logo
episode-header-image
Apr 2025
22m 56s

199. Blunder Pressure: 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
  • (02:34) - Focus on What’s Next, Not What Went Wrong
  • (04:04) - Failure with Confidence
  • (06:09) - Flexibility Over a Fixed Plan
  • (07:52) - Staying Cool in Public Slip-Ups
  • (10:00) - Using Laughter to Reset
  • (12:29) - Gracefully Correcting Yourself
  • (14:06) - Staying Calm Under Pressure
  • (19:04) - Listener Exercises on Reflecting to Improve
  • (21:20) - Conclusion

    ********
This episode is sponsored by Grammarly. Let Grammarly take the busywork off your plate so you can focus on high-impact work. Download Grammarly for free today
Become a Faster Smarter Supporter by joining TFTS Premium.

Up next
Aug 21
224. Make Your Messages Epic: The Evolution of Words and the Stories They Carry
Why modern communication still relies on ancient words and narratives.All communication and connection depend on one thing: language. That’s why Laura Spinney says understanding language — where it comes from and how it evolves over time — can help us use it more effectively.“Lan ... Show More
23m 29s
Aug 19
223. Laughing Matters: Levity, Leadership, and Lasting Connection
By lightening up your communication, you can build serious connections.Humor in communication isn’t all fun and games. According to Alison Wood Brooks and Naomi Bagdonas, levity is one of the most serious tools we have in building successful connections.Wood Brooks and Bagdonas, ... Show More
23m 41s
Aug 12
222. Discussing Through Discomfort: Why the Conversations You Avoid Cost You the Most
Some conversations are uncomfortable, but avoiding them comes with a cost.You want a more successful career, a more fulfilling relationship, a more meaningful life? What if all that’s standing in your way — are the conversations that you’re avoiding?“Most things that we want in l ... Show More
24m 31s
Recommended Episodes
Aug 12
451 - Communication Coach to Billionaires: “How to Speak Like the 1%” – Get Anything You Want
Feel awkward in interviews or freeze up when the spotlight hits? Emmy-winning journalist and communication coach Bill McGowan reveals the biggest mistakes even top performers make—and how you can avoid them. Learn how to speak memorably, redirect tough questions with grace, and d ... Show More
1h 10m
Jul 16
?️Coach Michael Mabry: Confidence, Resilience & Leadership | English for Global Professionals
"The best relationship you have is with yourself." In this bold and transformative episode, mindset coach Michael Mabry shares how he helps athletes and now professionals develop unshakable confidence, resilience, and leadership. As co-founder of One Play Development, Michael has ... Show More
23m 17s
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 episode ... Show More
53m 7s
Aug 2024
Boost Your Business Confidence: Assertiveness Skills for Advanced English Speakers
🤩Join our 1-Year Communication Skills BOOTCAMP 🤩 https://academy.explearning.co/plans/351413 ✨Learn more about Explearning Academy ✨ ⁠https://academy.explearning.co⁠ 🏆EXECUTIVE EXCELLENCE MASTERCLASS 🏆 https://academy.explearning.co/plans/1434245 Are you an international prof ... Show More
40m 36s
Oct 2024
Think Faster in English and Speak with Confidence: Communication for Career Success
🤩Join our 1-Year Communication Skills BOOTCAMP 🤩 https://academy.explearning.co/plans/351413 ✨Learn more about Explearning Academy ✨ ⁠https://academy.explearning.co⁠ 🏆EXECUTIVE EXCELLENCE MASTERCLASS 🏆 https://academy.explearning.co/plans/1434245 Tired of hesitating in Englis ... Show More
11m 34s
Oct 2024
Speak Like a CEO: Mastering the Art of Persuasive Communication
🤩Join our 1-Year Communication Skills BOOTCAMP 🤩 https://academy.explearning.co/plans/351413 ✨Learn more about Explearning Academy ✨ ⁠https://academy.explearning.co⁠ 🏆EXECUTIVE EXCELLENCE MASTERCLASS 🏆 https://academy.explearning.co/plans/1434245 Want to command a room, win o ... Show More
34m 34s
Jul 2
?️Curiosity, Creativity & Lifelong Learning with Matt Rauscher | Real English Conversations | Speak Clearly & Confidently at Work
What if lifelong learning wasn’t just about school, but about building a life full of curiosity, creativity, and meaning? In this inspiring episode, Curtis reconnects with his high school best friend, Matt Rauscher, for a deep, wide-ranging conversation about what it means to sta ... Show More
31m 33s
Sep 2024
How to Speak English Professionally: Boost Your Confidence and Influence at Work
🤩Join our 1-Year Communication Skills BOOTCAMP 🤩 https://academy.explearning.co/plans/351413 ✨Learn more about Explearning Academy ✨ ⁠https://academy.explearning.co⁠ 🏆EXECUTIVE EXCELLENCE MASTERCLASS 🏆 https://academy.explearning.co/plans/1434245 Want to make a lasting impres ... Show More
11m 42s
Jan 2025
Learn 3x Faster by Finding Your Focus | Business English for Global Business Professionals
In this episode, you will learn a powerful 2-step process to help you pinpoint the most important skills to focus on for faster and more effective results. Discover how to prioritize your efforts and create a simple action plan that delivers noticeable progress in just 2 weeks. D ... Show More
11m 52s