Today we are speaking with Matt Abrahams, Lecturer at the Stanford University Graduate School of Business specializing in Strategic Communication. He hosts the popular podcast “Think Fast Talk Smart”. He is also the author of a new book called “Think Faster Talk Smarter”.

In this episode of "Gamers Change Lives," host Tom Leonard is joined by communication expert Matt Abrahams from Stanford University’s Graduate School of Communication. Together, they delve into the world of effective communication and its impacts on entrepreneurship, education, and of course, gaming. They explore everything from the nuances of spontaneous speaking to the significance of understanding one's audience. Don't miss out as Matt even provides some tailored advice to Tom on elevating his interviewing skills.

Key Topics:

- Introduction: Tom introduces Matt Abrahams and his book "Think Faster, Talk Smarter," setting the stage for a discussion on the art of communication.

- Spontaneous Communication: Matt shares insights from his book on thinking on your feet, something he's challenged to demonstrate later in the show.

- Parental Approach to Esports: Matt elaborates on how he manages his children's ambitions in esports, drawing parallels with other professional sports.

- Esports Education Dynamics: A discussion on the role reversal in esports education, where children sometimes become the teachers for their parents.

- Journey to Stanford GSB: Matt discusses his own journey to teaching at Stanford and the evolving landscape of entrepreneurship education there.

- Communication Mistakes: Matt identifies key areas where entrepreneurs often go wrong in their communication strategies.

- Active Listening: Both guests reflect on their own experiences to underscore the importance of active listening in effective communication.

- Cultural Sensitivity: The conversation moves to the impact of culture on communication, citing real-world examples from esports entrepreneurs across the globe.

- Improving Interview Skills: Matt gives Tom constructive feedback on how he can improve his own interviewing skills.

- Concluding Remarks: The episode ends with Tom and Matt expressing their gratitude and emphasizing the show’s tagline: "Play Games, Create Jobs, Change Lives."

Episode Webpage: https://www.gamerschangelivespodcast.com/talk-smarter-game-better-mastering-the-game-of-communication

Featured in this episode:

Matt Abrahams

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 and has received the school’s Alumni Teaching Award. Matt also teaches public speaking and co-teaches Improvisationally Speaking in the Stanford Continuing Studies Program.

When he isn’t teaching, Matt is a highly 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.

To relax and rejuvenate, Matt enjoys hiking with his wife, talking, and watching sports with his kids, hanging out with his friends, and being continually humbled at the karate dojo.

Email: matt.abrahams@gmail.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maabrahams/

Website: http://MattAbrahams.com

Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/6ll0MwobDt1JW9gYaOONEo?si=48a1153b097a4ad2&nd=1

Upcoming book – Think Faster Talk Smarter

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PRODUCTION:

Creator and host: Tom Leonard (USA) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomeleonard/

Producer: Reginald Nsowah (Ghana) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/reginald-nsowah-09352929/

ABOUT THE SHOW:

Play Games. Create Jobs. Change Lives.

This is a show about how to build an esports business from literally anywhere in the world where each week we showcase the journey of esports entrepreneurs and others to learn how they solved a particular problem that everyone will ultimately face.

In Season Three our theme is “Building a Business: Esports 101”.

I am your host, Tom Leonard. I have a background in entertainment marketing. After working with many amazing esports entrepreneurs from emerging markets, they inspired me to create a show to tell their stories so that others can be motivated to create their own esports business. Gaming and esports can create jobs tackling the problem of global youth unemployment. Creating jobs from playing games. What could be better than that?

Thanks for listening to The Gamers Change Lives Podcast!