Thoughtful, Not Evasive

The difference between graceful time-buying and obvious stalling is intent and execution. When the pause leads to a better answer, the audience often reads it as care rather than avoidance.

Asking for clarification is the most natural time-buying move. "Just to be sure I address your specific concern — are you asking about the technical approach or the business case?" This buys ten to fifteen seconds and narrows the question to something you can answer cleanly.