Ever been asked to give a toast, answer a tricky question, or pitch an idea on the spot? Your heart races, your brain goes blank, and suddenly, you’re convinced public speaking is a cruel form of medieval torture. Sound familiar? In this episode, Stanford lecturer Matt Abrahams shares how to survive — and even thrive — in these high-pressure moments.

From embracing your nerves (yes, they’re normal) to shouting out the wrong names of objects (trust us, it works), Matt offers hilarious yet practical tips to make speaking spontaneously a whole lot less terrifying. You’ll learn why aiming for perfection is overrated, how imaginary gift-giving can unlock your creativity, and why sometimes the best advice is simply to stand there.

Packed with stories, games, and proven techniques, this episode is your guide to turning panic into presence and awkward silences into authentic conversations. Whether you’re presenting at work, speaking at a wedding, or just trying to answer, “How’s it going?” without freezing, Matt has you covered.

Original