Stanford Graduate School of Business Lecturer, Matt Abrahams, shares tips on impromptu speaking, managing speaking anxiety, and structuring communication for persuasion. He emphasizes genuine connections over constantly trying to be interesting, and highlights the importance of feedback and non-verbal cues in communication.
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Quick takeaways
Small talk should focus on being interested, fostering genuine conversation.
Deep belly breathing and staying present-oriented help manage speaking anxiety effectively.
Deep dives
Importance of Small Talk and Being Interested, Not Interesting
Engaging in small talk provides numerous benefits like building connections and learning from others. The focus should be on being interested rather than trying to be interesting, allowing for genuine curiosity and conversation. By viewing small talk as a collaborative interaction where everyone contributes, it reduces the pressure to be perfect and fosters a more relaxed and engaging atmosphere.
Managing Speaking Anxiety with Physiological Techniques
Deep belly breathing, with a longer exhale than inhale, helps to manage speaking anxiety by calming the autonomic nervous system. Holding something cold in the palms to regulate body temperature can reduce perspiration and shakiness. Coping with sources of anxiety involves staying present-oriented to prevent worrying about future outcomes, allowing speakers to focus on the moment when speaking.
Prioritizing Connection Over Perfection in Communication
Focusing on connection rather than perfection in communication helps alleviate the pressure to perform flawlessly. By being present and attentive to the audience's needs, speakers can establish a more engaging and impactful interaction. Seeing communication situations as opportunities to connect and collaborate shifts the perspective from feeling judged to fostering meaningful exchanges.
Structuring Messages for Effective Persuasion and Impact
Creating a structured approach to communication enhances effectiveness in conveying messages persuasively. Understanding and addressing the audience's interests and needs is crucial for successful persuasion. By emphasizing clear and concise communication tailored to the audience, individuals can drive their points home more effectively and achieve desired outcomes.
We’re all striving to be better communicators – in both formal and informal situations. Stanford Graduate School of Business Lecturer, Matt Abrahams, shares with Modern Mentor some of his top tips for being more focused, less anxious, and more successful in our everyday communication.
Modern Mentor is hosted by Rachel Cooke. A transcript is available at Simplecast.