Think Fast
Think Faster, Talk Smarter: Steps for Effective Speaking in the Moment
Live and Livestreamed: Thursday, August 17, 4:45 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)/Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) -4
Speaker Showcase in-person: Thursday, August 17, 5:45 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)/Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) -4
Session Description
Learn science-based strategies for managing anxiety, responding to the mood of the room, and creating content that is concise, relevant, compelling, and memorable when speaking in the moment. You will also leave with 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.
Top 3 Takeaways
- Learn easy-to-implement strategies for managing anxiety associated with in-the-moment speaking.
- Get ideas to more deeply listen in impromptu speaking situations.
- Discover spontaneous structures to deploy, such as Q&A, feedback, and introductions.
Biography

Matt Abrahams Presentation designer, University lecturer, keynote speaker, communications consultant, speaking coach, author, podcast host
Matt Abrahams is a leading expert in the field of communication. 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; as such, he has received the school's Alumni Teaching Award. He also teaches public speaking and co-teaches improvisational speaking in the Stanford Continuing Studies Program.
When he isn't teaching, Abrahams is a sought-after keynote speaker and communications consultant and coach. He has helped numerous presenters prepare for high-stakes talks, including IPO road shows, Nobel Prize award presentations, and appearances at TED and the World Economic Forum. His online talks garner millions of views and he hosts the popular, award-winning podcast Think Fast, Talk Smart, The Podcast. His book, Speaking Up without Freaking Out: 50 Techniques for Confident and Compelling Presenting, has helped a wide audience manage speaking anxiety and present more confidently and authentically.
This fall, Matt will be releasing his new book, Think Faster, Talk Smarter: How to Speak Successfully When You're Put on the Spot, which provides tangible, actionable skills to help even the most anxious of speakers.
You can learn more about him on his website: nofreakingspeaking.com.