128. Four Powerful Principles, Pt 2: Your Questions Answered

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Matt takes live questions from his worldwide audience. 

Join Matt Abrahams engaging with his international audience and answering questions that touch upon some of today's most pressing communication challenges. Matt offers advice on everything from the nuances of crafting clear, impactful questions and navigating emotional dynamics in group settings to maintaining control during presentations and delivering difficult news.

Additionally, listeners are treated to innovative strategies for creating memorable introductions and managing disruptive behaviors in group discussions. This episode, taken from a Think Fast Talk Smart live event, offers practical tips and strategies; its a value add for anyone looking to enhance their communication skills in personal and professional contexts.

Episode Reference Links:

• Ep 67, What Is Normal? How Culture Affects Communication Styles - Website / YouTube
• Ep 105, Radical Candor: The Communication Shift That Can Transform Your Career - Website / YouTube
• Ep 78, Three Guiding Principles for Successful Communication - Website / YouTube

Connect:

• Email Questions & Feedback >>> [email protected]
• Episode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart Website
• Newsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.io
• Think Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn,  Instagram, YouTube
• Matt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn

Chapters:

(00:00:00) Introduction and Overview of Part Two

(00:01:11) Formulating Relevant Questions 

Crafting relevant questions in high-pressure situations. Matt outlines a three-step process for developing concise questions that address the key issues, and provide the person answering with a hook. 

(00:03:14) Managing Emotional Discussions 

How to handle a group discussion that gets emotional reactions by acknowledging emotions and using paraphrasing to refocus the conversation.

(00:05:32) Navigating An Audience Hijacking Your Presentation

Set clear boundaries and expectations at the beginning of the presentation, along with effective paraphrasing.

(00:08:25) Communication Structures for Delivering Difficult Messages 

How to employ the "What, So What, Now What" or the “Comparison, Contrast, Conclusion” structures when giving difficult news, or feedback.

(00:10:25) Effective Cross-Cultural Communication 

When communicating effectively in a multinational company, Matt emphasizes empathy, repetition, and deep listening.

(00:12:51) How to Get Creative With Our Introductions 

Matt suggests starting with a provocative statement and then your name, in order to set an expectation for who we are and what's important to us. 

(00:14:51) Handling a Difficult or Challenging Person in Groups 

Matt recommends constructive feedback and the strategic use of paraphrasing to manage disruptions.

(00:17:13) Conclusion