Think Faster, Talk Smarter: How to Speak Successfully When You're Put on the Spot

by Matt Abrahams Narrated by Matt Abrahams

Overview

Develop the life-changing ability to excel in spontaneous communication situations-from public speaking to interviewing to networking-with these essential strategies from a Stanford lecturer, coach, and host of the popular Think Fast, Talk Smart The Podcast.

“A roadmap to mastering the art of thinking quickly and speaking confidently, this is the perfect book for...anyone else who talks.” -Charles Duhigg, bestselling author of The Power of Habit, Smarter Faster Better and Supercommunicators

Many of us dread having to convey our ideas to others, often feeling ill-equipped, anxious, and awkward. Public speaking experts help by focusing on planned communication experiences such as slide presentations, pitches, or formal talks. Yet, most of our professional and personal communication occurs in spontaneous situations that creep up on us and all too often leave us flustered and stumbling for words. How can we rise to the occasion and shine when we're put on the spot?

In Think Faster, Talk Smarter, Stanford lecturer, podcast host, and communication expert Matt Abrahams provides tangible, actionable skills to help even the most anxious of speakers succeed when speaking spontaneously. Abrahams provides 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, he 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.

Whether it's a prospective client asking you an unexpected question during a meeting or all eyes turning to you at a dinner party, you'll know how to navigate the situation like a pro and bring out your very best. Think Faster, Talk Smarter is an accessible guide to communication that will help you master new techniques in no time.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

"Matt's ideas and insights in Think Faster, Talk Smarter are priceless. I spent my life working in front of a television camera but would get nervous speaking in front of a live crowd. That would shock people since millions saw me every day – but of course, I didn’t see them. It took me years to conquer my nerves and feel comfortable and confident speaking in front of a live audience. Matt makes it easy with his focus on the connection over perfection. His specific examples in the book provide a clear roadmap to help you be your best self when under pressure." —Joan Lunden, Journalist, Author, Keynote Speaker, and Television Host

"Think Faster, Talk Smarter serves as a gold standard for communication best practices. Matt’s six step approach to speaking confidently and clearly in spontaneous situations helps calm the nervous system so you can focus on what matters: creating connection with those around you and responding in the moment. If you struggle with any type of communication, this book is for you." —Dr. David Eagleman, Neuroscientist, Author, Technologist, Entrepreneur, and host of the "Inner Cosmos with David Eagleman" podcast

“Matt Abrahams shows us how to overcome the challenges of having to speak unexpectedly. He does so by providing a remarkably helpful and specific set of recommendations, which I certainly plan to follow.” —Robert Cialdini, author Influence and Pre-suasion

"Being able to speak confidently off the cuff impacts every facet of our lives. Matt Abrahams has spent decades developing tools that harness the power of spontaneous communication, and not just for public speakers but for anyone who finds themselves needing to speak in the moment. Think Faster, Talk Smarter provides you with easy to implement, actionable tips and techniques for success." –Dr. Philip Zimbardo, Psychology Professor Emeritus Stanford University. Author of The Lucifer Effect and Living and Loving Better with Time Perspective Therapy

#1 New York Times bestselling author Daniel H. Pink

Matt Abrahams has a gift for making complex concepts easy to understand and simple to enact. Think Faster, Talk Smarter a testament to this skill, decoding the often-intimidating world of spontaneous communication and coaching us to approach the challenge with less fear and more empathy. If you’ve ever struggled to summon the right words at the right time, this book is an essential read.”

MARCH 2024 - AudioFile

Communication expert and podcast host Matt Abrahams delivers useful advice on how to think on one's feet with the relaxed polish of a seasoned voice professional. With his pitch range and natural pacing, he draws listeners in with his enthusiasm. His voice and ideas sparkle with energy. The guide is intuitively organized and covers a wide range of speaking situations, such as interviews, Q&A sessions, unscripted remarks to an audience, and conversations between employees and bosses. His focus on the emotional dynamics of any speaking situation will help listeners feel more confident when faced with a speaking challenge. While his insights are sophisticated, his uncomplicated writing and smooth delivery make them sound reasonably easy to implement. T.W. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2024, Portland, Maine

Product Details

BN ID:	2940178047132
Publisher:	Simon & Schuster
Publication date:	09/26/2023
Edition description:	Unabridged
Sales rank:	489,478

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