Lately, I have been working on my verbal skills including being more persuasive, assertive and articulate.

At workplace, I find myself in situations where giving the right response is crucial. If I give it right, its +10 reputation and if not its -10. Its not about confidence but verbal skills.

I don't know if people who are at the top learn these things or get it naturally but I definitely want to improve my verbal judo.

For example:-

A higher position person asks me if I agree that my colleague is best at some skill among our team. Obviously, I want to give an answer that disproves that but in a subtle manner. Its not about confidence but giving the right response. How would you respond to this? I can afford to be a bit cocky here as the person asking me is not my manager.

I know a few tricks like agree and amplify, pressure flip but it doesn't come naturally. Only after the situation, I think of some clever response which I should have said but its too late.

How can I improve this?