A recent Rear Window item in the AFR noted Ross Du Vernet struggling to find words during a press conference (17 February). The stumble itself is understandable. The more instructive issue is how such moments are handled under pressure.

A brief mental blank can happen to anyone. Fatigue, cognitive overload, or an unexpected question are common triggers, specially in public, high-stakes settings. What matters isn’t the lapse; it’s the recovery.

Repeated false starts tend to amplify uncertainty. They signal that the speaker is scrambling internally, even if the audience can’t quite articulate why their confidence is wavering.

A cleaner response would have been to stop, breathe, and say calmly:

“I’ve had a brief mental blank. Give me a moment to organise my thoughts.”

Four seconds of composed silence does more to reassure a room than rushed words ever will. You don’t get marked down for being thoughtful, but you do need to look thoughtful.

If clarity still doesn’t come, handing over decisively to a colleague is far preferable to continuing to scramble. Authority is preserved not by filling space, but by demonstrating judgement.

Pressure doesn’t expose incompetence. It exposes bad habits.

And a good habit worth developing is a disciplined recovery.

Own the Conversation

Over the next seven days, deliberately practise this.

When you notice yourself searching for words or feel a momentary mental blank, say calmly:

“I’ve just had a brief mental blank. Give me a moment.”

Then pause.

Up to four seconds.

If the words don’t come, move on:

“It’s not coming to mind right now . . . let’s move on.”

You don’t get marked down for taking a moment.

You get marked down for scrambling.