You made your pitch. They nodded along. Then came the death sentence:

"Let me think about it."

Most people say "Sure, take your time" and watch the opportunity evaporate. The follow-up email gets ignored. The momentum dies. The deal ghosts.

Here's what's actually happening: "Let me think about it" is rarely about thinking. It's unspoken resistance they don't want to voice.

When you hear "let me think about it," don't retreat. Get curious.

The Chris Voss Response: "It sounds like there's something holding you back. What is it?"

Said with genuine curiosity, not pressure, this invites them to voice what they were too polite to say. Now you can address the real issue.

The Permission Phrase: "That makes sense. Before you do, would it be okay if I asked what specifically you want to think through?"

You've given them permission to be honest. Most people will tell you the actual blocker.

The Negative Frame: "It sounds like this might not be the right fit. Is that fair?"

Counterintuitive, but this works. People instinctively correct negative assumptions. If they're interested, they'll push back and reveal what's really going on.

Corporate application: Use these when pitching projects, asking for resources, or proposing changes. Your boss's "let me think about it" usually means "I have a concern I haven't voiced."

Creator application: Use on sales calls when prospects hesitate. The objection you surface is the objection you can solve. The one they keep hidden kills the deal.

Next time someone says "let me think about it," don't accept it. Use one of the three responses above.

Then reply and tell me what surfaced. I read every response.