Matt Abrahams joins Claudia to unpack one of the most common communication problems high performers face: freezing under pressure.

Whether it happens in meetings, interviews, presentations, or difficult conversations, many people struggle to think clearly and speak well when the stakes feel high.

In this episode, Matt explains what is happening in the brain when we blank, why pressure and perfectionism make communication worse, and how to use practical frameworks to stay calm, organized, and effective in real time.

In this episode, we cover:

• Why smart people blank out when speaking under pressure
• How anxiety and cognitive overload affect communication
• Why connection matters more than perfection
• How to use structure instead of memorization
• Practical tools for meetings, interviews, and difficult conversations
• How to listen better and speak more clearly in the moment
• Why repetition, reflection, and feedback are the key to becoming a better communicator