Stanford Psychology Podcast 115 - Matt Abrahams: Think Faster, Talk Smarter
Sep 21, 2023
Matt Abrahams, leading expert in communication, discusses public speaking, stage fright, and his upcoming book. Overrated advice, reducing filler words, and being engaging on and off stage are explored. The role of humor in communication and translating academic research for non-academic audiences are also discussed. The chapter concludes by exploring career paths for psychology graduates in communication and teaching, as well as improving podcast engagement and connection.
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Don't Memorize Your Speech
- Avoid memorizing your speech word for word as it increases cognitive load and distracts you from authentic communication.
- Focus on ideas and connection rather than reciting exact language to speak more naturally and effectively.
Anxiety Varies With Audience Context
- Anxiety levels depend on audience size but also on who is in the room and the present goal.
- Different people feel more or less anxious with large or small groups depending on how known they feel.
Manage Speaking Anxiety Effectively
- Manage speaking anxiety by deep breathing, reframing your mindset, and focusing on serving your audience.
- Remove pressure to perform perfectly by aiming to connect rather than deliver flawless speeches.