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Curious Minds at Work

CM 252: Matt Abrahams on How to Speak on the Spot

Nov 6, 2023
45:36
Snipd AI
In this podcast, communications expert Matt Abrahams shares strategies for speaking successfully when put on the spot. Topics include overcoming anxiety and perfectionism, the importance of structure in various domains, practicing and focusing communication skills, tips for small talk and Q&A sessions, and exploring artificial intelligence in communication.
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Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Preparing to be spontaneous involves training yourself to look for patterns that allow for quicker conclusions and connecting dots quickly.
  • Anxiety can hinder performance in spontaneous speaking, but reframing it as an opportunity to connect with your audience can reduce stress.

Deep dives

Mastering Spontaneous Speaking

Being able to connect dots quickly in spontaneous speaking comes from practice and preparation. Preparing to be spontaneous involves training yourself to look for patterns that allow for quicker conclusions. Focus on managing anxiety and improving performance by lowering stress levels and making your speech concise, relevant, and memorable. Strategies like deep belly breaths, reminding yourself of your value, and holding something cold can help alleviate anxiety. Additionally, slowing down, using broader gestures, and paraphrasing can slow down your speaking and thinking, boosting confidence. Practice these techniques and create an anxiety management plan for further improvement.

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