Think Fast. Talk Smart | Matt Abrahams | TEDxMontaVistaHighSchool

Summary

The speaker, a communication professor, humorously addresses the common fear of public speaking, known as 'cold calling,' and offers strategies to overcome it. He emphasizes the importance of an open approach, understanding the audience's needs, and considering the context of communication. The professor introduces effective message structures like chronological, problem-solution-benefit, and the versatile 'what, so-what, now-what' to help speakers convey their ideas clearly and compellingly, ultimately aiming for impactful communication.

Takeaways

• 😨 Cold calling is a feared practice that can cause panic, but it's a tool that can be used to encourage thoughtful and articulate responses.
• 🗣️ Communication is often seen as a threat, but it should be approached with openness and as an opportunity to share ideas and beliefs.
• 💡 The speaker emphasizes the importance of considering the audience's needs over one's own message when preparing to communicate.
• 🔎 Understanding the audience involves assessing their knowledge, expectations, and attitudes to tailor the communication effectively.
• 👂 Listening to and observing the audience's behavior can lead to more effective communication strategies, such as violating expectations to gain attention.
• 🕒 The context of communication, including the time of day and the emotional state of the audience, significantly impacts the delivery and reception of messages.
• 🏢 The physical location and setup of where communication occurs can influence the message's effectiveness, much like the strategic placement of products in a store.
• 📈 Structuring messages in a clear and logical order, such as chronological or problem-solution-benefit, aids in audience retention and understanding.
• 🛠️ The 'what, so-what, now-what' structure is presented as a versatile tool for various communication scenarios, emphasizing clarity and direction.
• 🎓 The speaker's personal anecdotes, such as the toothpaste story and classroom experiences, serve to illustrate the principles of effective communication in relatable ways.
• 🚀 Embracing a positive and open approach to communication, along with practice, can lead to confident and compelling message delivery that resonates with the audience.

Q & A

What is the primary tool that the communication professor uses to instill fear and dislike among students?

The primary tool is 'cold calling,' where the professor randomly selects a student to speak about their thoughts and feelings regarding the discussion topic.

Why does the professor believe that the other 15% of people who claim not to fear public speaking may be lying?

The professor believes that public speaking fear is so universal that the 15% who claim not to fear it are likely not being truthful, suggesting that they might also experience nervousness in certain situations.

What are the four steps the professor suggests to improve communication skills?

The four steps are: 1) the approach we take, 2) understanding the audience, 3) the context in which we communicate, and 4) the structures used to convey messages.

How did the professor's approach to resolving conflicts with his wife change over time?

The professor and his wife started to see conflicts, such as the 'bathroom brawls,' as opportunities to learn about each other, make concessions, and collaborate, which led to a resolution of their issues.

What is the significance of the toothpaste example in the context of communication?

The toothpaste example illustrates the importance of changing one's approach to a problem to find a resolution, which parallels the need to approach communication with an open mindset to share ideas effectively.

What are the three key aspects the professor suggests to consider when understanding the audience's needs?

The three key aspects are the audience's knowledge, their expectations, and their attitudes towards the topic being discussed.

How can violating audience expectations sometimes be beneficial in communication?

Violating expectations can grab attention and make the audience more receptive, as demonstrated by the professor's experience with his children, where lowering his voice instead of raising it had a more profound impact.

What is the importance of considering the context when communicating, and what are some factors involved?

Considering the context is crucial as it influences how the message is received. Factors include the time of day, the audience's emotional state, and the physical location of the communication.

Why is structuring information important for effective communication, and what benefits does it provide?

Structuring information is important because it makes it easier for both the speaker and the audience to understand and remember the message. It helps in setting expectations and provides a 'map' for the audience to follow.

Can you provide an example of a persuasive communication structure mentioned by the professor?

One persuasive structure mentioned is the problem-solution-benefit structure, where the issue is presented, a solution is offered, and the benefits of the solution are explained.

What is the 'what, so-what, now-what' structure, and why is it considered versatile by the professor?

The 'what, so-what, now-what' structure is a versatile communication framework where the issue is identified (what), its importance is explained (so-what), and the next steps or implications are outlined (now-what). It can be used in various situations, including teaching, motivating, or introducing someone.

How does the professor use the example of Silk soy milk to illustrate effective communication?

The professor uses Silk soy milk as an example to show how targeting a specific audience, using an appealing name, and marketing it in the right context can lead to successful communication and product acceptance.