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
368 snips
Sep 9, 2025 • 21min
228. Negotiate Your Way to Success: Empathy, Mirroring, and Labeling
Chris Voss, a former lead FBI hostage negotiator and CEO of The Black Swan Group, shares his expert insights on communication under pressure. He delves into the transformative power of empathy and emotional intelligence in negotiation. Voss introduces practical techniques like labeling and mirroring, emphasizing the significance of tone and timing. He explains how silence can be strategically impactful and warns against the risks of overthinking. This session reveals how high-stakes negotiation skills can enhance everyday communication.
156 snips
Sep 4, 2025 • 18min
227. Tech Tools: Move Your Audience By Moving Through Your Presentation
Jim Szafranski, the CEO of Prezi, believes visuals and storytelling are vital for impactful communication. He discusses how using dynamic visuals boosts audience retention and makes presentations more engaging. Szafranski shares insights on the power of nonlinear storytelling, which fosters personalization and curiosity in presentations. He also delves into how AI can enhance the storytelling process, making it more accessible for communicators. This conversation is packed with tips to elevate your presentation skills and connect deeply with your audience.
463 snips
Sep 2, 2025 • 24min
226. Reinvent Yourself: Turning Uncertainty Into Opportunity
In this enlightening discussion, Ilana Golan, founder of Leap Academy and host of the Leap Academy Podcast, shares her expertise on personal reinvention. She highlights the importance of being 'leap-ready' by asking three critical questions: Why me? Why this? And why now? Golan emphasizes honest communication as key to navigating life changes and encourages proactive assessment of personal fulfillment. Discover how to communicate confidently through transitions and embrace uncertainties as opportunities for growth!
230 snips
Aug 26, 2025 • 26min
225. Speaking Fluent Internet: How Algorithms Are Changing the Way We Speak
Adam Aleksic, a linguist and the mind behind The Etymology Nerd, delves into the influence of algorithms on our communication styles. He highlights how social media alters language, creating new contexts that demand adaptive speech. The conversation reveals the evolution of words like 'like' and emphasizes the importance of understanding medium-specific grammar. Aleksic also discusses strategies for engaging communication, showcasing how awareness of our digital environment can enhance our connection with diverse audiences.
372 snips
Aug 21, 2025 • 24min
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.
339 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.
346 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.
312 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.
518 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.
238 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.
