I completely blanked during a big client pitch meeting

Max Barnes · 2026-03-30T12:55:06.810846+00:00

I was in a conference room with three people from a potential new company, and about five minutes into my talk, my mind just went totally empty. I forgot the next part of my plan. I took a deep breath, said 'Let me just check my notes for a second,' and looked at my pad to find my place. It felt like forever but was maybe 30 seconds. Has anyone else had a moment like that and found a good way to get back on track without seeming totally lost?

aaronlee3mo ago

Honestly, is blanking for 30 seconds really that big of a deal? Everyone gets flustered sometimes and you handled it by checking your notes. I feel like we put way too much pressure on ourselves to be perfect in meetings and the client probably didn't even think twice about it.

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jordangarcia6mo ago

Ever have your brain just decide to take an unscheduled coffee break? Looking at your notes was the perfect move, it looks professional instead of panicked. Honestly, most people are too worried about their own part to even notice.

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the_derek6mo ago

Man, that note check is such a smooth move. I mean, I once froze so bad I just said "wow, I lost my train of thought" out loud. It got a laugh and broke the tension, but looking at your notes is way more professional. Maybe it's just me, but I feel like admitting it makes everyone else in the room relax a little too.

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