“Simple language, forceful language, vivid language, and keeping it simple and direct,” says Professor Jeffrey Pfeffer, are all powerful tools to strengthen your communication.

Host and Stanford Graduate School of Business lecturer Matt Abrahams interviews Pfeffer, the author many books, including Power: Why Some People Have It and Others Don't, about the verbal and nonverbal ways we can harness, or give away, our authority when we’re speaking to others. Pfeffer is also the host of the podcast Pfeffer on Power and teaches the Stanford GSB online course Discover the Paths to Power. 

Episode Reference Links:

• Jeffrey Pfeffer's podcast: Pfeffer on Power
• Jeffrey Pfeffer's books: Dying for a Paycheck & Power: Why Some People Have It and Others Don't
• Stanford GSB Online Course: Discover the Paths to Power
• Ep.12 It's Not What You Say, It's How You Say It: How To Communicate Power
• Ep.44 Act Like a Leader: How Lessons From The Theater Can Help You Step into Power

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• Matt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn

Chapters:

(00:00:00) Introduction

Matt Abrahams introduces the episode, highlighting the importance of power and presence in communication.

(00:01:31) Defining Power and Status

Jeffrey Pfeffer shares his definition of power and status, emphasizing their significance in achieving goals despite opposition.

(00:02:45) Nonverbal & Verbal Behaviors to Communicate Power

Specific behaviors that convey power, and those to avoid.

(00:05:46) Emotion and Power

Pfeffer explores the role of emotion in conveying power, highlighting the effectiveness of displaying strong emotions like anger and passion.

(00:09:11) Virtual Communication

Strategies for projecting competence and higher status in virtual communication are discussed, emphasizing the importance of appearance and framing on video calls.

(00:10:55) Communicating Across Power Levels

Jeffrey Pfeffer advises on crafting concise, powerful messages for communication with higher-status individuals, emphasizing the importance of directness and presentation in person.

(00:12:06) Tailoring Messages with Flattery

Pfeffer suggests beginning communications with flattery, highlighting its effectiveness in making the recipient more receptive to your message.

(00:13:33) The Importance of ‘Warming Up’

Why we should warm up physically and vocally before important communications.

(00:16:33) The Final Three Questions

Pfeffer shares his best communication advice in a concise slide title, the communicators he “admires”, and his three ingredients for a successful communication recipe.

(00:19:20) Conclusion