Speaking on the spot can be tough. And you can get better at it! In the first part of a two-episode conversation with Stanford colleagues Matt Abrahams and Adam Tobin, Lisa and Ted dive into the details of “Improvisationally Speaking.” We get to meet Matt and Adam (2:32) and then hear Matt’s stress-filled public speaking origin story (11:26). Ted shares some of his battle scars in return (15:22) and both Lisa and Adam report that their beginning stories were much happier (18:16). The four discuss how the improv mantra “It’s not about you” can serve as a mantra for public speaking anxiety (23:51) and how mindfulness can help as well (26:26). Ted introduces the paradox of getting out of the way to let your authentic self shine through (29:52) and Matt mentions the notion of turning habits into choices (32:45). Lisa names the challenge for many women in learning to speak at fuller volume (37:42) which leads into a discussion of other epiphanies, including that of “afterburn” from Lisa’s mother (40:18). Matt, Adam and Ted close the episode with wisdom from their parents, including such nuggets as “Tell me the time, don’t build me the clock,” “That’s what makes horse racing,” “If they hit you, you sue,” and “Do what lights you up.” (44:02) Part two of the conversation will continue in the next episode—we’ll hope you’ll tune in there as well! If there’s something in the episode that brings you particular joy—or raises a question—feel free to write us at [email protected]. To subscribe so you receive immediate notice of future Monster Baby releases, head over to: http://monsterbabypodcast.com. For more information on Matt Abraham’s work, check out the following links: 1. Matt’s communication consulting company: BoldEcho.com 2. Matt’s book, “Speaking Up Without Freaking Out”: NoFreakingSpeaking.com 3. The “Think Fast, Talk Smart” podcast: https://www.gsb.stanford.edu/insights/think-fast-talk-smart-podcast For more information on the Bay Area Children’s Theater that Adam mentions and for links to help support them, please visit: http://www.bactheatre.org/ and https://bactheatre.org/civicrm/contribute/transact?reset=1&id=3 And lastly, if you’re needing some inspiring Monster-Baby based words to get you through these tough times, order a copy of Ted’s Monster-Baby-inspired book, Playful Mindfulness from www.playfulmindfulness.info. (Ted will surely sign it for you if you like!)