“Think Faster, Talk Smarter” with Matt Abrahams, a leading expert in communication and Author of “Think Faster, Talk Smarter: How to Speak Successfully When You’re Put on the Spot”
Sep 12, 2023
auto_awesome
Matt Abrahams, a leading expert in communication and author of “Think Faster, Talk Smarter: How to Speak Successfully When You’re Put on the Spot,” shares strategies for effective spontaneous communication, including overcoming anxiety, structuring clear and concise arguments, leveraging different communication strategies, influencing others, and giving feedback.
Effective communication must be structured for clarity and persuasion.
Anxiety in high-stakes communication can be managed through reframing and preparation.
Deep dives
Effective Communication Requires Structure
Effective communication must be structured, providing a logical connection of ideas. By structuring comments to be clear, concise, and compelling, one can enhance persuasion and influence. Communication structures, such as problem-solution-benefit or opportunity-solution-benefit, can package information in a way that is easily understandable and memorable for the audience.
Managing Anxiety in Communication
Anxiety is a common experience in high-stakes communication situations, but it can be managed. One effective strategy is to focus on both the symptoms and sources of anxiety. Deep belly breaths can alleviate physiological symptoms like stuttering or perspiring. By reframing communication events as opportunities instead of tests, and striving for excellence rather than perfection, individuals can reduce the pressure they put on themselves and improve their communication effectiveness.
Developing Spontaneous Communication Skills
Spontaneous communication, like playing a sport, can be prepared for. Practice and preparation allow individuals to respond effectively in the moment, leveraging the skills and knowledge they have honed. By practicing and developing the ability to be present-oriented, individuals can reduce anxiety and enhance their ability to communicate spontaneously and confidently.
Providing Feedback: The 4 I's Method
Feedback is an invitation to problem solve, and the 4 I's method provides a structured approach to delivering constructive feedback. The 4 I's consist of information (objective behavior), impact (demonstrating the consequences), invitation (offering solutions or collaborative problem-solving), and implications (highlighting the positive or negative outcomes). This method helps package feedback in a clear, objective, and constructive manner, reducing defensiveness and enabling effective communication.
What makes someone a great “on the spot” communicator?How can using simple communications structures make you more persuasive, clear, and compellingMy guest on this episode is with Matt Abrahams, a Stanford lecturer on strategic communications, host of the popular “Think Fast, Talk Smart” podcast, and author of his latest book, “Think Faster, Talk Smarter: How to Speak Successfully When You’re Put on the Spot”During our conversation Matt and I discuss:
Why he believes learning spontaneous communication is like playing a team sport
Why you should strive for mediocrity not perfection in your communications
His two-step approach to overcoming your anxiety when you are asked to speak
How to structure your spontaneous communications so they are clear, concise, and compelling.
Why he views feedback as an invitation to problem solve
How to give better feedback using his four I’s feedback model
Connecting with Matt: Connect with Matt Abrahams on LinkedInLearn more about “Think Faster, Talk Smarter” and all of Matt’s work here
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode