# 296. AMA: Speaking Out, Staying Grounded, and Managing Up

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Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/think-fast-talk-smart-communication-techniques-265379/296-ama-speaking-out-staying-grounded-and-managing-up.md
Podcast: [Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques](https://stenobird.com/podcast/think-fast-talk-smart-communication-techniques-265379)
Published: 2026-06-11T13:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://www.fastersmarter.io/296-ama-speaking-out-staying-grounded-and-managing-up/
Audio file: https://mgln.ai/e/p155759/op3.dev/e/pscrb.fm/rss/p/dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/tracking.swap.fm/track/zA4xtlPBvf2K1K9zesjz/media.transistor.fm/b1f44135/8d8b987e.mp3
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/think-fast-talk-smart-communication-techniques-265379/episodes/296-ama-speaking-out-staying-grounded-and-managing-up
Duration seconds: 658

## Resource

Practical communication strategies you can use immediately at work and beyond. How do you speak up when a conversation is moving faster than you can think? What should you do when emotions threaten to derail your listening? And how can you give honest feedback to a boss who doesn’t seem interested in hearing it? In this Ask Matt Anything episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart , host Matt Abrahams answers listener questions from the Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community on some of the most challenging workplace communication scenarios. From practical techniques for inserting your ideas into fast-paced meetings to strategies for managing emotions and delivering feedback upward, Matt shares actionable advice to help you communicate with greater confidence, clarity, and impact. Episode Reference Links: Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community Connect: Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart Premium Email Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.io 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) - Introduction (00:34) - Speaking Up in Meetings (03:14) - Listening Through Emotion (06:30) - Giving Feedback Upward (10:07) - Conclusion ******** Thank you to our sponsors. These partnerships support the ongoing production of the podcast, allowing us to bring it to you at no cost. With LinkedIn Hiring Pro, you can hire with confidence, knowing you're getting the best talent for your needs. Get started by posting your job for free at linkedin.com/fast

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## Transcript

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