Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques
Matt Abrahams, Think Fast Talk Smart
One of the most essential ingredients to success in business and life is effective communication.
Join Matt Abrahams, best-selling author and Strategic Communication lecturer at Stanford Graduate School of Business, as he interviews experts to provide actionable insights that help you communicate with clarity, confidence, and impact. From handling impromptu questions to crafting compelling messages, Matt explores practical strategies for real-world communication challenges.
Whether you’re navigating a high-stakes presentation, perfecting your email tone, or speaking off the cuff, Think Fast, Talk Smart equips you with the tools, techniques, and best practices to express yourself effectively in any situation. Enhance your communication skills to elevate your career and build stronger professional relationships.
Tune in every Tuesday for new episodes. Subscribe now to unlock your potential as a thoughtful, impactful communicator. Learn more and sign up for our eNewsletter at fastersmarter.io.
Join Matt Abrahams, best-selling author and Strategic Communication lecturer at Stanford Graduate School of Business, as he interviews experts to provide actionable insights that help you communicate with clarity, confidence, and impact. From handling impromptu questions to crafting compelling messages, Matt explores practical strategies for real-world communication challenges.
Whether you’re navigating a high-stakes presentation, perfecting your email tone, or speaking off the cuff, Think Fast, Talk Smart equips you with the tools, techniques, and best practices to express yourself effectively in any situation. Enhance your communication skills to elevate your career and build stronger professional relationships.
Tune in every Tuesday for new episodes. Subscribe now to unlock your potential as a thoughtful, impactful communicator. Learn more and sign up for our eNewsletter at fastersmarter.io.
Episodes
Mentioned books
255 snips
Aug 21, 2025 • 23min
224. Make Your Messages Epic: The Evolution of Words and the Stories They Carry
Laura Spinney, an acclaimed author and journalist known for her work in major publications like the Atlantic and National Geographic, dives deep into the power of language. She explains how our ancient words and stories shape human connection and understanding. Spinney reveals that the narratives we tell have endured for millennia, highlighting their role in building community. Discussing storytelling’s fundamental impact on engagement, she emphasizes how effective communication continues to evolve alongside language itself.
288 snips
Aug 19, 2025 • 24min
223. Laughing Matters: Levity, Leadership, and Lasting Connection
Alison Wood Brooks, a Harvard Business School professor specializing in conversation science, and Naomi Bagdonas, a consultant who integrates humor into leadership training, discuss the transformative power of laughter in communication. They highlight how humor fosters creativity and engagement in teams, making leaders more relatable and motivating. The duo emphasizes that levity isn't just an add-on; it's essential for building genuine connections. Together, they explore how sharing a laugh can break barriers and enhance both personal and professional interactions.
275 snips
Aug 12, 2025 • 25min
222. Discussing Through Discomfort: Why the Conversations You Avoid Cost You the Most
Jenn Wynn, a professor at NYU Stern and former director of education at the Obama Foundation, dives into the power of tackling uncomfortable conversations. She argues that the success and fulfillment we seek often lie just beyond those tricky discussions. Wynn emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and emotional intelligence in navigating tough talks, whether with a colleague or oneself. She also shares practical tips on starting with low-stakes conversations to build confidence, highlighting that these skills are transformative for both personal and professional growth.
277 snips
Aug 7, 2025 • 19min
221. Don’t Get Lost in Translation: Staying Cool When Every Word Counts
Guest Giampaolo Bianchi, a renowned simultaneous interpreter for the United Nations and WHO, shares his insights on maintaining clarity and calmness during high-pressure translations. He emphasizes the importance of translating ideas over words, utilizing rigorous preparation and mental focus. Bianchi explains how tools like note systems and pre-session rituals help manage cognitive load. He also offers valuable strategies for anyone looking to communicate effectively under pressure, making the art of spontaneous speaking accessible to all.
490 snips
Aug 5, 2025 • 26min
220. Prep Like a Pro: Communication Confidence, Clarity, and Comedy
Peter Sagal, humorist and host of NPR’s Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me, dives into the art of spontaneous communication. He emphasizes the importance of flexible thinking and the necessity of being prepared yet adaptable in the moment. Sagal reflects on his journey from performer to facilitator, highlighting that successful communication is about making others shine. Discover how listening trumps cleverness and why structure can help embrace chaos, as he shares valuable insights on engaging effectively during high-stakes conversations.
212 snips
Jul 29, 2025 • 25min
219. Six Motivations, One Workplace: Who Are You at Work?
In this insightful discussion, James Root, a senior partner at Bain & Company and author of The Archetype Effect, delves into the nuances of workplace motivation. He emphasizes that understanding employee desires is crucial for organizational success, arguing that many firms overlook their internal audience while focusing solely on customers. Root introduces six motivational archetypes and insists on the need for a personalized approach, calling out the outdated one-size-fits-all mentality that often stifles productivity.
210 snips
Jul 24, 2025 • 35min
218. Teaching Truths & Tactics: Live Lessons From Stanford in Cape Town
Join Sarah Soule, the incoming Dean of Stanford Graduate School of Business, Jesper Sørensen, a strategy expert, and Christian Wheeler, a professor of spontaneous management, as they delve into the essence of authentic communication. They discuss the impact of 'corporate confessions' on building trust, the strategic use of analogies for clarity, and the importance of suspending judgment to foster genuine connections. Together, they tackle challenges in communication for entrepreneurs, emphasizing truth over trends in today's fast-paced world.
478 snips
Jul 22, 2025 • 29min
217. Rethinks: How to Build Deep Connections
Join Rachel Greenwald, an executive fellow at Harvard Business School and a professional matchmaker, as she shares her expertise on building deep connections. Discover how prioritizing feelings over words can transform your conversations in work and love. Rachel offers practical strategies for mastering small talk, avoiding common pitfalls, and the importance of genuine curiosity. She emphasizes the role of empathy in effective communication and how intentionality can enhance relationship-building. Get ready to connect on a deeper level!
336 snips
Jul 15, 2025 • 26min
216. Wired for Words: A Neuroscientist’s Guide to Influence
Emily Falk, a renowned professor at the University of Pennsylvania, dives into the fascinating intersection of neuroscience and communication. She discusses the 'social relevance system' in our brains, explaining how understanding audience psychology is crucial for impactful messaging. Falk elaborates on the power of storytelling and 'neural synchrony' to foster empathy and shared understanding. With practical strategies, she reveals how to motivate teams and influence decisions by tapping into what resonates with others, transforming the art of persuasion into a science.
297 snips
Jul 10, 2025 • 18min
215. The New Media Landscape: Trust, Transparency, and Transformation
Join Richard Edelman, President and CEO of Edelman, as he shares crucial insights on building trust in a skeptical world. He emphasizes that actions speak louder than words—true credibility stems from practicing what you preach. The discussion dives into the evolving media landscape, where businesses emerge as the most trusted entities. Edelman also highlights the importance of empathy-driven leadership, advocating for proactive communication to foster genuine connections. His insights shed light on restoring trust amidst declining faith in traditional authorities.
