Freedom Phrases
Prepare honest default responses that turn uncertainty into credible follow-up
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Time to result
- ~days to results
- Steps
- 6
- Confidence
- 99%
Freedom Phrases are rehearsed fallback responses for predictable moments of uncertainty. Before a pitch, sales call, or difficult meeting, the speaker anticipates objections and prepares language that acknowledges a strong question, admits the answer is not yet known, identifies a reliable source, and commits to a prompt follow-up. This replaces panicked improvisation or dishonest bluffing with a repeatable response. It also turns an inexperienced speaker's vulnerability into evidence of responsiveness. The phrase only works when paired with action: the promised answer must be obtained and delivered on time, while each new question becomes preparation for the next conversation.
Origin
Lori Harder developed Freedom Phrases while making early investor calls for her beverage company and facing questions she could not yet answer. Extracted from The Jasmine Star Show.
Core principles
- 01Credibility does not require knowing every answer
- 02Anticipating objections creates composure
- 03A specific follow-up is stronger than improvisation
- 04Honest vulnerability can convert critics into allies
- 05Trust grows when promised answers arrive promptly
How to run it
- 1
Forecast the objections
List the questions, concerns, and requests most likely to arise. Ask experienced people what they encountered during their first calls.
Pro tip Review previous call notes and competitor pitch materials.
Watch out Preparing only for friendly questions leaves the highest-pressure moments uncovered.
- 2
Write default responses
Create short phrases that acknowledge the question without pretending to know the answer. Include a clear route for obtaining accurate information.
Pro tip Use natural language you can say under stress.
Watch out Avoid vague promises such as “I'll look into it” without a deadline.
- 3
Disclose the learning stage
When useful, tell the other person that these are among your first calls and thank them for helping you improve. This invites collaboration rather than defensiveness.
Pro tip Frame your inexperience alongside your commitment to finding answers.
Watch out Do not use vulnerability to avoid preparation or accountability.
- 4
Capture the question
Record the exact issue, who asked it, and what supporting information they need. Confirm that you understood before moving on.
Pro tip Repeat the question back in concise language.
- 5
Find and deliver the answer
Consult the appropriate expert and respond within the promised period. Make the follow-up complete enough to be useful.
Pro tip Reply to all affected stakeholders if several people raised the same concern.
Watch out A missed follow-up reverses the trust the phrase initially created.
- 6
Expand the library
Turn each new objection into preparation for future conversations. Refine the wording based on what felt natural and credible.
Pro tip Organize phrases by finance, product, legal, operations, and market questions.
In the wild
During an early fundraising call, an investor asks a technical question Lori cannot answer. Rather than guessing, she acknowledges that others have asked it, commits to consulting the right person, and promises an email within a day or two. She then obtains and returns the information.
→ Investors interpret her response as evidence that she will pursue answers responsibly, and some cite it as a reason for investing.
Common mistakes
Bluffing expertise
Inventing an answer may protect your ego briefly but creates larger credibility and decision risks.
Using phrases without follow-through
The method depends on returning with accurate information within the promised window.
Overexplaining the apology
A long defense shifts attention away from the question; acknowledge it, state the next action, and continue.
Is it for you?
Best for
They are best for founders, salespeople, leaders, and beginners entering conversations where they cannot anticipate every technical question.
Not ideal for
They are not ideal when the speaker already knows the answer or when an immediate response is required for safety or legal compliance.
From the transcript
“But I came up with something called Freedom Phrases.”
“But these are phrases that when you feel stuck or someone's asking you a question that you don't know that I would have a default…”
“So you immediately create an ally rather than a critic.”
From the episode
Facing Truths and Making Hard Decisions with Lori Harder
Lori Harder