In this conversation with Matt Abrahams, an educator at Stanford and communication consultant, listeners learn how to master Q&A sessions. Matt emphasizes viewing questions as dialogues rather than dodging attacks. He introduces the ADD framework for responses—Answer, Detail, Describe value. Listeners discover how setting boundaries boosts credibility and how to start conversations with provocative, self-posed questions. Plus, he shares tips to end discussions powerfully, enhancing confidence and audience connection.
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insights INSIGHT
Q&A as Dialogue
Presenters often view Q&A sessions as adversarial, like dodgeball.
Reframing Q&A as dialogue fosters connection and learning.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
The ADD Framework
Use the ADD framework: Answer, Detail an example, and Describe the value.
Adjust the order as needed to emphasize key points or address concerns.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Connecting with Students
Dave Stachowiak asks Matt Abrahams about connecting with students in a teaching role.
Abrahams uses the ADD framework to answer, demonstrating its application.
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In 'Think Faster, Talk Smarter', Matt Abrahams offers tangible, actionable skills to help even the most anxious speakers succeed in spontaneous communication. The book provides strategies for managing anxiety, responding to the mood of the room, and making content concise, relevant, compelling, and memorable. Drawing on stories from his clients and students, Abrahams offers best practices for navigating Q&A sessions, job interviews, providing effective feedback, making small talk, fixing faux pas, persuading others, and handling other impromptu speaking tasks.
Matt Abrahams: Think Faster, Talk Smarter
Matt Abrahams is an educator, author, podcast host, and coach. He is a lecturer in Organizational Behavior at Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business and a keynote speaker and communication consultant for Fortune 100 companies. He is the host of the popular podcast Think Fast, Talk Smart and the author of Think Faster, Talk Smarter: How to Speak Successfully When You're Put on the Spot*.
One of the most common places leaders get put on the spot is when facilitating a question and answer session. In this episode, Matt and I discuss the mindset, preparation, and steps that will help you answer questions with confidence and increase credibility with your audience.
Key Points
Many presenters think about a Q&A session like playing dodgeball. It’s more helpful to frame it as dialogue.
Answering questions well allows you to project authenticity, expand on key points, and resolve objections.
Use the ADD framework to respond to a question. A: answer the question, D: detail an example, and D: describe the value. If helpful, adjust the order.
Set boundaries for the kinds of questions you’ll answer and the timeframe for them. The audience expects you to lead the conversation.
Ask yourself a question if nobody else asks one first. This might start with, “A question I’m commonly asked…”
End with an exclamation point. Sticking the landing provides you confidence and shows credibility to your audience.
Resources Mentioned
Think Faster, Talk Smarter: How to Speak Successfully When You're Put on the Spot* by Matt Abrahams
Interview Notes
Download my interview notes in PDF format (free membership required).
Related Episodes
The Way to Influence Executives, with Nancy Duarte (episode 450)
How to Rehearse Before a Presentation, with Jacqueline Farrington (episode 645)
That’s a Great Question (Dave’s Journal)
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