Gain control over your speaking and excel in your communication.

For the first anniversary of his book Think Faster, Talk Smarter, Matt Abrahams shares strategies from the first chapter, focusing on managing speaking anxiety and improving spontaneous communication. Through personal anecdotes and practical techniques, he explains how to handle unexpected questions, reframe anxiety as excitement, and use mindfulness and breathing exercises to stay calm under pressure. The episode also offers tips for managing physical symptoms of anxiety and staying mentally focused during high-stakes situations

Audio excerpt courtesy of Simon & Schuster Audio from THINK FASTER, TALK SMARTER by Matt Abrahams, read by the author. Copyright 2023 by Matthew Abrahams LLC. Used with permission of Simon & Schuster, Inc.

Reference Links:

• Book: Think Faster, Talk Smarter
• Ep.48 Speaking Up Without Freaking Out: How to Tackle Communication Anxiety

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Chapters:

(00:00:00) Introduction
Host Matt Abrahams introduces guestJen Psaki, a political analyst and former White House official.

(00:01:07) Principles of Communication
The importance of doing your homework and active listening.

(00:02:08) Skills for Effective Listening
Techniques for focusing and improving listening skills in communication.

(00:02:51) Engagement and Lowering Barriers

Strategies for making communication more engaging and accessible.

(00:03:50) Tailoring Communication

Importance of audience understanding and adjusting communication style.

(00:05:14) Preparation and Practice for Confidence

The role of preparation and continuous practice to build confidence.

(00:07:07) The Value of Feedback

Seeking feedback and reflecting on communication performances.

(00:10:10) Handling Difficult Questions
Tips for managing tough questions and controlling the narrative.

(00:12:38) High-Stakes Negotiation
Lessons from diplomatic negotiations and finding common ground.

(00:15:30) The Final Three Questions

Jen shares a question that Matt should have asked, a communicator she admires, and her ingredients for successful communication.

(00:19:48) Conclusion

• (00:00) - Introduction
• (01:20) - The Onion Interview
• (03:02) - Speaking Up Without Freaking Out
• (05:30) - The ABCs of Speaking Anxiety
• (06:44) - Mindfulness Matters
• (09:02) - Reframe Anxiety as Excitement
• (10:26) - Cooling Down and Managing Physical Symptoms
• (14:15) - Taming Negative Thoughts
• (15:26) - The Power of Repetition
• (16:04) - Preparing Questions
• (18:29) - Rationalizing the Odds
• (19:32) - Conclusion