I hear this argument a lot from people who don't consider themselves quick thinkers and honestly it sounds a bit like cope. Many such people might be confusing

I hear this argument a lot from people who don't consider themselves quick thinkers and honestly it sounds a bit like cope. Many such people might be confusing perseverance for skill in analysis. Not saying that's you, OP. But many people make similar claims. That said, I don't think it's set in stone. As someone quick on their feet, I can tell you that it feels like flow state. I don't think it's innate, so with practice you can become just like the other jokesters at work. Also try to loosen up. Anxiety is anathema to a quick wit. When I notice smart people appear to be slow thinkers, it's actually still obvious that they're fully engaged but that they have recessed themselves a bit in their minds. They are processing everything but for some reason feel there is a cost to start speaking so they don't jump the gun. It's not a terrible quality. So if you're a solid thinker people will still see it, don't worry about appearing like a midwit if you're not. Otherwise your anxiety will eat you up.