Think Faster, Talk Smarter with Matt Abrahams
From Stanford Alumni
In "Think Faster, Talk Smarter," communication expert Matt Abrahams tackles the everyday challenge of speaking spontaneously—whether it’s introducing yourself, making small talk, or answering tough questions on the spot. Drawing from research and his own methodology developed at Stanford, Abrahams shares practical strategies to manage anxiety and sharpen your ability to communicate clearly and confidently in unplanned moments. Listeners will gain actionable tools to overcome nerves and make a...
Key Takeaways
- Most of our communication happens off-the-cuff, not in planned speeches—so get comfy thinking on your feet.
- Missing the small stuff in conversation can trip you up—details matter more than you think.
- Managing anxiety is a two-front war: tackle both the sweaty symptoms and the stressy sources.
- A deep belly breath—longer exhale than inhale—is your secret weapon against speaking nerves.
- If you freeze or fumble, remember: even Stanford MBAs had to learn to talk smarter in the moment.
Mentioned in This Episode
- Carol Dweck (person)
- Stanford Graduate School of Business (company)
- Stanford MBA (company)
- Patricia Ryan Madson (person)
- Adam Tobin (person)
- Dan Klein (person)
- Mike Krzyzewski (person)
- Collins Dobbs (person)
- Think Faster, Talk Smarter: How to Speak Successfully When You're Put on the Spot (book)
- Improv Wisdom: Don't Prepare, Just Show Up (book)
- Yes, and (concept)
- Next Play (concept)
- Not Yet Mindset (concept)
- Missed Takes (concept)
- Fight or Flight Response (concept)
- Paraphrasing (concept)
- Critical and Crucial Conversations (concept)
- Problem-Solution-Benefit Structure (concept)
- What? So What? Now What? (concept)
- Reunion (concept)