494: How to Speak Successfully When You’re Put on the Spot with Matt Abrahams

It’s probably no surprise to you that I appreciate effective communicators. Well, that’s just one of the many reasons I am excited to present to you today’s guest, who’s written a wonderful book on an aspect of presenting not often covered. Impromptu Speaking!

matt abrahams

His name is Matt Abrahams, and his brand new book, out today, is called Think Faster, Talk Smarter: How to Speak Successfully When You’re Put On the Spot.

In the book, Matt provides tangible, actionable skills to help even the most anxious of speakers succeed when speaking spontaneously.

He also included science-based 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, Matt offers best practices for navigating Q&A sessions, shining in job interviews, providing effective feedback, making small talk, fixing faux pas, persuading others, and handling other impromptu speaking tasks.

I hope you’ll click the play button below to learn more about Matt and his work. For a summary, just keep scrolling.

Join in on our chat below

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In today’s episode, I ask Matt about:

  • Proven techniques for dealing with anxiety when speaking on the spot
  • How to go from viewing interactions as threats, to opportunities for learning, collaboration, and growth
  • The benefits to our audience when we think deliberately about how we’ll structure what we’re going to say
  • And lots more!

Order Matt’s Book

You can order your copy of Think Faster, Talk Smarter: How to Speak Successfully When You’re Put On the Spot right now!

Consider Ordering My Book Too!

Purchase a copy of my new book (written with Jesse Wisnewski) Read to Lead: The Simple Habit That Expands Your Influence and Boosts Your Career. There, you can also download the introduction and first chapter for free!

Note-Making Mastery Cohort AND the Read to Lead Community

Note-Making Mastery Cohort is now available as a self-paced course! Check it out. Also, consider giving ReadtoLead+ a try free for two weeks!

Matt in Action

Books Matt Recommends

Made to Stick: Why Some Ideas Survive and Others Die by Chip & Dan Heath

Improv Wisdom: Don’t Prepare, Just Show Up by Patricia Ryan Madson

Check Out These Additional Resources from Matt

Grab a copy of Matt’s book now.

Check out his website for more from Matt.

Invite Matt to come speak to your group.

Connect with Matt personally on LinkedIn and Twitter.

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Finally, thanks for listening and remember, “Leaders read and readers lead.”