#235: Think Faster, Talk Smarter in the Moment – Matt Abrahams
Aug 15, 2023
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Matt Abrahams, a spontaneous speaking expert, shares valuable tips for improving spontaneous speaking skills and reducing public speaking anxiety. He discusses the concept of 'dare to be dull' in communication and emphasizes the importance of connecting with the audience. The chapter also explores elevator pitch structure and the benefits of Toastmasters, with light-hearted banter and a sponsor mention
Spontaneous speaking requires a combination of mindset, message, and structure for effective communication.
Deep belly breaths and present-oriented thinking can help reduce anxiety and improve spontaneity in speaking.
Deep dives
The Importance of Spontaneous Speaking and Better Communication
This podcast episode discusses the significance of spontaneous speaking and the impact it has on effective communication. Matt Abrahams, an expert in communication, shares his insights on how to improve communication skills in various spontaneous speaking situations. He emphasizes the importance of mindset, message, and structure in delivering effective impromptu speeches. Abrahams also provides practical advice, such as managing anxiety through deep belly breaths and staying present-oriented. He highlights the power of structure in developing clear and impactful messages, using examples like problem-solution-benefit and elevator pitch formats. The episode demonstrates that while spontaneity is key, structure and preparation can enhance the quality of spontaneous speaking.
The Early Origins of Spontaneous Speaking
Matt Abrahams reflects on his personal experiences as a student, where being called upon first due to his last name prompted him to become comfortable with impromptu speaking. He explains that this early exposure and lack of preparation motivated him to develop the skills necessary to speak spontaneously. Abrahams also discusses the potential correlation between his last name and his inclination towards spontaneous speaking. While acknowledging the role of his last name, he emphasizes that experiences like public embarrassment and teaching others contributed more directly to his interest in communication and managing anxiety.
Mindset and Techniques to Enhance Spontaneous Speaking
Matt Abrahams shares valuable techniques and strategies to improve mindset and reduce anxiety in spontaneous speaking situations. He recommends deep belly breaths as a way to manage anxiety and emphasizes the importance of exhalation. Abrahams also advises individuals to remind themselves that they are in service of their audience and to focus on being present-oriented. He suggests physical actions like walking and counting backwards to promote present-oriented thinking. Additionally, he discusses the role of breath control in minimizing filler words, noting that exhaling fully before speaking again can help eliminate fillers and encourage effective communication.
The Power of Structure in Spontaneous Speaking
Abrahams explains how structure can enhance creativity and spontaneity in speaking. He shares examples from various fields, such as jazz music and improvisation, to highlight how structure provides a foundation for creativity. Abrahams emphasizes the role of structure in delivering clear and impactful messages, particularly in impromptu situations. He suggests leveraging structures like problem-solution-benefit and sentence prompts to organize thoughts and articulate ideas effectively. Abrahams further emphasizes that structure frees individuals from the pressure of perfection, allowing them to focus on connecting with their audience and delivering their message with greater impact.
