247. “Matt”er of Fact: Coaching on Feedback and Q&A

What It Covers

Matt Abrahams demonstrates two AI coaching tools trained on his communication expertise: Coach Matt (voice-based) and Chat Matt (text-based). He receives coaching on managing anxiety, delivering feedback, and crafting concise executive proposals using structured frameworks.

Key Questions Answered

• •What So What Now What Framework: Structure constructive feedback in three parts: describe observations without judgment (what), explain significance to bigger goals (so what), and suggest collaborative solutions (now what). This approach keeps feedback focused on work rather than people, reducing defensiveness while maintaining directness.
• •Future-Focused Anxiety Management: Reframe high-stakes situations from tests requiring perfection into curious conversations with colleagues. Spend preparation time visualizing successful outcomes rather than predicting failures. This shifts mental energy toward productive preparation and helps manage anxiety about uncontrollable outcomes like technology performance or unexpected results.
• •Two-Minute Executive Proposal Structure: Address five core elements: state the big problem, narrow focus to your unique contribution, show the unsolved opportunity, present three to five concrete action steps, and paint the future success state. Start with an engaging hook like a provocative question or statistic to capture attention immediately.
• •Presence Techniques for Performance Anxiety: Use short-term interventions before high-stakes moments: take a brief walk, listen to music, or practice deep breathing. These activities help manage physical anxiety symptoms and shift focus from nerves to message delivery. Eighty-five percent of people experience presentation anxiety, making preparation essential.