Youtube Exercise » English Grammar Homework

B2-C1

Think Fast. Talk Smart | Matt Abrahams | TEDxMontaVistaHighSchool

TEDx Talks

7.6M views 11 years ago

Warm-up Questions

When you need to speak quickly, what situations make you most nervous (classes, meetings, interviews)?
What do you think “Think Fast. Talk Smart” will teach: vocabulary, confidence, or organization?
In your opinion, what makes a speaker sound “smart”: speed, clear structure, or good examples?

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Start With: Word Definition

Order: Alphabetical Random

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Think Fast. Talk Smart | Matt Abrahams | TEDxMontaVistaHighSchool

Fear of speaking + Step 1: Approach (00:00 – 04:08)

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1. What classroom practice does the speaker mention as something that can cause panic?

Assigning group presentations
Cold calling (asking a student to speak on the spot)
Giving students surprise quizzes

2. What percentage of people does the speaker say fear public speaking?

3. How does the speaker suggest we should view communication situations?

As opportunities to share ideas and learn
As tests we must pass perfectly
As competitions against the audience

Think Fast. Talk Smart | Matt Abrahams | TEDxMontaVistaHighSchool

Step 2: Audience + Step 3: Context (04:08 – 10:36)

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1. According to the speaker, what is the right question to ask before speaking?

What does my audience need to hear?
How can I sound more impressive?
What do I want to say?

2. Which of these is NOT one of the three audience factors he says we should consider?

Their expectations
Their knowledge
Their salary

3. What example does the speaker use to show that location matters?

A student giving a speech in a library
A girl scout selling cookies in front of a medical marijuana dispensary
A teacher changing classrooms during the day

Think Fast. Talk Smart | Matt Abrahams | TEDxMontaVistaHighSchool

Step 4: Structure + Putting it all together (10:36 – 16:19)

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1. What does the speaker say structure helps provide for the audience?

More jokes so they stay awake
More facts so they feel informed
A map so they don’t get lost

2. What is the “MacGyver of all structures,” according to the speaker?

Problem–solution–benefits
What–so what–now what
Past–present–future

3. What final wish does the speaker express for the audience?

Bold communication that is confident and compelling
The ability to persuade anyone to agree
Perfect grammar in every conversation

Think Fast. Talk Smart | Matt Abrahams | TEDxMontaVistaHighSchool

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1. What is the main purpose of the talk?

To explain why some people are naturally better speakers
To give practical steps for speaking more confidently and clearly
To teach people how to write academic essays

2. Which set matches the four steps the speaker says he will cover?

Vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation, accent
Approach, audience, context, structure
Confidence, humor, storytelling, persuasion

3. Which idea best summarizes the speaker’s view of effective communication?

Good speaking depends on serving the audience and organizing your message
Good speaking means avoiding emotion and focusing only on facts
Good speaking is mostly about sounding intelligent

Discussion Questions

Discuss the ideas from this video

Think Fast. Talk Smart | Matt Abrahams | TEDxMontaVistaHighSchool

The speaker suggests seeing communication as an “opportunity” rather than a “threat.” How could you apply that mindset to a real situation in your life?
Which audience factor is hardest for you to handle (knowledge, expectations, or attitudes)? Why?
Choose one context factor (time, emotion, or location). How would it change the way you deliver the same message?
Which structure would you use for a 60-second answer in an interview: past–present–future, problem–solution–benefits, or what–so what–now what? Explain your choice.