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
98 snips
Nov 13, 2025 • 15min
242. Tech Tools: The Power of Showing, Not Telling
In this engaging conversation, Joe Thomas, co-founder and CEO of Loom, shares insights on transforming communication in the workplace. He emphasizes the power of asynchronous video, advocating for the principle of 'show, don’t tell' to enhance clarity and connection. Joe outlines best practices for effective video messaging and highlights how authenticity fosters trust. He introduces the Do/Try/Consider framework to minimize misunderstandings, ultimately showcasing how video can revolutionize the way teams collaborate and communicate.
205 snips
Nov 11, 2025 • 25min
241. Team Spirit: How to Make Group Work Work
Colin Fisher, an associate professor at University College London and author of The Collective Edge, dives into the complexities of group dynamics. He explains how groups can inspire both creativity and conformity, emphasizing the need for effective communication to harness their potential. Fisher shares his insights on optimal group sizes, the importance of psychological safety, and the value of diversity within teams. He also discusses how to make meetings more productive by setting clear goals and norms while encouraging open dialogue.
375 snips
Nov 4, 2025 • 29min
240. Belief It or Not: How to Rewrite the Narratives That Hold You Back
Muriel Wilkins, an executive coach and author of Leadership Unblocked, shares insights on how limiting beliefs shape our behaviors. She reveals seven common beliefs that hinder leaders and introduces her three-step method: uncover, unpack, and unblock. Wilkins emphasizes the importance of mindset, showcasing research that demonstrates how our thoughts can alter outcomes. She also discusses the difference between healthy and toxic productivity and provides strategies for aligning our goals with our beliefs to enhance communication and success.
166 snips
Oct 30, 2025 • 14min
239. Tech Tools: How Smarter Scheduling Leads to Stronger Communication
Darren Chait, Vice President of Growth at Calendly, shares insights on transforming communication through scheduling automation. He discusses how Calendly minimizes scheduling friction and enhances meeting productivity. Highlights include research findings that most professionals desire more effective meetings and how intentional scheduling fosters stronger relationships. Darren also emphasizes the importance of clear objectives and advocates for asynchronous communication to navigate collaboration across time zones. Discover the future of meeting effectiveness!
513 snips
Oct 28, 2025 • 27min
238. AMA: Why Listening Might Be Your Most Powerful Skill
Discover the power of listening in transforming conversations and deepening connections. Learn about common barriers to effective listening and techniques like pace, space, and grace to enhance focus. Explore nonverbal signals that show you're engaged and the importance of paraphrasing to improve understanding. Matt answers listener questions on slowing down conversations and developing targeted communication skills. This engaging discussion highlights that true communication begins with active listening.
430 snips
Oct 21, 2025 • 27min
237. Mistake It Till You Make It: Learn Faster and Fail Smarter
Astro Teller, the visionary behind Alphabet's Moonshot Factory, shares insights on learning from failure rather than fearing it. He emphasizes that effective communication involves navigating uncertainty and embracing mistakes as crucial to innovation. Teller argues for rewarding curiosity over outcomes, highlighting that most work is about learning what to build, not just building. He discusses the importance of creating environments that support exploration and how storytelling can help demystify complex ideas, all while celebrating the journey of discovery.
308 snips
Oct 16, 2025 • 14min
236. Tech Tools: Zeroing in on Your Email Communication
Rahul Vohra, the Founder and CEO of Superhuman, dives into the transformative power of effective email communication. He shares the Inbox Zero philosophy, highlighting its benefits for reducing anxiety and boosting productivity. Rahul offers practical tips like using split inboxes and archiving to manage emails better. The conversation also touches on how Superhuman revolutionizes email management and his inspiration for creating the platform. He emphasizes mindfulness and practices like transcendental meditation to enhance focus and communication.
343 snips
Oct 14, 2025 • 21min
235. Refine, Reframe, Repeat: Make Your Communication a Slam Dunk
Chiney Ogwumike, a professional basketball player and ESPN analyst, shares her insights on communication strategies critical for success in sports and beyond. She emphasizes the power of practice and the importance of confronting fear to build confidence. Highlights include navigating a male-dominated broadcasting landscape and advocating for authenticity over perfectionism. Chiney also offers invaluable advice for young women entering the workforce, encouraging them to embrace their unique voices and aim for incremental improvements.
382 snips
Oct 7, 2025 • 25min
234. Need to Know: Lead With Transparency, Character, and Silence
General Stanley McChrystal, a retired four-star U.S. Army general and leadership author, shares his insights on effective communication. He emphasizes the importance of radical transparency for fostering a culture of shared consciousness among teams. McChrystal discusses strategies to overcome fear and information hoarding, adapt communication across cultural divides, and deliver difficult news with clarity. He also explores virtual leadership techniques and the development of character through consistent choices, highlighting that clarity, timeliness, and authenticity are key to successful communication.
191 snips
Oct 2, 2025 • 12min
233. Tech Tools: Write with Confidence and Impact
Max Lytvyn, co-founder of Grammarly, shares insights on transforming communication with precision. He reveals that Grammarly was born from the realization that many struggle to express their thoughts clearly. Discussing AI's role in enhancing writing, he emphasizes the importance of starting with your communication goal. Max praises Adam Grant for his clear communication style and shares a clever tactic for contentious conversations—beginning with a sincere 'yes' to foster collaboration. Tune in for impactful tips on effective expression!
