Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing

Think faster and talk smarter. Tips from Matt Abrahams that will make you a better writer and speaker

Sep 26, 2023

Communication expert Matt Abrahams shares tips on chunking when writing, tailoring messages for different audiences, and using structures to guide thinking. He also provides insights on getting the first draft down on the page. The podcast covers the importance of endings and transitions, knowing the audience, and reducing anxiety in public speaking.

21:36

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Episode guests

Matt Abrahams

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Tailor your message to meet your audience's needs and avoid using unfamiliar terminology or complex language.

Use structured frameworks in your communication to organize ideas, provide a logical flow, and enhance the impact of your message.

Deep dives

The Importance of Knowing Your Audience

Understanding your audience's needs, expectations, and knowledge is crucial in effective communication. By doing thorough reconnaissance and research, you can meet your audience where they are and tailor your message to be relevant and understandable. This approach applies to both spoken and written communication, ensuring that you don't alienate or lose your audience due to unfamiliar terminology or complex language.

Introduction

2min

Dictating Books and the Benefits of Speaking

8min

The Importance of Endings and Transitions in Writing and Speaking

3min

Know Your Audience

7min

The Importance of Communication Skills and Reducing Anxiety in Public Speaking

5min

947. Do you wish you could think on your feet faster? Well, Stanford business professor and communication expert Matt Abrahams has insights on having great off-the-cuff conversations that are also surprisingly helpful for writers. Matt shares the secrets of chunking when you're writing, tailoring your message for different audiences, and using structures to guide your thinking. Also, as a comfortable speaker but nervous writer, Matt shares his tips on how to get that difficult first draft down on the page. I found his new book, "Think Faster, Talk Smarter," to be incredibly helpful, so I knew I had to get him to share his expertise with you!

| Transcript: https://grammar-girl.simplecast.com/episodes/matt-abrahams/transcript

Matt Abrahams is a leading expert in communication with decades of experience as an educator, author, podcast host, and coach. As a Lecturer in Organizational Behavior at Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business, he teaches popular classes in strategic communication and effective virtual presenting. He received Stanford GSB’s Alumni Teaching Award in recognition of his teaching students around the world. Outside of the classroom, Matt is a sought-after keynote speaker and communication consultant. He has helped countless presenters improve and hone their communication, including some who have delivered IPO road shows as well as Nobel Prize, TED, and World Economic Forum presentations. His online talks garner millions of views and he hosts the popular, award-winning podcast Think Fast, Talk Smart The Podcast. His new book Think Faster, Talk Smarter: How to Speak Successfully When You're Put on the Spot provides tangible, actionable skills to help even the most anxious of speakers succeed when speaking spontaneously, such as navigating Q&A sessions, shining in job interviews, providing effective feedback, making small talk, fixing faux pas, persuading others. His previous book Speaking Up without Freaking Out: 50 Techniques for Confident and Compelling Presenting has helped thousands of people manage speaking anxiety and present more confidently and authentically.

Handles:

MattAbrahams.com

Linked in: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maabrahams

Instagram & Threads: @MattAbrahams

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