build trust and ensure your advice leads to action.

Ready to transform how you communicate?

Master the art of briefing brilliantly under pressure.