How to Think on Your Feet in High-Pressure Moments
Episode Description
ABOUT THE EPISODE Stanford Graduate School of Business lecturer Matt Abrahams, author of Think Faster, Talk Smarter and host of the podcast of the same name, discusses how leaders can improve spontaneous communication. He explains why structure and active listening are critical in high-pressure moments, outlines his ADD framework for adding value: "Answer the question. Give a detailed example. Describe the relevance or value of the answer." He also shares practical techniques for managing speaking anxiety. Abrahams highlights how executives can approach crisis communication with clarity and credibility.
ABOUT THE PODCAST Marketing Matters is hosted by Wharton marketing professors Barbara Kahn and Americus Reed. Each week they discuss marketing and advertising trends, consumer behavior, data and analytics, the latest in retail marketing, brand-building, and much more with their expert guests. Episodes are recorded at the Wharton School.
Watch/listen on the Knowledge at Wharton website: https://whr.tn/marketingmatters
#ExecutiveCommunication #CrisisCommunication #PublicSpeaking #ActiveListening #LeadershipCommunication ----- The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania is committed to sharing its intellectual capital through Knowledge at Wharton, the school’s online business analysis journal.
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Brief Summary
Matt Abrahams discusses communication strategies for crisis management and the importance of active listening in marketing contexts.
Key points
- The Wizard of Marketing. Americus Reed introduces Barbara Khan as the 'wizard' of the Wharton marketing department.
- Think Faster, Talk Smarter. Matt Abrahams, author and podcast host, joins the discussion on communication strategies.
- The Importance of Active Listening. Matt Abrahams highlights how active listening can improve communication and relationships.
- Crisis Communication Strategies. Matt Abrahams advises on how to handle communication during crises, emphasizing understanding the audience.
- Frameworks for Spontaneous Speaking. Matt Abrahams discusses the importance of having frameworks for effective spontaneous communication.
- Managing Public Speaking Anxiety. Up to 85% of people report feeling nervous in high-stakes communication situations.
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Episode highlights
- The Wizard of MarketingAmericus Reed introduces Barbara Khan as the 'wizard' of the Wharton marketing department.“They call you the wizard of the Wharton marketing department.”0:28Sep 26, 2025
- Think Faster, Talk SmarterMatt Abrahams, author and podcast host, joins the discussion on communication strategies.“We’re so lucky today to have with us the author of Think Faster, Talk Smarter.”1:37Sep 26, 2025
- The Importance of Active ListeningMatt Abrahams highlights how active listening can improve communication and relationships.“Active listening is critical, especially in spontaneous situations.”7:11Sep 26, 2025
- Crisis Communication StrategiesMatt Abrahams advises on how to handle communication during crises, emphasizing understanding the audience.“First, understand the situation.”13:15Sep 26, 2025
- Frameworks for Spontaneous SpeakingMatt Abrahams discusses the importance of having frameworks for effective spontaneous communication.“Having structures that you are familiar with helps you.”15:42Sep 26, 2025
- Managing Public Speaking AnxietyUp to 85% of people report feeling nervous in high-stakes communication situations.“It’s critical to work on managing anxiety around speaking.”20:32Sep 26, 2025
- The Role of Structure in CommunicationStructure helps avoid the perfection memorization trap in communication.“Structure is the answer to avoiding that perfection memorization trap.”21:54Sep 26, 2025
- The Birth of a PodcastA serendipitous opportunity led to the creation of a successful podcast during the pandemic.“We were in the right place at the right time.”25:51Sep 26, 2025
