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
216 snips
Aug 7, 2025 • 20min
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.
426 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.
202 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.
201 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.
458 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!
316 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 • 19min
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.
366 snips
Jul 8, 2025 • 24min
214. From Crisis to Clarity: Simplicity, Feedback, and the Art of Being Heard
In this engaging discussion, Greg Burke, a former journalist for Time Magazine and Fox News, shares invaluable communication insights drawn from his extensive career, including his role as a spokesman for the Vatican. He emphasizes the importance of simplicity in conveying messages effectively and highlights how curiosity can foster open conversations. Burke also touches on navigating crises with clear communication strategies and the vital role of understanding your audience while keeping the dialogue enjoyable and impactful.
359 snips
Jul 1, 2025 • 30min
213. Rethinks: Building Trusting Relationships Through Communication
Jamil Zaki, a Stanford psychology professor and director of the Stanford Social Neuroscience Lab, shares insights from his book, Hope for Cynics: The Surprising Science of Human Goodness. He discusses how to transform skepticism into trust by trusting loudly. Zaki explores the foundations of trust in relationships, the impact of cynicism on communication, and practical strategies to counter negativity bias. He emphasizes the importance of constructive conversations and navigating disagreements to foster deeper connections.
317 snips
Jun 26, 2025 • 27min
212. Break It to Make It: Disrupt Your Way to the Perfect Job Fit
Whitney Johnson, a bestselling author and leadership expert, shares her insights on embracing change for career success. She emphasizes that real growth comes from stepping outside your comfort zone and challenging routines. Johnson introduces the S-curve of learning, helping listeners identify when it’s time to pivot or double down. She encourages recognizing signs of stagnation and navigating discomfort to achieve personal and professional reinvention. Her strategies for embracing disruption spotlight the importance of self-awareness and aligning values with career choices.
