In today’s fast-moving world, the ability to communicate effectively, especially under pressure, is often overlooked. Whether it’s defending an idea or handling unexpected questions, being able to think quickly and articulate clearly can distinguish us personally and professionally.
This is where Think Faster, Talk Smarter by Matt Abrahams comes in. Abrahams, a renowned Stanford lecturer and communication coach, has years of experience coaching Fortune 100 executives, entrepreneurs, and educators.
His advice is rooted in research and refined through real-world application.
The book is a toolkit for anyone who struggles with speaking off the cuff—providing not just motivation, but a highly practical framework for building confidence, organizing thoughts on the fly, and responding in concise and compelling ways.
Here are five takeaways that can elevate your communication skills.
1. Structure sets us free
One of Abrahams’ core principles is that spontaneity thrives with structure. When speaking off the cuff, the key isn’t to “wing it”—it’s to apply a simple structure to organize your thoughts quickly.
One he frequently recommends is answering the following: “What? So what? Now what?”
- What? – State the issue or idea.
- So what? – Explain why it matters.
- Now what? – Offer a call to action or next step.
This framework works well for answering tough questions, introducing yourself, or explaining a concept. It helps you stay focused and sound composed, even if you’re feeling scattered.
2. Silence is a superpower
Nervous speakers often rush to fill silence—but Abrahams flips the script: Pausing is powerful.
A well-timed pause gives your brain time to catch up, your audience time to process, and your message time to resonate.
In high-pressure situations, simply pausing for a beat before responding gives the impression of thoughtfulness and authority. It also gives your brain space to make a better choice about what to say, rather than rambling or mumbling filler words.
3. Start with the audience, not yourself
When we speak spontaneously, we often focus inward—“What do I say?” “How do I sound?”
Abrahams teaches us to reframe: Focus outward. What does the audience need to hear? What’s their context?
He emphasizes the importance of being audience-centric, even in informal or unexpected moments. This shift not only helps craft more relevant responses, it also eases performance anxiety by redirecting your attention away from yourself and toward connection.
4. Practice to build fluency
Improvisational speaking is a skill, and like any skill, it can be built through deliberate practice. Abrahams encourages readers to practice with constraints to simulate pressure and sharpen response time. Try exercises like:
Giving a one-minute summary of a random object on your desk.
Explaining your job to a 10-year-old.
Reframing a negative question into a positive message.
This kind of micro-practice, especially when done regularly, helps train your brain to respond more fluidly and with less panic when the spotlight’s suddenly on you.
5. Reframe anxiety as excitement
One of the most reassuring tools in the book is a simple reframe: Nervousness and excitement can feel similar—sweaty palms, racing heart, butterflies.
Instead of telling yourself “I’m nervous,” and thinking of it as a “bad” feeling, try to look at it as “I’m excited to share this.” This tiny cognitive shift tricks your brain into seeing the moment as an opportunity rather than a threat.
This can be a difficult one to practice. Be patient and over time, this mindset makes spontaneous speaking feel more energizing than terrifying.
What is your favourite takeaway? To hear Matt Abrahams discuss these concepts further, watch this video on the Stanford Alumni’s YouTube channel.
