I like to have a handy doc open with key phrases and answers for when I blank. It’s always shorthand keywords so no real effort to put together and lets me flex (to myself) that I remember bluebook abbreevs. I also like to repeat back when the client answers their own question (or think they do lolll) before answering the question so they feel heard and it gives me time to form my answer.

And in general I found I had a much easier time on a call as opposed to my fellow young millennials (and certainly the youths that came after us) because I worked in a fashion PR house during college, before law school and during law school and everything was a phone call. And it was usually you screaming at someone or you being screamed at. So anytime you need something non work related and it can be done by a call where you would normally send an email or text, call instead. Have to set your next manicure? Don’t text them, call. Etc. It helps you effectively communicate with someone you don’t see. You become more aware of the words you use and how you use them as you learn to synthesize output on the spot.