Join Matt Abrahams, a lecturer of Strategic Communication at Stanford Graduate School of Business, as he sits down with experts in the field to discuss real-world challenges. How do I send my message clearly when put on the spot? How do I write emails to get my point across? How can I easily convey complex information? How do I manage my reputation? Whether you’re giving a toast or presenting in a meeting, communication is critical to success in business and in life.Think Fast, Talk Smart provides the tools, techniques, and best practices to help you communicate more effectively.
166. Why Relying on Talent Alone Will Fail You
Why practice is the key to success.
If there’s anyone who knows about performing under pressure, it’s former NFL quarterback Andrew Luck. Whether playing in front of thousands or presenting to ten, his key to success is practice.
"There's a romantic notion that you rise to the occasion," says Luck, a Stanford graduate and four-time Pro Bowl selection. "But I think you settle to the level of your training. We practiced those high-pressure situations all the time.” From calling critical game-winning plays to navigating communication off the field, our performance in high-stakes situations, Luck maintains, is determined by our level of preparation.
In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Luck and host Matt Abrahams explore how deliberate practice can help us hone our performance across all domains of our lives. From managing high-pressure situations to building psychological safety in homes and workplaces, Luck shares insights gained from both sides of the field — as a player and now as a coach.
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Chapters:
- (00:00) - Introduction
- (01:53) - Communication in High-Stress Situations
- (04:03) - Staying Calm Under Pressure
- (06:33) - Earning Leadership Through Respect
- (07:56) - Overcoming Conflict Aversion
- (09:03) - Decision to Retire from the NFL
- (11:10) - Returning to Education
- (12:48) - Life Lessons Through Coaching
- (15:09) - The Final Three Questions
- (18:17) - Conclusion