If you work in government, you’ll know the pressure to perform can strike at any moment – a senior manager’s off-the-cuff question, a Minister’s urgent query or a journalist pressing for answers – all with no time to prepare, no slides, no notes and no room for ambiguity.
Sound familiar?
The Challenge: Simplifying complexity under pressure
As civil servants, we operate in a world of intricate policies, technical detail, multiple stakeholders and competing priorities. Yet, when decision makers and public need straightforward, actionable answers – they need them clear, concise and now.
Too often, even the most experienced among us can fall into ‘data-dump mode’, overwhelming listeners with background while the core message slips away. The result? Missed opportunities, muddled communications and diminished impact.
The Solution: Think on Your Feet® for the Civil Service
This two-day programme is designed specifically for the UK Civil Service to tackle these exact challenges. Think on Your Feet® isn’t about memorising scripts or building perfect slide decks. It’s about mastering the art of structuring your thoughts, on the spot, so you can deliver messages with clarity, confidence and conviction.
In this workshop, you will learn to:
- Distil your key message – cut through complexity to highlight what matters most.
- Structure your ideas logically – making it easy for your listener to follow and act.
- Handle challenging questions – whether from your boss, senior leaders, the public or the media.
- Stay concise and credible under pressure – ensuring your expertise shines through.
Real-World Application: The Clock Plan in action
Imagine you’re asked: “With the New Homes Accelerator now running to unblock stalled housing sites, we’re still seeing delays – how confident are you that the Government will meet its delivery targets this year?”
Using the ‘Clock Plan’, one of six practical tools you’ll master, your response could look like this:
- Past: “Initially, we launched the New Homes Accelerator and identified 200 large sites ready to move into development, though some faced early planning system bottlenecks.”
- Present: “Right now, we’re making progress: 4 major sites (Liverpool, Worcester, Northstowe, Sutton Coldfield) are moving forward and we’re actively addressing planning stalls in several others.”
- Future: “Over the next quarter, we’ll deploy more planning experts, fast-track decision-making on these sites and provide a further update to Ministers by end of Q3.”
In under 90 seconds, you’ve delivered a structured and credible response – informing without overwhelming.
Why this matters
From briefing Ministers and facing parliamentary committees to navigating crisis communications and stakeholder negotiations, the ability to think clearly and communicate effectively is non-negotiable. This programme ensures your insights are heard, respected and acted upon.
Master the moment
Think on Your Feet® for the Civil Service equips you with the tools to:
- Organise your thoughts instantly.
- Speak with clarity, brevity and impact.
- Turn high-pressure moments into opportunities to lead.
In government, every word carries weight. This workshop ensures your words make a difference.
Be ready. Speak with authority. Master the moment. Secure your place today and transform how you communicate under pressure:
- Learn more about Think on Your Feet® for the Civil Service.
- View public workshop dates.
- Enquire about in-house workshops for groups and teams.
- Government Campus organisations book and enquire here.
