Think Fast, Talk Smart: Communication Techniques
Think Fast, Talk Smart: Communication Techniques
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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.

198. Pause and Effect: Mastering In-the-Moment Communication (2 of 3)

April 17, 2025 0:25:02 4.5 MB ( 19.54 MB less) Downloads: 0

This three-part miniseries is all about keeping your cool when speaking on the spot.

Communicating effectively can be challenging enough, even with plenty of time to prepare what we want to say. But for most of our communication, there’s no time to plan, practice, or perfect — we have to respond in the moment.

Spontaneous communication is a part of our everyday lives, but few of us have been trained to handle these impromptu situations with confidence. What does it take to flow, not freeze, when put on the spot? This special three-part series turns to experts for guidance, from a sports commentator, FBI hostage negotiator, and UN translator to a game show host, NFL referee and Sotheby’s auctioneer.

Part 1: Preparation and Mindset

Discover how to prepare for the unpredictable, manage anxiety, and find the right headspace for success.

Part 2: Mastering the Moment

Learn to stay present, read the room, and use techniques like mirroring and pacing to connect with your audience.

Part 3: When Things Go Wrong

Find out how to recover from inevitable mishaps and keep moving forward with confidence, turning mistakes into gold.

In addition to insight-packed discussions, this Think Fast, Talk Smart miniseries offers practical exercises and homework assignments to help you implement what you've learned. Whether you draw blanks when put on the spot or simply want to articulate your thoughts more clearly in the moment, these episodes will transform how you think — and speak — on your feet.

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Chapters:

  • (00:00) - Introduction
  • (02:25) - Letting Go of the Script
  • (05:37) - Visual Listening
  • (06:56) - Nonverbal Communication
  • (09:45) - Tools of Connection
  • (13:06) - Pacing for Pressure
  • (14:06) - The Power of Pausing
  • (16:40) - How to Make a Great Introduction
  • (18:30) - Being Gracious in Conversation
  • (20:54) - Listener Exercises on Active Listening
  • (23:48) - Conclusion

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