Radio Headspace Anxiety Happens. Here’s What Helps
6 snips
Feb 16, 2026 
Matt Abrahams, communication scholar at Stanford and author who teaches speaking confidence. He explains why future-focused worry fuels anxiety and why staying present reduces fear. He shares quick physical techniques like walking, tongue twisters, and a 3-in/6-out grounding breath to calm nerves before meetings, interviews, or presentations.
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Embarrassing Kick That Shaped A Career
- Matt Abrahams recounts ripping his martial-arts pants during a high-school speech contest and still finishing the presentation.
- That early humiliating moment sparked his lifelong interest in how anxiety affects communication.
Presence Beats Future Worry
- Confidence grows from many small practice moments and experiments, not a single event.
- Becoming present-oriented cuts off future-focused fears that drive communication anxiety.
Use Physical Moves To Get Present
- Do physical actions to bring yourself into the present, like walking, shaking out your body, or listening to a song.
- Try tongue twisters to force present focus and also warm up your voice before speaking.
