B.S. Scare

Sometimes I need to B.S. at work. I define B.S. like this: something I don't know exactly, but I still talk like I know it very well. This is not too easy when discussing technical stuff. Because people may ask question or even challenge. Why I need to B.S. anyway!? Can I just say "I don't know"? Sometimes it is the pride issue. Sometimes I have no choice, like this one:

Last month, a co-worker invited me to listen his project presentation, because some part of this project was related to my work. This co-worker is a high-level engineer, so his presentation included audiences in VP and director level. I think he was just polite to invite a typical engineer like me. But when he presented the agenda, he introduced that I would talk one section, which related to my work. I didn't knowthis earlier. Even worst, from the presentation hand-out, he added some information on my part that I had no idea what it was!!

This was obviously a communication mistake. I should know this earlier, so I can prepare. But no time to complain. While my co-worker was still talking his part, I start to plan what to present. When it came to my turn, I use all my B.S. skill to sound like I knew the stuff. I used a lot positive word, praised other people's help, emphasize good things. Try to minimize negative statement as this often draw question. For those parts I don't understand I just skip quietly. Man, this was the most scary presentation I had in recent years.