338 Matt Abrahams: What To Say When You’re Put On The Spot
Sep 12, 2023
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Matt Abrahams, an expert in communication and author of 'Think Faster Talk Smarter', discusses strategies for improving spontaneous communication skills, reframing anxiety as an opportunity, gracefully exiting conversations at networking events, and the power of effective communication. He also shares valuable lessons in communication from exploring a new shared activity and provides tips on preparing for spontaneous speaking.
Managing anxiety and reframing communication as an opportunity for connection are essential for effective communication.
Using structured approaches like problem-solution-benefit can enhance clarity and coherence in spontaneous speaking situations.
Deep dives
Importance of Effective Communication
Effective communication is crucial in both personal and professional settings. It allows us to share our ideas, perspectives, and feelings, fostering connection and understanding. However, many people struggle with communication due to anxiety and fear of not being perfect. Matt Abrahams, a communication expert and author, emphasizes the need to manage anxiety and reframe communication as an opportunity for connection rather than a challenge. By practicing deep belly breathing and holding something cold in the palms of our hands, we can manage physiological symptoms of anxiety. Additionally, using structured approaches, such as problem-solution-benefit, can help us deliver clear and concise messages in spontaneous speaking situations. Abrahams encourages embracing imperfections and striving for mediocrity, as it ultimately allows us to connect and communicate more effectively.
The Power of Mindset in Communication
Our mindset plays a pivotal role in our ability to communicate effectively. Matt Abrahams highlights the importance of addressing both symptoms and sources of anxiety in communication. While anxiety is a natural part of speaking, reframing it as excitement can help shift our mindset. By viewing speaking opportunities as chances to connect and share, rather than potential threats or challenges, we can approach communication with a more positive and confident attitude. The practice of deep belly breathing and holding something cold in our hands can also help manage physiological symptoms of anxiety. Developing a present-oriented mindset and using structured frameworks can further support clear and focused communication.
Benefits of Structured Approaches in Spontaneous Speaking
In spontaneous speaking situations, having a structured approach can enhance our ability to deliver coherent and impactful messages. Matt Abrahams suggests using structures like problem-solution-benefit to organize our thoughts and communicate more effectively. These structures create a logical flow and provide us with a roadmap for sharing information. By implementing structure, we free up mental bandwidth to focus on what we want to say rather than grappling with how to say it. Embracing structure also allows us to engage better with our audience, sustain their attention, and foster connections through clearer and more concise communication.
Empowering Communication Through Connection
Matt Abrahams believes that effective communication contributes to building empathy, leadership, and relationships, ultimately creating a better society. Communication helps us share multiple viewpoints, inspire innovation, and engage others. Abrahams emphasizes the need to practice and improve communication skills, such as active listening, paraphrasing, and using conversational tones. By striving for mediocrity and focusing on genuine connection rather than perfection, we can empower ourselves to communicate more confidently and effectively. Abrahams also suggests seeking feedback, reflection, and repetition as key components of honing communication skills and achieving impactful communication outcomes.
Isn’t it frustrating when you just can’t say what you want to say? You have all the words ready in your head, you’ve practiced what you’re going to say, but you… just… can’t?
It’s frustrating in part because it seems like we’re failing at the basics. Communication? Saying words out loud? Didn’t we figure that out around the same time we figured out farming, and the wheel? So why are we sweating and stuttering in a conference room in 2023?
Matt Abrahams has an idea. His new book, Think Faster Talk Smarter, speaks for itself. And his podcast, Think Fast Talk Smart – naturally – is dedicated to figuring out why our minds go blank and our feet start pacing.
So let’s talk with Matt about talking well.
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