TC176: Think Faster, Talk Smarter—A Deeper Dive – Matt Abrahams

Toastcaster Communication Leadership Learning Lab

[35:25] In this episode speak with Matt Abrahams—a return guest and a name synonymous with spontaneous speaking - about mastering the art of speaking on the fly.

This is a special cross-over companion podcast to The Toastmasters Podcast with Greg Gazin & Ryan Levesque #235: Think Faster, Talk Smarter in the Moment with guest Matt Abrahams.

We're also thrilled to have Ryan Levesque also co-hosting today's episode.

Today's episode

Today we dive a little deeper into the concepts in Matt's book. He starts off by sharing what it's about and how you can use it.

Matt explains why there’s no right or wrong way to communicate–only better and worse ways. He demystifies a cognitive psychology concept of heuristics and explains their importance.

Matt suggests a helpful reframing of speaking opportunities as “Conversations, Not Performances.”

He touches upon how improv has shaped his approach to communication and introduces us to the playfully-named “F-Word of Public Speaking.”

Matt offers additional examples of structures you can use to master your Q&A session, gives an easy-to-use format for apologizing successfully, and more. Sorry about that! :)

Matt Abrahams is a Lecturer at Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business. He’s the author of two books, Speaking Up Without Freaking Out, and his brand new book, Think Faster, Talk Smarter: How to Speak Successfully When You’re Put on the Spot, and the host of Think Fast, Talk Smart: The Podcast.

You can reach Matt and get his book at MattAbrahams.com. You can also find him on LinkedIn.

Resources from Matt Abrahams at FasterSmarter.io.

TC176: Think Faster, Talk Smarter—A Deeper Dive – Matt Abrahams