Think Faster, Talk Smarter

How to Speak Successfully When You're Put on the Spot

By: Matt Abrahams

Narrated by: Matt Abrahams

Length: 7 hrs and 11 mins

Publisher's summary

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 roadmap 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.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2023 Matt Abrahams (P)2023 Simon & Schuster Audio

Easily notable and actionable

I'm a big fan of all the acronyms and mnemonic devices used to structure responses and answer on your toes. I made a lot of notes and will probably listen a few times.

Drones On!

For someone that teaches speaking the author’s reading is quite boring. Little to no voice inflections, just drones on. The material presented is very good though. Tough to listen to though.

Solid Information

The book was full of great information. I found myself needing to pause and reflect on what I heard versus being able to just listen.

Great tips! Easy to remember and effective!

I tested a few tips as I was reading and saw the difference in conversations. Good read!

Practical guide!

Appreciated having a PDF of book exercise, great examples, concise, and engaging. Must read for anyone who needs a boost in speaking!

For beginners

This book is for beginners or for people who are bad and anxious talkers. This book isn't for someone who is a good talker looking to improve their skills and most likely will be a waste of time.

Very well rounded

The acronyms were timely and unforgettable. I’ll keep adding these tricks to my tool belt. Spontaneous speaking comes from years of preparedness.

This book was fabulous!

I have downloaded your podcast, and it is extremely helpful. I am currently enjoying the tips. I think they will make me a much better speaker! I loved this book; I actually came to this book from the podcast!

It has improved a lot my communication skills

I'd been learning a lot from the Think Faster Talk Smarter podcast, and when I heard about the book I was counting the days until it was released. When I started reading, I realized that I would have tools to apply in my day-to-day life - after all, communication needs to be practiced. The chapter on Feedback made me rethink the way I used to do things, and the change has brought success to my management. In addition, after finishing the book, I've adopted thinking (audience, objective, message) about presentations, which has given me valuable feedback from my superiors.
In conclusion, I highly recommend the book.

Such a great book!

I absolutely loved this book! Its clarity and simplicity make it exceptionally accessible, providing invaluable practical advice for enhancing impromptu communication skills.