Abrahams: Structure effective event toasts using the WHAT framework
Matt Abrahams · How to speak more confidently and persuasively | Matt Abrahams (professor, speaker, author) · Mar 31, 2024 · at 57:17
Stanford communication lecturer Matt Abrahams outlines a structured framework for delivering brief, impactful toasts and tributes in social and workplace settings.
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“So I have an acronym. It works. It's called WHAT. W-H-A-T. So the W stands for why are we here? Now, if I'm at a wedding, I don't have to tell the audience why we're here. We get it. But if we're doing an all hands and I'm called up to speak, it might be in my best interest to share with everybody. I'm here to celebrate the release of this product that that team put out, right? So, so you might have to say, why are we here? The H is how are you connected to the event? So if I'm at a wedding, people might not know who I am. I could say, hey, I've known the groom for 25 years. People are like, oh, okay, now that makes sense. If you're giving a tribute at work, You don't have to say, and I'm the boss. Everybody knows your position. So again, these are choices you make. So why are we here? How are you connected? The A stands for anecdote. Tell a story or a quick example that is relevant and accessible to everybody. There's no insight or knowledge and keep it concise. And then ultimately the last part is the gratitude, the thank you.”
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