229. Rethinks: How to Speak Successfully When You’re Put on the Spot

To celebrate its second anniversary, we revisit our favourite tools and tips from Matt’s book, Think Faster, Talk Smarter.

Original executive producer Jenny Luna turns the tables and interviews host and strategic communications lecturer Matt Abrahams about his bestselling book, Think Faster, Talk Smarter: How to Speak Successfully When You're Put on the Spot. To celebrate the book’s second anniversary, this special Rethinks episode dives into Matt’s most practical tips, powerful frameworks, and mindset shifts to help you speak with confidence in any spontaneous situation. From managing anxiety to structuring your thoughts on the fly, it’s filled with tools to help you become a more effective communicator.

Episode Reference Links:

• Jenny Luna
• Think Faster Talk Smarter
• Ep.10 High-Stakes Communication: How to Manage Anxiety When Speaking in Front of Others
• Ep.112 From Mistakes to "Missed Takes"
• Ep.107 Think Faster, Talk Smarter: How to Speak Successfully When You're Put on the Spot

Connect:

• Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart Premium
• Email Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.io
• Episode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart Website
• Newsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.io
• Think Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube
• Matt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn

Chapters:

• (00:00) - Introduction
• (03:07) - Defining Spontaneous Speaking
• (03:57) - Origins of Matt’s Interest
• (04:48) - The Six-Step Methodology
• (05:33) - Shifting Your Mindset
• (09:43) - Practical Structures for Speaking
• (11:58) - The “F-Word” of Spontaneous Speaking
• (13:31) - Communication Lessons from Martial Arts
• (14:51) - The Karate Pants Story
• (16:47) - Hosting 100 Episodes
• (18:02) - On-the-Spot Challenges
• (25:13) - Conclusion

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