I heard the question but have no ideas: how do I start?

A short pause to think while speaking is normal. The goal is not to fill every second with a memorised phrase.

When you need to, you can say Let me think for a moment or I haven't thought about that before, but…. Then move on to a concrete idea. Starting every question with the same long introduction can sound artificial.

Choose a familiar situation for your answer. Instead of looking for a “perfect idea”, say the idea you can explain.

Question: What makes a neighbourhood a good place to live?

Start: Let me think for a moment. For me, easy access to everyday services makes a big difference.

Then an example: If there is a shop and a bus stop nearby, daily tasks take less time. A thinking phrase does not replace the answer.

Answer the question “What kind of skill would you like to learn in the future?”

If you need to, use one short thinking phrase. Then give the name of the skill and say why you want it.