How to Speak Clearly & With Confidence | Matt Abrahams | Huberman Lab

In this episode of the Huberman Lab podcast, Andrew Huberman interviews Matt Abrahams, a communication expert from Stanford Graduate School of Business, about effective communication strategies for various settings, including public speaking and interpersonal interactions. Abrahams provides actionable advice on overcoming the fear of public speaking, building credibility and authenticity, structuring messages, managing anxiety, and improving spontaneous speaking skills. They discuss the importance of understanding one's audience, practicing communication, and seeking feedback. Abrahams also shares practical exercises and techniques, such as the "what, so what, now what" framework and the "landing phrases" breath technique, to enhance communication effectiveness. The conversation also touches on the impact of technology and cultural differences on communication styles.

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How to Speak Clearly & With Confidence | Matt Abrahams

Huberman Lab

00:00The Evolutionary Basis of Communication Apprehension

The Evolutionary Basis of Communication Apprehension

04:50The Importance of Content and Delivery in Effective Communication

The Importance of Content and Delivery in Effective Communication

07:57Authenticity in Communication and Suspending Self-Judgment

Authenticity in Communication and Suspending Self-Judgment

11:13Spontaneous Speaking and Mindset

Spontaneous Speaking and Mindset

14:15Breaking Cadence and Building Engagement

Breaking Cadence and Building Engagement

18:52Long-Form Audio, Visual Information, and Audience Understanding

Long-Form Audio, Visual Information, and Audience Understanding

23:59Tools and Practices: The "Wrong Enough" Exercise and Heuristics

Tools and Practices: The "Wrong Enough" Exercise and Heuristics

26:51Specificity, Fluency, and Responding in the Moment

Specificity, Fluency, and Responding in the Moment

29:53Structure and Real-Time Feedback

Structure and Real-Time Feedback

32:36Recording and Reflecting on Communication

Recording and Reflecting on Communication

36:35Selective Feedback and Learning from Diverse Communication Styles

Selective Feedback and Learning from Diverse Communication Styles

39:01Movement and Audience Engagement

Movement and Audience Engagement

43:54Social Media's Impact on Communication Expectations and Relationship Building

Social Media's Impact on Communication Expectations and Relationship Building

47:47Friendliness, Curiosity, and the Science of Conversation

Friendliness, Curiosity, and the Science of Conversation

49:55Linearity vs. Nonlinearity in Storytelling and the Tour Guide Analogy

Linearity vs. Nonlinearity in Storytelling and the Tour Guide Analogy

52:47The "Show and Tell" Exercise and Finding a Vehicle for Communication

The "Show and Tell" Exercise and Finding a Vehicle for Communication

55:14Distracting the Audience and the "What, So What, Now What" Structure

Distracting the Audience and the "What, So What, Now What" Structure

57:32Practicing and Vocalizing Communication

Practicing and Vocalizing Communication

1:00:09Virtual Reality and Improvisation for Communication Practice

Virtual Reality and Improvisation for Communication Practice

1:02:31Overcoming Discomfort and Legacy Content

Overcoming Discomfort and Legacy Content

1:05:00Context, Timing, and the Lack of Recent Positive Public Communication

Context, Timing, and the Lack of Recent Positive Public Communication

1:07:30The Impact of Technology and the Need for Positive Speeches

The Impact of Technology and the Need for Positive Speeches

1:09:20One-on-One vs. Onstage Communication Skills

One-on-One vs. Onstage Communication Skills

1:11:00Neurodiversity and Effective Communication

Neurodiversity and Effective Communication

1:14:02Writing and Preparing to Speak

Writing and Preparing to Speak

1:16:24Violating Expectations and Visceral Experiences

Violating Expectations and Visceral Experiences

1:19:44Introspection, Authenticity, and Damage Control

Introspection, Authenticity, and Damage Control

1:23:33Managing Blanking Out and Pre-Apologizing

Managing Blanking Out and Pre-Apologizing

1:25:37Calm Under Pressure and Contingency Planning

Calm Under Pressure and Contingency Planning

1:28:30Voice Control and Breath Work

Voice Control and Breath Work

1:30:32Exhale-Emphasized Breathing and Spontaneous Communication

Exhale-Emphasized Breathing and Spontaneous Communication

1:33:50Beta Blockers, Sleep, and Non-Sleep Deep Rest

Beta Blockers, Sleep, and Non-Sleep Deep Rest

1:37:39Moving from Thinking to Being and Eye Movements for Sleep

Moving from Thinking to Being and Eye Movements for Sleep

1:39:50Pre-Talk Conversation and Engaging in Dialogue

Pre-Talk Conversation and Engaging in Dialogue

1:42:56The Importance of Blood Testing

The Importance of Blood Testing

1:44:44The Terrifying "Go Around the Table" Exercise and Introducing Yourself

The Terrifying "Go Around the Table" Exercise and Introducing Yourself

1:47:38Finding Bridges and Initiating Communication

Finding Bridges and Initiating Communication

1:49:50The Phone as a Pacifier and Customer Service Jobs

The Phone as a Pacifier and Customer Service Jobs

1:52:32Camp Counseling and Role Modeling Communication

Camp Counseling and Role Modeling Communication