Podcasts about speaking up without freaking out

Turn Q&A from nerve-wracking to confidence-boosting with strategies for clear, controlled answers.A great presentation doesn't end with the final slide—it continues through the Q&A, where real engagement happens. Yet, for many speakers, this is the most nerve-wracking part. In this episode, Matt Abrahams explores why Q&A can feel intimidating and how shifting your mindset can turn it into an opportunity rather than a challenge. Drawing from his book, Speaking Up Without Freaking Out, he shares expert-backed techniques for structuring responses, managing audience expectations, and maintaining composure under pressure. Whether you're facing a tough crowd or just want to refine your speaking skills, you'll walk away with the confidence to command the room—no matter the question.Audio excerpt based on Speaking Up without Freaking Out by Matt Abrahams (printed book by Kendall Hunt Publishing 2016), read by the author. Copyright 2024 by Matthew Abrahams LLC.Episode Reference Links:Speaking Up Without Freaking Out | Audio Book Speaking Up Without Freaking Out Connect:Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart PremiumEmail Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.ioEpisode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTubeMatt Abrahams >>> LinkedInChapters:(00:00) - Introduction (01:36) - The Challenge of Q&A (03:07) - Preparing for Q&A in Advance (03:47) - When to Take Questions (04:36) - How to Ask for Questions Effectively (05:39) - Audience Anxiety in Q&A (06:54) - Managing Questions Efficiently (07:55) - Answering Questions with Confidence (09:08) - The ADD Method for Answering Questions (10:21) - Closing Your Q&A with Impact (11:15) - Conclusion  ********Become a Faster Smarter Supporter by joining TFTS Premium.Take advantage of our Sponsor offer from Loom

From kindergarten through university, teachers always called on Matt Abrahams first because his last name came first alphabetically. This forced him to think on his feet regularly and, over time, shaped him into a master of spontaneous communication. In this episode, Matt shares practical tips for speaking confidently on the spot as an entrepreneur, managing anxiety, and mastering techniques for effective small talk, networking, and negotiation. In this episode, Hala and Matt will discuss:  (00:00) Introduction (01:35) Why Public Speaking Terrifies Most  (02:31) How We Communicate: Then vs. Now (05:42) The Key to Navigating Small Talk (10:04) Embracing Mediocrity to Communicate Like a Pro (13:25) The 6 Steps to Thinking Faster, Talking Smarter (15:42) Managing Anxiety in Critical Moments (25:16) Balancing Active Listening and Sharing (29:44) Structures for Speaking Spontaneously (38:22) The Impact of Using Fewer Words (40:11) Reading the Room and Winning Negotiations (45:06) Networking with Confidence (49:20) How Body Language Amplifies Your Message Matt Abrahams is a lecturer at the Stanford Graduate School of Business, where he teaches Strategic Communication and Effective Virtual Presenting. He is the author of Speaking Up Without Freaking Out and Think Faster, Talk Smarter, and hosts the popular Think Fast, Talk Smart podcast. Matt has helped individuals deliver impactful presentations, from IPO roadshows to Nobel Prize speeches, TED Talks, and World Economic Forum sessions. He also consults for the United Nations and advises Fortune 100 companies. Connect with Matt: Website: mattabrahams.com  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/maabrahams  TikTok: tiktok.com/@thinkfasttalksmart  Facebook: facebook.com/stanfordgsb  Instagram: instagram.com/stanfordgsb  Sponsored By: OpenPhone - Get 20% off 6 months at https://www.openphone.com/PROFITING  Shopify - Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at https://www.youngandprofiting.co/shopify Airbnb - Your home might be worth more than you think. Find out how much at https://www.airbnb.com/host Rocket Money - Cancel your unwanted subscriptions and reach your financial goals faster with Rocket Money. Go to https://www.rocketmoney.com/profiting Indeed - Get a $75 job credit at indeed.com/profiting    Resources Mentioned: Matt's Book, Think Faster, Talk Smarter: amzn.to/3PyVXtS  Matt's Podcast, Think Fast, Talk Smart: fastersmarter.io Top Tools and Products of the Month: youngandprofiting.com/deals More About Young and Profiting Download Transcripts - youngandprofiting.com Get Sponsorship Deals - youngandprofiting.com/sponsorships Leave a Review -  ratethispodcast.com/yap Watch Videos - youtube.com/c/YoungandProfiting   Follow Hala Taha LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/htaha/ Instagram - instagram.com/yapwithhala/ TikTok - tiktok.com/@yapwithhala Twitter - twitter.com/yapwithhala   Learn more about YAP Media's Services - yapmedia.io

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 situationsAudio 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 Connect:Email Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.ioEpisode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTubeMatt Abrahams >>> LinkedInChapters:(00:00:00) IntroductionHost Matt Abrahams introduces guestJen Psaki,  a political analyst and former White House official. (00:01:07) Principles of CommunicationThe importance of doing your homework and active listening.(00:02:08) Skills for Effective ListeningTechniques for focusing and improving listening skills in communication.(00:02:51) Engagement and Lowering BarriersStrategies for making communication more engaging and accessible.(00:03:50) Tailoring CommunicationImportance of audience understanding and adjusting communication style.(00:05:14) Preparation and Practice for ConfidenceThe role of preparation and continuous practice to build confidence.(00:07:07) The Value of FeedbackSeeking feedback and reflecting on communication performances.(00:10:10) Handling Difficult QuestionsTips 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 QuestionsJen 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

Matt Abrahams is a renowned communication expert, with decades of teaching, coaching, and consulting experience. At Stanford University, he teaches a business school class on strategic communication. Beyond academia, he's a sought-after keynote speaker and consultant, guiding presenters from IPO road shows to prestigious platforms like TED, the World Economic Forum, and the United Nations. His acclaimed podcast, Think Fast, Talk Smart, garners millions of listeners, and his book, Think Faster, Talk Smarter, equips speakers with practical skills for impromptu success. With a previous bestseller, Speaking Up Without Freaking Out, Matt has empowered countless individuals to speak confidently and authentically. In our conversation, we discuss:• The concept of “daring to be dull”• The power of visualization to desensitize oneself to speaking situations• Managing negative self-talk• The WHAT structure for delivering toasts (why we are here, how you are connected, anecdote, thanks)• The ADD structure for Q&As (answer, detailed example, describe relevance)• Breathing techniques to reduce anxiety, such as the double exhale• Concrete speaking structures like What? So What? Now What? and the Four I's (information, impact, invitation, implications)• Much more—Brought to you by:• Sprig—Build a product people love• Dovetail—Bring your customer into every decision• Coda—Meet the evolution of docs—Find the transcript and references at: https://www.lennysnewsletter.com/p/how-to-speak-more-confidently-and—Where to find Matt Abrahams:• X: https://twitter.com/tftsthepod• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maabrahams/• Website: https://mattabrahams.com/• Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/6ll0MwobDt1JW9gYaOONEo—Where to find Lenny:• Newsletter: https://www.lennysnewsletter.com• X: https://twitter.com/lennysan• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lennyrachitsky/—In this episode, we cover:(00:00) Matt's background(04:50) Techniques for managing anxiety in public speaking(10:57) Dare to be dull(13:40) Reframing anxiety as excitement(16:08) Using mantras to boost confidence(18:45) Managing negative self-talk(20:03) Normalizing speaking anxiety(23:12) Using conversation as a communication technique(24:52) Using the double-exhale breathing technique(28:29) Getting present-oriented(29:46) Using tongue twisters(33:34) Broad advice for speaking on the spot(38:35) The PREP structure(38:59) The What? So What? Now What? structure(42:10) Toastmasters and improv(45:31) Getting better at small talk(51:05) The importance of sharing back(52:33) Giving feedback(56:31) Improving toasts and tributes(01:02:57) Mastering Q&A sessions(01:07:25) Apologizing effectively(01:09:29) Closing thoughts—Production and marketing by https://penname.co/. For inquiries about sponsoring the podcast, email podcast@lennyrachitsky.com.—Lenny may be an investor in the companies discussed. Get full access to Lenny's Newsletter at www.lennysnewsletter.com/subscribe

Matt Abrahams is our special guest for this episode. He is a strategic communication lecturer from Stanford University's Graduate School of Business, host of "Think Fast, Talk Smart" podcast, and the author of the new book “Think Faster, Talk Smarter.”In this episode, we explore the significance of spontaneous communication, strategies to manage anxiety, the correlation between martial arts and communication, and tips on navigating networking situations.Matt AbrahamsMatt Abrahams is a passionate, collaborative and innovative educator, author, podcast host, and coach. He is the Larsen Lam Family Lecturer in Organizational Behavior at Stanford University's Graduate School of Business where he teaches two very popular classes in Strategic Communication and Effective Virtual Presenting. He received Stanford GSB's Alumni Teaching Award in recognition of his valued service to teaching Stanford Alumni around the world.In addition to his teaching, Matt is much sought-after keynote speaker and communication consultant for Fortune 100 companies. His online talks garner millions of views and he hosts the popular, award winning GSB podcast called Think Fast Talk Smart.Matt is especially interested in applying communication knowledge to real-world issues. In service of this goal, he published Speaking Up Without Freaking Out, which is now in its 3rd edition. His book was written to help people present and communicate in a more confident, connected, and compelling manner.Prior to teaching, Matt held senior leadership positions at several software companies, where he created and ran global learning and development organizations.Matt received his undergraduate degree in psychology from Stanford University, his graduate degree in communication studies from the University of California at Davis, and his secondary education teaching credential from San Francisco State University. He is a prolific writer with articles published for the GSB as well as Fast Company, Toastmasters Magazine, Inc.com, Quartz, etc. He has also published several research articles on strategic planning, persuasion, and interpersonal communication.⚡️ In each episode, Paddy Dhanda deep dives into a new human Superpower and gives practical advice on how you can apply it immediately.

Communication is a vital skill we all use, but do we truly understand its profound impact on our lives? Join Kurt and Tim as they engage in a captivating conversation with communication expert Matt Abrahams. Matt, an accomplished author, educator, and co-host of "Think Fast, Talk Smart," takes us on a journey into the heart of effective communication. Discover the secrets to spontaneous speaking and hone your communication skills with practical insights and actionable steps. From connecting with your audience to creating the best toasts at parties, this episode is a masterclass in the art of communication. Matt reveals the magic of active listening and the importance of paraphrasing to strengthen your relationships. Make anxiety your ally as you prepare for public speaking and various communication scenarios. With a wealth of global experience, Matt guides us through negotiation, persuasion, and even the role of creativity in communication.  During their Grooving Session, Kurt and Tim talk about their own personal experiences with public speaking and communication, sharing anecdotes and advice from their own victories and defeats. Whether you're delivering a keynote presentation or sharing a story with friends, this episode will offer you vital tips towards unlocking your full communication potential!      © 2023 Behavioral Grooves Topics  (2:39) Welcome and speed round questions (6:24) Matt's Book and the fear of public speaking (9:51) Overcoming the fear of public speaking and roadblocks (15:05) Maximizing Mediocrity? (18:50) Giving better toasts (23:53) The M&M's of Public Speaking (30:24) Matt's Podcast (37:20) Chopin, Jazz, and off-the-cuff conversation (42:43) Desert Island Music (46:17) Grooving Session with Kurt and Tim on Public Speaking © 2023 Behavioral Grooves Links  Matt Abrahams: https://mattabrahams.com/  Think Faster, Talk Smarter: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Think-Faster-Talk-Smarter/Matt-Abrahams/9781668010303  Think Fast, Talk Smart: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/think-fast-talk-smart-communication-techniques/id1494989268  Matt Abrahams and Alia Crum: https://www.gsb.stanford.edu/insights/mindset-matters-how-embrace-benefits-stress  Speaking Up Without Freaking Out: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XIXvKKEQQJo  Musical Links  Rodrigo y Gabriela "Hanuman": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ENBX_v1Po1Y  Lynyrd Skynyrd "Free Bird": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0LwcvjNJTuM  ACDC "Thunderstruck": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v2AC41dglnM     

#139: Stanford professor Matt Abrahams is an expert in spontaneous conversations and shares six steps to help polish your speaking skills. He covers tips and tricks to help you think faster, techniques for managing anxiety, ways to structure small talk to make it more engaging, and a formula for delivering an exceptional wedding toast. Matt Abrahams is a leading expert in communication with decades of experience as an educator, author, podcast host, and coach. As a Lecturer in Organizational Behavior at Stanford University's Graduate School of Business, he teaches popular classes in strategic communication and effective virtual presenting. He hosts the award-winning podcast Think Fast, Talk Smart and is also the author of two books: Think Faster, Talk Smarter and Speaking Up Without Freaking Out. Link to Full Show Notes: https://www.allthehacks.com/think-fast-talk-smarter Partner Deals DeleteMe: 20% off removing your personal info from the web Fabric: Affordable term life insurance for you and your family Gelt: Skip the waitlist on personalized tax guidance to maximize your wealth Masterworks: VIP access to skip the waitlist Vuori: 20% off the most comfortable performance apparel I've ever worn For all the deals, discounts and promo codes from our partners, go to: allthehacks.com/deals Resources Mentioned Matt Abrahams: Website | Podcast | LinkedIn Books: Think Faster, Talk Smarter | Speaking Up Without Freaking Out Humour, Seriously: Why Humour Is A Superpower At Work And In Life Web Browser: Arc AI Powered Personal Communication Tools: LikeSo | Poised Email for questions, hacks, deals, feedback: podcast@allthehacks.com Full Show Notes (02:13) Handling Spontaneous Conversations (04:09) Overview: 6-step Process to Think Faster, Talk Smarter (07:49) A 2-Pronged Approach to Manage Your Anxiety (16:41) Changing the Way We Strive for Perfection (18:33) Small Talk & Chit Chat (21:30) Tactics to End Small Talk (23:18) Types of Conversational Turns (25:30) Practicing & Preparing to Be Spontaneous (27:05) Reframing the Circumstances (35:03) How to Become Better Listeners (38:37) Creating Structure for Communication (43:37) Toasts & Tributes (45:36) Humor in Conversations (47:08) Why Having Structure Will Set You Free (49:30) Being Clear & Concise (52:42) Using Generative AI for Communication Connect with All the Hacks All the Hacks: Newsletter | Website | Membership | Email Chris Hutchins: Twitter | Instagram | Website | LinkedIn Editor's Note: The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of our partner offers may have expired. Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Matt Abrahams teaches strategic communication at the Stanford Graduate School of Business. He is also the author of two books: Speaking Up Without Freaking Out and Think Faster Talk Smarter. Prior to teaching at Stanford, Matt held senior leadership positions at leading software companies, where he created and ran global learning and development organizations. Matt is a founder at TFTS Communications based in Silicon Valley that helps people improve their presentation skills. He works with executives to help them prepare and present keynote addresses and IPO road shows, conduct media interviews, and deliver TED talks. Matt also hosts the Stanford GSB podcast called Think Fast Talk Smart and he curates the website NoFreakingSpeaking.com. Matt earned an undergraduate degree in psychology from Stanford and a graduate degree in communication studies from UC Davis. In this episode we discuss the following: Public speaking is something that all of us can improve at. And much of it comes down to managing the symptoms and sources of anxiety. When speaking in public, we can manage the symptoms of anxiety by practicing specific breathing techniques, like taking in deep breaths and then exhaling for twice as long as we inhale. When speaking in public, we can manage the sources of anxiety by doing something physical, whether it's walking around, talking with people, or listening to music. When speaking in public, we can manage our mindset by reminding ourselves that we have value to bring. When speaking in public, remember that the goal of speaking isn't perfection but rather connection. When speaking in public remember that each chance to speak is an opportunity to learn and share, rather than a threat or challenge to fear. When speaking in public, strive for connection over perfection.   Follow Matt: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maabrahams/ Website: NoFreakingSpeaking.com Follow Me:  Twitter: https://twitter.com/nate_meikle LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natemeikle/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nate_meikle/

Glossophobia, is the fear of public speaking and it's believed to affect about 75% of people across the globe.  With this in mind, think about how critical being able to speak to an audience, to customers, to teammates, in any working environment is. It's why communication skills are in such high demand in organizations, and why today's guest is particularly important. Matt Abrahams is an instructor and lecturer at Stanford University, and author of “Speaking Up Without Freaking Out: 50 Techniques for Confident and Compelling Presenting.” He was the co-founder of Silicon Valley based coaching group BoldEcho and is the founder of Think Fast Talk Smart - The Podcast. Matt has been studying and practicing the art of communicating for over 25 years, and after helping companies like Twitter, Google, and even the U.S. Army coach their members to be better communicators, Matt has compiled all of his experience in his latest book, “Think Faster, Talk Smarter: How to Speak Successfully When You're Put on the Spot.” We caught up with Matt to dive headfirst into the book, and cover some of the biggest pain points around speaking, things people often overlook, and what the dawn of AI means for our ever evolving communication styles. This is another episode you're not going to want to miss, so with that…let's bring it in!

[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    

Today we brought on a special guest, Matt Abrahams, who has quite the background. Currently he's lecturing at Stanford University in the graduate school of business. In addition, he is a book author of a book called “Speaking Up Without Freaking Out: 50 Techniques for Confident and Compelling Presenting.” He also hosts a podcast called “Think Fast, Talk Smart,” and finally, he is a coach and a consultant, helping many people optimize and strategize around the best ways they can communicate. His passion for communication 2:20His book 4:22Setting the stage for great communication in your business: confidence 8:10Overcoming nervousness, fake it ‘til you make it 11:18Getting in the right mindset, or next play mindset 13:15Dealing with tough or negative communication situations 16:04The delivery and communicating that you care 17:27Helping managers and leaders communicate better 19:22“There are 3 things that I think are most important. 1 is you have to start with confidence. You have to understand the situations that make you nervous and figure out how to manage them. 2nd, you need to think about your content. How do I make my content relevant, specific, and useful for the people that I'm speaking to? So it's really about honing that content, and 3rd, delivering in a way that really shows warmth, connection, and helps your audience to see that you're there to collaborate and partner with them. So those are really the 3 foundational principles in all effective communication.” 8:14nofreakingspeaking.comwww.linkedin.com/in/maabrahams

In today's episode, I chat with Matt Abrahams, a Lecturer in Organizational Behaviour, at Stanford University's Graduate School of Business, where he teaches Strategic Communication courses and workshops that help future business leaders to be more authentic, confident and compelling communicators.Matt's also Host of the Think Fast, Talk Smart: The Podcast, where he sits down with experts across a wide range of professional disciplines to discuss public speaking anxiety, spontaneity, and more.We didn't set out to discuss the attention economy, though perhaps predictably, as two individuals as fascinated by communication as we are, we did. At a time when we've never been more saturated by information, getting your message through can often mean the difference between impact and irrelevance. We chatted about shifts in societal communication trends, social media, Tik Tok, and a host of other fascinating topics related to how we all relate today. It was such a pleasure connecting with a fellow Matt. And I hope you enjoy it. Matt AbrahamsMatt Abrahams is a passionate, collaborative and innovative educator and coach. He teaches Effective Virtual Communication and Essentials of Strategic Communication at Stanford University's Graduate School of Business.  Matt is also Founder and Principal at TFTS LLC, a presentation and communication skills company based in Silicon Valley that helps people improve their presentation skills. Matt published the third edition of his book Speaking Up Without Freaking Out, a book written to help the millions of people who wish to present in a more confident and compelling way. He also hosts the GSB podcast called Think Fast Talk Smart.  And, he curates the NoFreakingSpeaking.com website.LinkedInWebsiteThinking Inside the BoxConstraints drive innovation. We tackle the most complex issues related to work & culture. And if you enjoy the work we're doing here, consider giving us a 5-star rating, leaving a comment & subscribing. It ensures you get updated whenever we release new content & really helps amplify our message. LinkedInInstagramTwitterWebsiteApple PodcastsGoogle PodcastsSpotifyStitcherPocket CastMatt BurnsMatt Burns is an award-winning executive, social entrepreneur and speaker. He believes in the power of community, simplicity & technology.LinkedInTwitter

Some leaders are humble and have a high level of tolerance, others stand out for their charisma and social skills and others are recognized for their great commitment and responsibility. But to be a great leader you have to be an effective communicator.  However, effective communication doesn't always require the exchange of words. Sometimes, it's best to simply be present, listen and try to establish a better connection. It takes a passionate leader to create that connection, which paves the way for learning and growth.  In this episode of Fifth Dimensional Leadership, I interview Matt Abrahams. Matt is a passionate, collaborative, and innovative educator and coach. He teaches Effective Virtual Communication and Essentials of Strategic Communication at Stanford University's Graduate School of Business. In our conversation, Matt talks about how communication creates connections that unlock opportunities to learn, grow, and be challenged.   Matt is also Founder and Principal at Think Fast Talk Smart LLC, a presentation and communication skills company based in Silicon Valley that helps people improve their presentation skills.    Matt is writing his second book, Think Fast Talk Smart: How to think and speak brilliantly in impromptu situations, and the third edition of his book Speaking Up Without Freaking Out, a book written to help the millions of people who want to present more confidently and convincingly. He also hosts the GSB podcast called Think Fast Talk Smart, and he curates the NoFreakingSpeaking.com website.   Matt received his undergraduate degree in psychology from Stanford University, his graduate degree in communication studies from the University of California at Davis, and his secondary education teaching credential from San Francisco State University. Things you will also learn in this episode: What the “Rule of Lung” is and how to manage anxiety  How to master “spontaneous speaking” Why “Yes/And” is a helpful framework and mindset How introverted leaders  can help organizations The impact of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion on communication. Why feedback is an invitation to problem solve Quotes   “We do need to have some level of judgment and evaluation, but we evaluate and judge so much that we actually inhibit ourselves from doing anything.” - Matt Abrahams   “‘Yes/And' leads to building opportunity and collaboration; ‘No' shuts that down.” - Matt Abrahams   “Our communication follows from our mindset. The mindset we have dictates the way we communicate.” - Matt Abrahams   “The things that we can do as coaches, mentors, and friends is focus on the effort and help people realize the improvement that they're making.” - Matt Abrahams   “The most important thing you can do in communication is listen.” - Matt Abrahams “Find things in your life that are scary-fun! You get to decide how scary and how fun you want to have, but both of those are good guides.” - Matt Abrahams “Communication is more than just transactional exchange of information, there's a human connection that has to happen.”- Matt Abrahams

Spring is when birds build nests and lay eggs all over the place. And you have probably heard that if a baby bird falls out of the nest you shouldn't put it back because the mother will abandon the baby. Is that true? Listen to hear the surprising answer. http://www.straightdope.com/columns/read/2287/if-you-handle-baby-birds-will-their-parents-shun-them Who hasn't thought how great it would be to be a successful entrepreneur? However, it takes a certain kind of person to handle the ups and downs of the entrepreneurial life and make it a success. CEO marketing coach Christopher Lochhead set out to discover what makes a great entrepreneur. Chris is author of the book Play Bigger: How Pirates, Dreamers, and Innovators Create and Dominate Markets (https://amzn.to/3bQYzxJ). He joins me to discuss how successful business owners position their ideas and products to dominate the competition. Public speaking scares just about everyone. Yet it is often required at school or in a meeting or even giving a formal speech. Since all of us will be called on to speak, why not arm yourself with some skills that will make you less nervous and perform better? Here with some great advice is Matt Abrahams . He is a lecturer at Stanford University's Graduate School of Business – he is the host of the podcast Think Fast, Talk Smart (https://www.gsb.stanford.edu/business-podcasts/think-fast-talk-smart-podcast) and author of the book Speaking Up Without Freaking Out (https://amzn.to/3eZyKO1).   How many times have you heard that staring at a computer screen for too long is bad for your eyes? So, what does that mean – “bad for our eyes”? Listen as I explain what research has shown about computer use and your eyesight. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/are-computer-screens-really-ruiningour-eyes_us_58b08e8de4b0a8a9b782192a PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS! We really like The Jordan Harbinger Show! Check out https://jordanharbinger.com/start OR search for it on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen!  Helix Sleep is offering up to $200 off all mattress orders AND two free pillows for our listeners at https://helixsleep.com/sysk.  Go to https://Indeed.com/Something to claim your $75 credit through April 30th! Go to https://Shopify.com/sysk, for a FREE fourteen-day trial and get full access to Shopify's entire suite of features! With Avast One, https://avast.com you can confidently take control of your online world without worrying about viruses, phishing attacks, ransomware, hacking attempts, & other cybercrimes! With prices soaring at the pump, Discover has your back with cash back! Use the Discover Card & earn 5% cash back at Gas Stations and Target, now through June, when you activate. Get up to $75 cash back this quarter with Discover it® card. Learn more at https:discover.com/rewards. Download Best Fiends FREE today on the App Store or Google Play! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Name: Matt AbrahamsCurrent title: Lecturer, Author, Coach and Podcast hostCurrent organisation: Stanford UniversityMatt Abrahams is a passionate, collaborative and innovative educator and coach. He teaches Effective Virtual Communication and Essentials of Strategic Communication at Stanford University's Graduate School of Business.  Matt is also Founder and Principal at Think Fast Talk Smart LLC, a presentation and communication skills company based in Silicon Valley that helps people improve their presentation skills. Matt published the third edition of his book Speaking Up Without Freaking Out, a book written to help the millions of people who wish to present in a more confident and compelling way. He also hosts the GSB podcast called Think Fast Talk Smart.  And, he curates the NoFreakingSpeaking.com website.Resources mentioned in this episode:Free Download of The Leadership Survival Guide (10 World-Class Leaders Reveal Their Secrets)The Leadership Conversations PodcastThe Jonno White Leadership PodcastThe Leadership Question of the Day PodcastClarity Website7 Questions on Leadership SeriesWe'd Love To Interview YOU In Our 7 Questions On Leadership Series!Subscribe To Clarity's Mailing ListJonno White's eBook Step Up or Step OutJonno White's Book Step Up or Step Out (Amazon)

Welcome to Grit & Growth's masterclass on communicating with confidence, featuring Matt Abrahams, Stanford Graduate School of Business lecturer in strategic communications. Whether pitching to investors, reporting to your board, or motivating employees, Abrahams has tips and tricks for managing anxiety and making an impact with both what you say and how you say it.Abrahams knows a thing or two about communicating. Whether he's teaching MBAs at Stanford GSB or hosting his podcast “Think Fast, Talk Smart,” he advises entrepreneurs on the value of “Speaking Up Without Freaking Out” — which is also the title of his best-selling book.Abrahams believes confidence and mindset can be developed to alleviate anxiety and improve almost any pitch or meeting. He's also on a personal mission to stop entrepreneurs from beginning their presentations with “Hi, my name is _______, and today we're going to talk about_________.”“That is boring. It's silly because you're showing a slide that has your name and your topic on it. I like to joke that every good pitch should start like a James Bond movie. No, not with sex and violence, but with action, get people participating and focused … and that's what will help people get interested in what you're saying.”Top Seven Masterclass Takeaways Some anxiety is a good thing. It can give you energy and focus. Abrahams suggests using cognitive reframing to use your excitement about your business and vision to manage your fear of pitching.Use nonverbal cues to convey confidence … even if you're not feeling it. Gesture more slowly, make direct eye contact, take deep breaths to slow your speech rate down. These nonverbal cues will make people think you're confident, which will actually make you feel more confident.Record yourself and watch it. Rather than judge and evaluate based upon your own internal dialogue, try to see what others will see in the pitch or presentation.Mindfulness can help you manage anxiety. Give yourself permission to be nervous — it's only human. And forgive yourself if you're nervous or make a mistake. That's human, too.Create a compelling hook. Make sure it grabs people's attention and is relevant. Abrahams explains, “If you do something different, you automatically stand out. You've got my attention just because you did something different.”Learn to tell your story fast and slow. Have a two-minute, 10-minute, and 30-minute version to deliver depending upon the situation.Consider cultural differences and pay attention to social status. Low context and high context cultures require different approaches. And hierarchy and social status should impact how you communicate.Listen to Abrahams' insights, advice, and strategies for how entrepreneurs can communicate with greater confidence and learn how you can improve your next pitch, board meeting, or presentation.Please take a few moments and provide us with your feedback on Grit & Growth. We would love to hear what you're interested in learning about and how we can make the content we create relevant to your growth journey. ResourcesPodcast SurveyThink Fast Talk Smart podcastNo Freaking Speaking See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Intro: Matt Abrahams is a passionate, collaborative and innovative educator on organizational behavior, communication, and speaking at The Stanford University School of Business. Specifically, he teaches Effective Virtual Communication and Essentials of Strategic Communication. Matt is also Co-Founder and Principal at Bold Echo Communications Solutions, a presentation and communication skills company based in Silicon Valley that helps people improve their presentation skills. Matt published the third edition of his book Speaking Up Without Freaking Out, a book written to help the millions of people who wish to present in a more confident and compelling way. He also hosts the Stanford Graduate School Business Podcast called Think Fast Talk Smart.  And, he curates the NoFreakingSpeaking.com website.We hope you enjoy this episode with Matt Abrahams where we discuss why public speaking is so difficult, effective tools for communication and how to present better both in real life and virtually. Questions We Asked: •How can we manage our anxiety when speaking? •Do you still have anxiety with speaking? •How can we obtain a flow state during speech? •How can you feel confident when speaking to experts in a given field? •What are things people can do to become more spontaneous with their speech?•How can we use strategic pauses and tone to engage an audience?  •How can you train out using filler words? •How can we use speaking structure to improve our communication? •What are some tips to improve communication over zoom? •Book suggestions for improving speaking skills? Quotes and Ideas: •Ways to address speaking anxiety in the moment: Control symptoms [take a deep belly breath (double the exhale to the inhale), hold something cold in your hands] and sources [control anxiety by becoming present oriented (exercise, music, count backwards by a number)]•Matt's way to hack his anxiety: take a deep belly breath, remind himself that he has valuable things to say, and say tongue twisters •“Dare to Be Dull” •Improving spontaneous speech: practice in low stakes environments, pay attention to what others do with their conversation to build tools in your toolkit, associate practice with prior habits •To get rid of filler words: end every sentence when you're completely out of breath. You can practice with your calendar every day. •Interesting research: With young kids, filler words (like, um) signal that something important is coming. With adults this changes and it now becomes distracting. •The way to get good at speaking: Repetition, reflection, and feedback •“Whenever you are communicating, you are a tour guide for your audience. The number one place that communicators lose their audience is when they move from one place to the next. In the transitions.” •Speaking structure ideas: oWhat-> so what?-> now what?oProblem-> solution-> benefit •Tips for zoom communication: oTips for presence: improve posture on screen (big, balanced, and still), look directly at the camera, vary your voice oImprove engagement: stimulate multiple modalities (use polls, videos, questions, calling on people) and use linguistic engagement (use the word “you”) with analogies oBest way to practice: record yourself •“Attention is the most precious commodity we have in the world today.” Book Suggestions: •Speaking Up Without Freaking Out by Matt Abrahams •Made to Stick by Dan and Chip Heath 

Matt Abrahams, co-founder of Bold Echo Communications Solutions, and communications professor at Stanford University's Graduate School of Business has author of Speaking Up Without Freaking Out, shares how to present in a more confident and compelling way. Explore Park's free and premium story building tools including his new book, Brand Bewitchery: How to Wield the Story Cycle System™ to Craft Spellbinding Stories for Your Brand: http://bit.ly/StorytellingTools Like what you hear? Park offers online or in-person workshops, consulting and keynotes. Visit businessofstory.com to get in touch.

Matt Abrahams, Co-Founder and Principal, Bold Echo Communications Matt Abrahams is a passionate, collaborative and innovative educator and coach. He teaches Effective Virtual Communication and Essentials of Strategic Communication at Stanford University's Graduate School of Business.   Matt is also Co-Founder and Principal at Bold Echo Communications Solutions, a presentation and communication skills company based in Silicon Valley that helps people improve their presentation skills.  Matt published the third edition of his book Speaking Up Without Freaking Out, a book written to help the millions of people who wish to present in a more confident and compelling way. He also hosts the GSB podcast called Think Fast Talk Smart. And he curates the NoFreakingSpeaking.com website.

How to moderate good, productive discussions and navigate tricky conversations is top of mind -- whether doing a panel, conducting a live event, presenting a talk (or hosting a podcast), managing (and even just participating in!) a meeting. Especially in a world where remote and virtual work is increasingly become the norm for many knowledge workers, one in which we're increasingly communicating through little "Hollywood Squares, Brady Bunch"-like boxes.So how to translate physical and nonverbal presence in such virtual environments, or voice-only modes? How to manage unruly discussions? Do parasocial vs. social interactions change things? And beyond these broader contexts, how do the things inside us -- whether agendas, tics, anxiety -- manifest outwardly, and can we better control them?In this episode of the a16z Podcast, Matt Abrahams -- lecturer at Stanford’s Graduate School of Business (where he also has a podcast, "Think Fast Talk Smart"); principal and co-founder of Bold Echo (a company that helps people with presentation and communication skills); and author of Speaking Up Without Freaking Out -- shares frameworks and best practices, in conversation with Sonal Chokshi. The discussion offers many concrete tips for moderation and communication for anyone, across all kinds of mediums and modes. image: Paul Hudson / Flickr

The One Take Show is honored to host Mr. Matt Abrahams. Mr. Abrahams is a passionate, collaborative, and innovative educator, author, and coach. He is a lecturer at Stanford University's Graduate School of Business where he teaches two very popular classes in Strategic Communication and Effective Virtual Presenting. He recently received Stanford GSB's Alumni Teaching Award in recognition of his valued service to teaching Stanford Alumni around the world. In addition to his teaching, Matt is co-founder of Bold Echo Communication Solutions, an industry-leading presentation consulting and coaching practice. Matt is especially interested in applying communication knowledge to real-world issues. In service of this goal, he published Speaking Up Without Freaking Out. In this episode, Mr. Abrahams talks about his journey, Effective Communication, Perfecting your Public Speaking Skills, Virtual Communication Skills, Manage Anxiety in Public Speaking, Learn to Think Fast, and Talk Smart. Links to Mr. Abraham's video on Think Fast Talk Smart https://youtu.be/HAnw168huqA Links to Mr. Abraham's Podcast: Think Fast Talk Smart https://open.spotify.com/show/6ll0MwobDt1JW9gYaOONEo?si=asz-aotYSkKEsaakq1PxcQ

Birds are building nests and laying eggs all over the place this time of year. And you have probably heard that if a baby bird falls out of the nest you shouldn’t put it back because the mother will abandon the baby. Is that true? Listen to hear the surprising answer. http://www.straightdope.com/columns/read/2287/if-you-handle-baby-birds-will-their-parents-shun-themAlmost everyone dreams of being a successful entrepreneur. So, what separates the good entrepreneurs from the truly great ones? That is what Christopher Lochhead set out to discover. Christopher is a CEO marketing coach, speaker and author of the book Play Bigger: How Pirates, Dreamers, and Innovators Create and Dominate Markets (https://amzn.to/3bQYzxJ). Listen as he explains how really successful business owners position their ideas and products to dominate the competition.Speaking in front of people is scary for almost everyone. Yet it is also absolutely necessary for pretty much all of us whether at school or in a meeting or giving a formal speech. Since we will all be called on to speak, why not arm yourself with some skills that will make you less nervous and perform better? Here with some help to do that is Matt Abrahams . He is a lecturer at Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business – he is the host of the podcast Think Fast, Talk Smart (https://www.gsb.stanford.edu/insights/think-fast-talk-smart-podcast) and author of the book Speaking Up Without Freaking Out (https://amzn.to/3eZyKO1). His company, Bold Echo can be found at www.boldecho.com How many times have you heard that staring at a computer screen for too long is bad for your eyes? So, what does that mean - “bad for our our eyes”? Listen as I explain what research has shown about computer use and your eyesight. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/are-computer-screens-really-ruiningour-eyes_us_58b08e8de4b0a8a9b782192a This Week's Sponsors-The Zebra. Compare and save money on car insurance. Go to www.TheZebra.com/sysk

We often think communication is as natural as walking, but really, it requires much thoughtfulness and preparation. With vastly different communication practices across generations and an overwhelming amount of distraction in today's digital landscape, we must learn to adapt and step out of our comfort zones. In this episode, author and coach Matt Abrahams joins Bill Coppel to discuss how we can be more effective communicators. In this episode, you'll hear: ·         Key factors to getting your audience's attention ·         The connection between mindfulness and effective communication ·         What it will look like to have 5 different generations in the workplace ·         Ways to manage our anxiety about speaking in public ·         Suggestions for practicing speaking and presentations ·         How different generations interact in face-to-face communication ·         The 3 steps to becoming a more effective communicator   Matt Abrahams is a writer, educator, scholar and coach in the area of communication. As co-founder of BoldEcho, a communication coaching consulting practice, Matt leads workshops and coaches individuals to deliver more confident and compelling presentations. He has also published a book, Speaking Up Without Freaking Out, and curated a collection of resources on his blog to help people manage anxiety and become more comfortable in their speaking.     Ways to contact Matt— Websites: https://nofreakingspeaking.com, https://boldecho.com Books: Speaking Up Without Freaking Out

We often think communication is as natural as walking, but really, it requires much thoughtfulness and preparation. With vastly different communication practices across generations and an overwhelming amount of distraction in today's digital landscape, we must learn to adapt and step out of our comfort zones. In this episode, author and coach Matt Abrahams joins Bill Coppel to discuss how we can be more effective communicators. In this episode, you'll hear: Key factors to getting your audience's attention The connection between mindfulness and effective communication What it will look like to have 5 different generations in the workplace Ways to manage our anxiety about speaking in public Suggestions for practicing speaking and presentations How different generations interact in face-to-face communication The 3 steps to becoming a more effective communicator   Matt Abrahams is a writer, educator, scholar and coach in the area of communication. As co-founder of BoldEcho, a communication coaching consulting practice, Matt leads workshops and coaches individuals to deliver more confident and compelling presentations. He has also published a book, Speaking Up Without Freaking Out, and curated a collection of resources on his blog to help people manage anxiety and become more comfortable in their speaking.     Ways to contact Matt Websites: https://nofreakingspeaking.com, https://boldecho.com Books: Speaking Up Without Freaking Out

In this episode we show you the science of communication. Have you ever been afraid to speak or present? Are you worried about not having the skills or tools to communicate your ideas to the world? We dig into the science and the strategies of mastering skills like speaking and presenting, crushing the anxiety that often accompanies thee high stakes moments, and share evidence based strategies for becoming  a master communicator. Matt Abrahams is a Professor of Strategic Communication for Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business. He is the co-founder of Bold Echo Communication Solutions and author of the book Speaking Up Without Freaking Out. Matt’s videos and training techniques have been viewed tens of millions of times in TEDx, Inc. and much more!What happens when you rip your pants in the middle of a big speech?Anxiety can have a tremendously negative impact on our ability to to communicateConfidence in speaking and what it means to be authentic and how to be an engaging communicator Anxiety negatively impacts communication in two major waysAudiences have trouble listening to a nervous speakerYou get caught up in your own head A foundational tenant of all communication is to be audience centric - your job is to serve the needs of your audience Research sees anxiety about speaking and communicating as ubiquitous across ages, cultures etcFear of communication is hard-wired intro your brain by evolution and it’s social pressuresThere are two fundamental approaches to dealing with anxietyDealing with the symptomsDealing with the actual sources of anxietySpeaking in high stakes situations is internalized by your body as a threatHold something cold in the palm of your hand it can reduce your body temperature and counter-act sweating and blushing that results from anxiety. Distracting your audience is a great strategy to take their focus off of you. Give the audience something to distract them and get them more engagedIf you gesture more slowly you will actually slow down your speaking rateGreet your anxiety - give yourself permission to be anxious. This is how you short circuit the loop of getting nervous about getting nervous. This works with any emotion, not just anxiety. The powerful learnings from improv comedy that can make you be a more confidence speaker Dare to be dull - don’t strive for perfection. Do what needs to be done, and by reducing the pressure you put on yourself you increase the likelihood that you will actually achieve a great outcome.The “Shout the wrong name” exercise that can help you reduce your anxiety in real timeConstraints and structure invite more opportunities for creativity (in life) and in communicationThe components of confidenceManaging anxietyCreating presence & meta awareness - adapt your communication to what’s happening the moment Convey emotion - confidence speakers convey emotion You have to tie the data and facts back into the emotions - the implications of the science and the dataThe “What?,” “So What?,” “Now What?” Structure The answerWhy its importantWhat you do with the answer that’s just givenHomework - Take the opportunity too build your skills. Like any skill you’re trying to build -  it’s all aboutRepetition - find avenues to speak and give presentationsReflection - ask yourself what worked and what didn’t workFeedback - find a trusted other - a mentor, a colleague, a loved one who can give you honest feedback. We are bad at judging our own communication Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Matt Abrahams is a passionate, collaborative and innovative educator, author, and coach. He is a lecturer at Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business where he teaches two very popular classes in Strategic Communication and Effective Virtual Presenting. Additionally, Matt is a professor of communication at De Anza College and an adjunct faculty member for Stanford University’s Continuing Education Program. Also, Matt coaches entrepreneurs from around the world on pitching their ideas as part of Stanford’s Graduate School of Business’s Ignite Program. Matt is especially interested in applying communication knowledge to real-world issues. In service of this goal, he published Speaking Up Without Freaking Out, a book written to help people present and communicate in a more confident, connected, and compelling manner. On the show, Matt and I talk about some key strategies to calm your body down so you can speak with more confidence and clarity - a need for ALL of us, not just the newbies or introverts. No, siree! We all have some level of anxiety around speaking, so I'm thrilled to share Matt's ideas and insights with you! 

Stanford instructor Matt Abrahams teaches techniques to calm speaking anxieties...from managing procrastination to cooling body temperatures, and more.   You'll Learn: How to attack both the symptoms and sources of speaking anxiety Why to envision communication as a conversation instead of a performance How long to make eye contact   About Matt: Matt Abrahams is a passionate, collaborative and innovative educator and coach. He teaches Effective Virtual Communication and Essentials of Strategic Communication at Stanford University's Graduate School of Business. Matt is also Co-Founder and Principal at Bold Echo Communications Solutions, a presentation and communication skills company based in Silicon Valley that helps people improve their presentation skills. Matt recently published the third edition of his book Speaking Up Without Freaking Out, a book written to help the millions of people who wish to present in a more confident and compelling way.   View transcript, show notes, and links at http://AwesomeAtYourJob.com/ep253

Stanford instructor Matt Abrahams teaches techniques to calm speaking anxieties…from managing procrastination to cooling body temperatures, and more.You'll Learn:1) How to attack both the symptoms and sources of speaking anxiety2) Why to envision communication as a conversation instead of a performance3) How long to make eye contactAbout Matt Matt Abrahams is a passionate, collaborative and innovative educator and coach. He teaches Effective Virtual Communication and Essentials of Strategic Communication at Stanford University's Graduate School of Business. Matt is also Co-Founder and Principal at Bold Echo Communications Solutions, a presentation and communication skills company based in Silicon Valley that helps people improve their presentation skills. Matt recently published the third edition of his book Speaking Up Without Freaking Out, a book written to help the millions of people who wish to present in a more confident and compelling way.Items Mentioned in this Show:Matt's Book: Speaking Up Without Freaking Out: 50 Techniques for Confident and Compelling PresentingMatt's Websites: BoldEcho.com and No Freaking SpeakingMatt's Improv Class: Improvisationally SpeakingApp: LikeSoApp: OraiApp: UmmoBook: Give Your Speech, Change The World by Dr. Nick MorganBook: Improv Wisdom: Don't Prepare, Just Show Up by Patricia MadsonPrior Episode: 024: A Speech Coach in Your Pocket with Ummo's Anshul BhagiPrior Episode: 041: Developing a Powerful Presence with Dr. Nick MorganTED Talk: Amy Cuddy: Your body language may shape who you areView transcript, show notes, and links at http://AwesomeAtYourJob.com/ep253. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Matt Abrahams is an innovative educator who teaches for Stanford University's Graduate School of Business. He's also the author of the book Speaking Up Without Freaking Out, which helps people who suffer from anxiety when speaking in public.  In addition, Matt co-founded Bold Echo Communication Solutions, a standout consulting practice in the communication industry.  Learn more about author and host, Sarah Raymond Cunningham, at sarahcunningham.org.

Strategic communication has long been an area of interest for Matt Abrahams, so much so that after leaving high school he decided to pursue degrees in communication. Fast forward to today and Matt can be found as a professor of communications at Stanford University and the author of a great new book, “Speaking Up Without Freaking Out.” On this episode of In The Arena Anthony Iannarino chats with Matt about the intricate dynamics that go into strategic communication and how sales professionals can learn some valuable skills to help their presentations have greater impact, resulting in more sales. A high school interest in #communication led to a professional career, on this episodeClick To Tweet What does Matt mean when he talks about “strategic communication?” Communication is intended to make changes in situations and in relationships. But it’s not always organized or arranged in a way that enables those changes to happen. Matt Abrahams has found it helpful to speak of communication in terms of “strategic” communication: communication that is aimed at a very specific goal for the interaction. The goal for the conversation or interaction enables the preparation and the communication itself to be narrowly focused toward those ends and more effective in the long run. You will learn more about how to make your communication much more strategic in this great conversation. The role ambiguity plays in strategic communication. It may seem that anytime ambiguity is a part of the equation, good communication is not happening. But that’s not always the case. On this episode Matt Abrahams points out that in the event of a product or service offering that is not entirely developed, the promotional campaign will many times include intentional ambiguity in order to tease out the intrigue surrounding the product launch. It’s one way that ambiguity can play a major role in communication that is not only strategic, but effective as well. Learn how you can use the concept of ambiguity in your product or sales presentations, on this episode. How to speak in a more relevant way that compels your audience to action, on this episodeClick To Tweet Start your presentation with this powerful question. Matt Abrahams has learned that the key component of any presentation is the underlying belief that the presentation is intended to serve those who are listening. In order to keep that vital fact in mind he recommends that everyone who is building or planning a presentation begin with the question in mind, “How will this presentation serve/help the people who hear it?” That one question enables the preparation to be done with razor sharp focus so that the real purpose of why it’s being created isn’t lost in the minutia of the planning. You’ll hear more valuable but simple insights like this during this great conversation. The “What, So What, Now What” structure for strategic communication. When organizing your next speech or sales presentation you might do well to follow Matt Abrahams’ favorite presentation structure - What, So What, Now What. It’s a way to ensure that you’re being clear about what you’re talking about, why it matters to your prospect or audience, and the specific action steps that you want to compel or motivate by the end of the presentation. This is just one of the many structures Matt outlines that can add greater degrees of effectiveness to your communication and persuasion to your close. Why speakers need to start preparation with a question and outline their talk using questionsClick To Tweet Outline of this great episode [4:45] Anthony’s means of connecting with Matt. [5:25] The backstory on Matt’s expertise in strategic communication. [7:30] The use of ambiguity in communication: for good and bad. [10:08] The outcomes that make communication strategic. [11:35] Why speakers should start with a question and outline using questions. [14:00] The What, So What,

Matt Abrahams is a passionate, collaborative and innovative educator, coach and Co-Founder of Bold Echo Communication Solutions, which is an industry leading communication coaching consulting practice. Nervous about public speaking? Matt recently published Speaking Up Without Freaking Out, a book written to help the millions of people who suffer from anxiety around speaking in public. If you need a communication and speaking coach and cheerleader, Matt is the man with the plan for you! The post BBE 68 | Matt Abrahams Co-Founder Bold Echo Communications & Author | Business Buff Entrepreneurs appeared first on Business Buff Entrepreneurs.

Matt Abrahams passionate, collaborative and innovative educator and coach.  He is a lecturer at Stanford University's Graduate School of Business where he teaches two very popular classes in Strategic Communication and Effective Virtual Presenting. He is co-founder of Bold Echo Communication Solutions, an industry-leading presentation consulting and coaching practice.He published Speaking Up Without Freaking Out, a book written to help people present and communicate in a more confident, connected, and compelling manner Jeffrey K. Rohrs serves as Vice President of Marketing Insights for Salesforce. Author of AUDIENCE: Marketing in the Age of Subscribers, Fans and Followers and the award-winning SUBSCRIBERS, FANS & FOLLOWERS Research Series, Jeff also dabbles in podcasting as co-host of the Social Pros Podcast with Jay Baer Sally Helgesen author of six books, most recently The Female Vision: Women's Real Power at Work, which explores how women's strategic insights can strengthen their careers and benefit their organizations. As a speaker and consultant she works around the world and has been ranked as one of the 50 top authorities on leadership by Leadership Excellence magazine. Her  best-selling The Female Advantage: Women's Ways of Leadership, hailed as “the classic work” on women's leadership styles 

33voices interviews Matt Abrahams, author of Speaking Up Without Freaking Out.