# How to Speak with Confidence When You’re Put on the Spot

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Podcast: [HBR On Leadership](https://stenobird.com/podcast/hbr-on-leadership-6411274)
Published: 2026-01-14T11:15:17+00:00
Episode link: https://hbr.org/podcast/2026/01/how-to-speak-with-confidence-when-youre-put-on-the-spot
Audio file: https://audio.hbr.org/on-leadership/20260112113445-HowtoSpeakwithConfidenceWhenYou_rePutontheSpot.mp3
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Duration seconds: 1772

## Resource

We all know that leaders need to captivate audiences and effectively convey their ideas. But not every speaking opportunity can be prepared and practiced. That’s why it’s so important to learn the skill of speaking off-the-cuff, and Matt Abrahams, lecturer at the Stanford Graduate School of Business and host of the podcast Think Fast, Talk Smart, has advice to help. He explains how to stay calm in these situations, craft a compelling message, and ensure you’ve made a good impression. Abrahams is author of the book “Think Faster, Talk Smarter: How to Speak Successfully When You’re Put on the Spot,” as well as the HBR article “How to Shine When You’re Put on the Spot.”

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## Transcript

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