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

by Matt Abrahams

Practical tools for speaking on the spot

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AlbakiReads Editorial

Practical tools for speaking on the spot

Matt Abrahams focuses on the unscripted moments that make up much of everyday communication, from answering an unexpected question to joining small talk. The guide organizes its advice around challenges such as managing speaking anxiety, reading the room, keeping a response concise and relevant, and recovering from a faux pas. Examples drawn from the author’s work with students and clients accompany strategies for situations including interviews, Q&A sessions, feedback, and persuasion. Its emphasis is on preparing for spontaneous exchanges, rather than formal presentations alone.

Good fit for readers who enjoy

  • People who want practical guidance for impromptu speaking at work or in social settings
  • Readers seeking strategies for interviews, Q&A, small talk, or giving feedback
  • Those interested in managing anxiety during spontaneous communication

Themes

Spontaneous communicationSpeaking anxietyConcise and relevant messagingWorkplace and social communication

Based on publisher information and book metadata.

Book 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 road map 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.
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