logo
episode-header-image
Apr 2025
27m 22s

198. Pause and Effect: Mastering In-the-...

Matt Abrahams, Think Fast Talk Smart
About this episode

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.

Episode Reference Links:


Connect:


Chapters:

  • (00:00) - Introduction
  • (02:59) - Letting Go of the Script
  • (05:44) - Visual Listening
  • (07:03) - Nonverbal Communication
  • (09:52) - Tools of Connection
  • (13:13) - Pacing for Pressure
  • (14:13) - The Power of Pausing
  • (16:47) - How to Make a Great Introduction
  • (18:37) - Being Gracious in Conversation
  • (21:01) - Listener Exercises on Active Listening
  • (25:21) - Conclusion

  ********
Thank you to our sponsors.
 These partnerships support the ongoing production of the podcast, allowing us to bring it to you at no cost.

Strawberry.me. Get 50% off your first coaching session today at Strawberry.me/smart

Up next
Nov 20
244. Community Creates Change: Build Relationships That Actually Matter
<p><em>Why community is the most powerful tool for transformation.</em></p><p><br></p><p>Community isn't just a feel-good buzzword. According to <a href="https://www.fastersmarter.io/guests/gina-bianchini/">Gina Bianchini</a>, it's a catalyst for personal and collective transform ... Show More
26m 33s
Nov 17
243. Rethinks: How Lessons from Neuroscience Can Help You Communicate Confidently
<p><em>Reduce speaking anxiety and achieve your communication goals.</em></p><p>“There’s no difference between the physiological response to something that you’re excited about and something that you’re nervous about or dreading,” says <a href="https://www.fastersmarter.io/guests ... Show More
28m 56s
Nov 13
242. Tech Tools: The Power of Showing, Not Telling
<p><em>Transform how you communicate with tools that make your message stick.</em></p><p><br></p><p>Sometimes the best way to explain an idea is to show it. That’s why Loom was built — to make communication more visual, authentic, and efficient. By combining video, screen sharing ... Show More
14m 31s
Recommended Episodes
Oct 5
How To Speak CLEARLY & Confidently Under Pressure
Ever find your mind going blank when all eyes are on you? Even with 10/10 expertise, if you can't communicate your ideas clearly under pressure, you're doing your hard work a disservice. In this episode, I’ll share a powerful 3-step framework to help you communicate with bulletpr ... Show More
9m 30s
Nov 2023
Think Faster and Talk Smarter to Impress Anyone | Matt Abrahams
Right now, we’d like to thank the sponsor of this episode: LifeMD. Looking to lose weight and improve your health? Embrace your journey towards a healthier and happier you, and achieve lasting sustainable weight loss with LifeMD by your side -> lifemd.com/CHARM In today’s episo ... Show More
53m 7s
Jan 2025
Struggling with Communication in English? How to Be Clear, Confident, and Consistent in Conversation
<p>Click here to upgrade your English speaking skills and accelerate your career! 🤩 <a href="https://academy.explearning.co/landing/plans/1495891" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">https://academy.explearning.co/landing/plans/1495891</a></p> <p><br></p> <p>✨Learn more abo ... Show More
38m 49s
Jan 2025
Delivering Difficult Feedback • BEP 114
<p>⭐️ Book a 1 to 1 English Session with Rob: <a href='https://www.energeticenglish.com/coaching'>https://www.energeticenglish.com/coaching</a></p><p>📺 Watch: <a href='https://youtu.be/HvLIJb2Y410'>https://youtu.be/HvLIJb2Y410</a></p><p>🔗Blog: <a href='https://www.thebusinessen ... Show More
15m 11s
Feb 2025
Polite Ways to Speak Up in Big Meetings • BEP 117
<p>⭐️ Book a 1 to 1 English Session with Rob: <a href='https://www.energeticenglish.com/coaching'>https://www.energeticenglish.com/coaching</a></p><p>📺 Watch: <a href='https://youtu.be/jax9Ro9Zx3o'>https://youtu.be/jax9Ro9Zx3o</a></p><p>🔗Blog: <a href='https://www.thebusinessen ... Show More
16m 35s
Mar 2025
Diplomatic Phrasing for Assertiveness & Boundary Setting • BEP 120
<p>⭐️ Book a 1 to 1 English Session with Rob: <a href='https://www.energeticenglish.com/coaching'>https://www.energeticenglish.com/coaching</a></p><p>📺 Watch: <a href='https://youtu.be/hlmFHS2qFm0'>https://youtu.be/hlmFHS2qFm0</a></p><p>🔗Blog: <a href='https://www.thebusinessen ... Show More
16m 59s
Mar 2025
Top Secrets to Speaking English with Confidence!
<p>Click here to upgrade your English speaking skills and accelerate your career! 🤩 <a href="https://academy.explearning.co/landing/plans/1495891" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">https://academy.explearning.co/landing/plans/1495891</a>💬 Want to speak English confidentl ... Show More
11m 53s
Mar 2025
The Public Speaking Expert: This Speaking Mistake Makes People Ignore You! These Small Mistakes Make You Unlikeable!
Speaking with confidence isn’t a gift, it’s a skill - Vinh Giang reveals the blueprint to mastering the art of communication Vinh Giang is an award-winning entrepreneur, part-magician, and full time communication coach. He runs masterclasses and has helped thousands of people im ... Show More
2h 27m
Sep 28
837 : Overcome Fear: How to Speak English Confidently with Anyone
<p>In this episode, we dive into nine powerful strategies to overcome the fear of speaking English and develop authentic confidence when communicating with anyone. Whether you&apos;re an intermediate learner struggling with perfectionism or an advanced speaker facing specific soc ... Show More
26m 25s