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THINK FASTER, TALK

SMARTER
How To Speak Successfully When You’re Put
on the Spot

By Matt Abrahams
Stanford lecturer and host of Think Fast, Talk Smart: The Podcast

A Next Big Idea Club September 2023 Must Read

"Matt Abrahams has a gift for making complex concepts easy to

understand and simple to enact. Think Faster, Talk Smarter is 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.”

—Daniel H. Pink, #1 New York Times bestselling author of To Sell is Human, Drive, and The Power
of Regret

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 when we’re put on the spot?

In THINK FASTER, TALK SMARTER communication expert, Stanford lecturer, and host of the popular
podcast, Think Fast, Talk Smart: The Podcast, Matt Abrahams provides tangible, actionable skills to help
even the most anxious of speakers succeed when communicating and speaking spontaneously. Thinking
faster and talking smarter Abrahams argues is not an innate skill that requires natural talent, and can
actually be learned through preparation and practice. He provides science-based strategies for managing
anxiety, responding to the mood of the room, and communicating in concise, relevant, compelling, and
memorable ways regardless of the audience.
Especially important in today’s frantic, multi-tasking world, Abrahams draws on research from a variety of
fields including psychology, biology, anthropology, communication, and improvisation along with stories
from his clients and students, to offer best practices for: navigating difficult conversations, responding to
impromptu questioning, shining in job interviews, providing effective feedback, making small talk,
apologizing, persuading others, and responding to spontaneous digital communication like text and email.
Whether it’s speaking in front of others in meetings or conversations with family, friends, colleagues or a
manager, learning to speak spontaneously can help us get out of our own way, and show up for some of
the most meaningful moments in life—moments that often catch us by surprise, short circuiting our
intelligence and leaving us to project just a fraction of our true personalities. Abrahams argues that by
training ourselves to think and speak on our feet, and reacting in ways that come across as coherent,
compelling, and unmistakably genuine, we can learn to be more of who we really are in the moment, and
convey more of what we really think.
THINK FASTER, TALK SMARTER is an accessible guide to communication that helps readers master
new techniques to better communicate in our fast-paced times.
___________________________________________________________________________________

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Matt Abrahams is a leading expert in communication with decades

of experience as an educator, author, podcast host, and coach.
As a Lecturer in Organizational Behavior at Stanford University’s
Graduate School of Business, he teaches popular classes in
strategic communication and effective virtual presenting. He
received Stanford GSB’s Alumni Teaching Award in recognition of
his teaching students around the world. When he isn’t teaching,
Matt is a sought-after keynote speaker and communication
consultant. He has helped countless presenters improve and hone their communication, including some
who have delivered IPO road shows as well as TED, World Economic Forum, and Nobel Prize
presentations. His online talks garner millions of views and he hosts the popular, award-winning
podcast Think Fast, Talk Smart: The Podcast. He is the author of Think Faster, Talk Smarter: How to
Speak Successfully When You’re Put on the Spot. His previous book Speaking Up without Freaking Out:
50 Techniques for Confident and Compelling Presenting has helped thousands of people manage
speaking anxiety and present more confidently and authentically.
___________________________________________________________________________________

DISCUSSION TOPICS

• Science-based strategies to overcome/manage speaking related anxiety

• Six steps to hone and improve your communication, such as: “daring to be dull,” “reframing your
mistakes as ‘missed takes,’” and “striving for connection, not perfection”
• Four mindset shifts to help you communicate better and get your points across
• How to prepare for and improve spontaneous, in-the moment communication such as small talk,
answering questions, giving feedback, and dealing with mistakes
• How to get what you want through impactful planned and spontaneous persuasion and pitching
• How generative AI can help our communication
• Perfecting presence so we appear confident, compelling, and authentic when we deliver planned
or impromptu remarks
• Listening to better understand how to respond in the moment
• How to use improv to be a better speaker

___________________________________________________________________________________
COMMON QUESTIONS

• How do you answer a question you don’t have the answer for?
• How do you avoid blanking out when speaking?
• How do you get out of a conversation you don’t want to be in?
• How do you insert your point in a meeting when others are talking?
• How do you stop someone who is talking too much from taking all the "air time"?
• How do you reduce the number of filler words when speaking?
• What to do with your hands when giving a presentation?
• How can you better engage with your audience?
• How can you give negative feedback in a better way?

____________________________________________________________________________________

SUGGESTED Q&A with Matt Abrahams

1. Why did you decide to write this book?
2. You write that one thing you hope this book will do is myth bust the idea that speaking well on the
spot requires natural talent, or is innate. Can you explain?
3. In the book you tell a story about how you had to think spontaneously as a kid because of where
you fell in the alphabet. How has that impacted your career journey and research into this space?
4. You write that spontaneous speaking is so much more than public speaking. Why is this such an
important skill for people to learn and why is it so hard for so many people?
5. What is the 6-Step Talk Smarter Method?
6. You write that listening is an important part of spontaneous speaking. How can you become more
attentive in your listening?

7. What are the four key mindset shifts that can help with spontaneous speaking?
8. Is there a winning formula for an impromptu toast?
9. What do you do if you work for an organization that is not spontaneous? Is there a way to help
your company embrace this model?

10. Small talk has become increasingly more difficult for some post-pandemic. What are some tips for
improving your small talk?
11. How can spontaneous speaking help you pitch your idea more effectively and persuade others to
your POV?
___________________________________________________________________________________

RECENT MEDIA

“How to Master the Art of Schmoozing”- The Financial Times “Working It” podcast

“3 Ways to Keep Your Audience Focused During a Presentation” – HBR.org

“Work advice: Sniffing out micromanagers in interviews”—The Washington Post

ADVANCE PRAISE

“From hallway conversations to high pressure meetings, being able to spontaneously—and

compellingly—share your results and ideas can make the difference between a fast-track career and
years of toiling in silence. In this sparkling and deeply human book, Stanford lecturer Matt Abrahams lays
out his proven approach to easily and powerfully telling your story, share your achievements, and getting
the results you deserve. If you work with people, you must read this book!”
—Laszlo Bock, former Chief People Officer of Google and serial entrepreneur

“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

“A truly masterful guide to finding your voice when it matters most. Think Faster, Talk Smarter is a must-
read for anyone who ever feels stress or self-doubt when it's time to speak up. A master class in feeling
more confident sharing yourself and connecting with others.”
—Kelly McGonigal, author of The Upside of Stress and the Joy of Movement

“Everyone wants to be a better communicator. To speak more effectively, even in those spontaneous
situations that evoke so much anxiety. Think Faster, Talk Smarter shows us how. A powerful toolkit that
anyone can easily apply.”
—Jonah Berger, Wharton School professor and bestselling author of Magic Words, Contagious,
Invisible Influence, and The Catalyst

"Matt Abrahams will teach you not just to think faster and talk smarter, but to form deeper, more real
connections with people. Filled with practical, tactical advice, this book is indispensable for enjoying
collaborating at work--and attending cocktail parties--more."
—Kim Scott, author of Radical Candor and Just Work

“In Think Faster, Talk Smarter, Matt Abrahams gives you the tools to build supreme confidence in your
ability to sell your ideas, even in the most pressure-filled moments. I’ve followed Matt’s work at Stanford
Business School and in his inspiring TED talks. Now everyone can reap the benefit of Matt’s experience
as a leading communication expert. Don’t let another opportunity to share your ideas go to waste—take
Matt’s advice to stand out and get ahead!"
—Carmine Gallo, author, Talk Like TED and The Bezos Blueprint

"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."
—Philip Zimbardo, Psychology Professor Emeritus Stanford University. Author of The Lucifer
Effect and Living and Loving Better with Time Perspective Therapy

“We read the book and now we're furiously fast, shockingly smart. Matt blends wit with wisdom, science-
backed strategies with actionable insights, empowering us all to communicate with greater confidence
and connection. Plus, it's a joy to read.”
—Jennifer Aaker and Naomi Bagdonas authors of Humor, Seriously: Why Humor Is a Secret
Weapon in Business and Life (And how anyone can harness it. Even you.)
"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

“Want to ace that interview? Win over a new customer? Look smart in meetings? Think Faster, Talk
Smarter will teach you how to shine in those moments instead of dreading them. The book is chock-full of
exercises that will help you cope with one of life’s trickiest situations—when you’re put on the spot and
need to come up with something intelligent to say. The most intelligent thing I can say right now is, read
this book!”
—Dan Lyons, journalist, satirist, and author of Disrupted, Lab Rats, and STFU: The Power of
Keeping Your Mouth Shut in an Endlessly Noisy World

“Think Faster, Talk Smarter is just the book you need to improve at spontaneous public speaking. Matt
Abrahams offers a six-step approach to help anyone think faster and talk smarter when put on the spot.
Grounded in careful research and informed by Abrahams' many years teaching communication skills to
Stanford MBAs, this book is filled with useful advice.”
—Katy Milkman author of How to Change: The Science of Getting from Where You Are to Where
You Want to Be and “Choiceology” podcast host

“Where was Matt Abrahams when I started my media career? The steps that he outlines in Think Faster,
Talk Smarter have taken me decades to master! Luckily for everyone else, his guide to mastering
impromptu speaking can speed up the process with smart, actionable tactics that will help you overcome
your fears and anxieties and communicate with ease and confidence.”
—Jill Schlesinger, CBS News Business Analyst and author of The Great Money Reset

“Salivate. Dare to be dull. Turn resistance into curiosity. Every page of Matt Abrahams’ relentlessly useful
and entertaining gem is packed with research-based ideas about how all of us anxious speakers can
banish our fears, harness our anxiety, and persuade audiences to appreciate us and our ideas. My only
complaint is that I wish I had read it 20 years ago!”
—Robert I. Sutton, New York Times Bestselling author of eight books, including The No Asshole
Rule, Scaling Up Excellence (with Huggy Rao), and The Friction Project (with Huggy Rao)

"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."
—David Eagleman, Neuroscientist, Author, Technologist, Entrepreneur, and host of the "Inner
Cosmos with David Eagleman" podcast

"Being able to communicate a creative vision to teams both small and large is crucial to being successful.
In Think Faster, Talk Smarter, Matt has broken down the elements that go into becoming a more
successful communicator. His clear approach, along with relatable and actionable examples can help
anyone feel better about impromptu speaking no matter what the situation. I highly recommend anyone
who wants to improve their communication skills to read Think Faster, Talk Smarter."
—John Janick, Chairman and CEO, Interscope Geffen A&M Records

“Matt’s understanding of human interaction is exceptional. His tools for thinking quickly and speaking
clearly are indispensable for anyone, even in our modern texting world. His easy-to-understand approach
helps anyone to become a better ‘in-the-moment’ communicator.”
—Tony Fadell, Nest founder, iPod inventor, New York Times Bestselling of Build

“It’s one thing to deliver a good speech; another entirely to be brilliant in the melée of spontaneous,
unprepared conversation. Matt Abrahams is that rare thing: an academic who really knows his topic
(communication skills) and can teach it in simple, practical and invaluable lessons that anyone can put to
use straight away. This is an essential book for anyone who wants to communicate better.”
—Julian Treasure, author of How To Be Heard and Sound Business, and five-time TED speaker