Mindset matters just as much as communication skills when speaking under pressure. Up to 85% of people report feeling nervous in high-stakes communication situations, but Stanford communication expert Matt Abrahams teaches that confident communicators aren’t born; they’re trained. In this episode, Matt shares practical strategies to manage communication anxiety so entrepreneurs, leaders, and professionals can think faster and speak smarter in every business conversation.

In this episode, Hala and Matt will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction

(01:43) Navigating the Fear of Spontaneous Speaking

(07:36) The Key to Better Small Talk

(10:46) Why Mediocrity Improves Communication

(14:04) The 6 Steps to Thinking Faster, Talking Smarter

(16:22) Managing Anxiety in High-Stakes Conversations

(25:21) The Right Balance Between Listening and Talking

(30:22) Simple Structures for Speaking on the Spot

(37:14) The Impact of Using Fewer Words

(40:56) Reading the Room and Winning Negotiations

(45:53) Networking Without Awkward Small Talk

(51:36) The Communication Habits That Build Confidence

Matt Abrahams is a lecturer at the Stanford Graduate School of Business, where he teaches Strategic Communication and Effective Virtual Presenting. He is the author of Speaking Up Without Freaking Out and Think Faster, Talk Smarter, and hosts the popular Think Fast, Talk Smart podcast. Matt has helped individuals deliver impactful presentations, from IPO roadshows to Nobel Prize speeches, TED Talks, and World Economic Forum sessions. He also consults for the United Nations and advises Fortune 100 companies.

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Sponsored By:

Indeed – Get a $75 sponsored job credit to boost your job’s visibility at Indeed.com/profiting

Shopify – Start your $1/month trial at Shopify.com/profiting.

Northwest Registered Agent – Get a complete business identity with Northwest. Visit northwestregisteredagent.com/YAPFree and start using free resources to build something amazing.

Mindstone – Master practical AI skills without the complexity with Mindstone’s AI Competency Programme. Head to experience.mindstone.com/yap and get 10% off.

AT&T – Stay connected with reliable, secure internet built for entrepreneurs. Switch to AT&T Business at business.att.com.

Quince – Make your summer wardrobe feel easier. Go to Quince.com/profiting for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada, too.

Resources Mentioned:

Matt’s Book, Think Faster, Talk Smarter: bit.ly/MA-TFTS 

Matt’s Book, Speaking Up Without Freaking Out: bit.ly/MA-SpeakingUp 

Matt’s Podcast, Think Fast, Talk Smart: bit.ly/TFTS-applepodcasts 

Matt’s Website: mattabrahams.com/ 

Matt’s YouTube: youtube.com/@ThinkFastTalkSmart

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Transcripts – youngandprofiting.com/episodes-new

Entrepreneurship, Entrepreneurship Podcast, Business, Business Podcast, Self Improvement, Self-Improvement, Personal Development, Starting a Business, Strategy, Investing, Sales, Selling, Psychology, Productivity, Entrepreneurs, AI, Artificial Intelligence, Technology, Marketing, Negotiation, Money, Finance, Side Hustle, Startup, Mental Health, Career, Leadership, Mindset, Health, Growth Mindset, Positivity, Human Nature, Human Psychology, Critical Thinking, Robert Greene, Chris Voss, Robert Cialdini