Its a pretty interesting point actually. In classes I've had to listen to my fair share of accident and incident recordings. Both cockpit and radio. Its almost uncanny how much more calm the pilots usually are than ATC. And the controllers are the ones who are actually trying to be calm. Hell, can't blame em though.
I think it has a lot to do with pilot's general ability to compartmentalize exceptionally well. I think its one of the personality traits that makes pilots so alike to one another. I can't say that I've ever experienced an emergency, and I pray I never get to. Have gotten to experience some pretty interesting situations though. Nothing like learning from (safe) experience! Even at my relatively amateur level of training, you notice those moments when you wonder how you ever stayed focused.
Oh also the single word replies were actually the best way to convey what he was doing. For example, the word "unable" is pilot speak for...'hit me again, cause that ain't happening'. It's a pretty universal phrase used when you know you are not going to be able to comply with their instructions. It would be immediately clear to both pilots and ATC. Just things like that save precious seconds when good communication is so vital. Professionalism at its finest from all parties involved.