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
440 snips
Jun 12, 2025 • 25min
209. Find Your Fit, Find Your Focus - Catalyze Your Career
Andrew Seaman, Senior Managing Editor for Jobs at LinkedIn, shares insights on navigating the job market with intention. He emphasizes that job searching starts with curiosity, not just a polished résumé. Seaman advocates for slowing down, asking questions, and engaging in meaningful conversations. He introduces a four-step framework for effective job hunting, highlighting the role of AI tools and strategic storytelling. Discover how to redefine success and actively manage your career while showcasing your unique value in a competitive landscape.
213 snips
Jun 10, 2025 • 26min
208. Ambiguity to Action: Tensions and Trade-Offs of Leadership and Communication
Rob Siegel, a venture investor and lecturer at Stanford Graduate School of Business, discusses the complexities of leadership in today's chaotic environment. He emphasizes that effective communication is essential for navigating uncertainty, encouraging leaders to embrace ambiguity as a new normal. Siegel shares practical tips on preparing for spontaneous speaking and building trust through transparency. He argues that fostering clarity while managing rapid change empowers teams, ultimately enabling leaders to guide their organizations through crises.
319 snips
Jun 3, 2025 • 28min
207. From Conflict to Connection: Having Crucial Conversations that Count
Joseph Grenny, a leading expert in business performance and communication and a New York Times bestselling co-author, dives into the dynamics of difficult conversations. He reveals how the stories we tell ourselves—victim, villain, and helpless narratives—can sabotage dialogue. Grenny shares practical strategies, emphasizing TLC: truth, love, and competence, to navigate conflicts. By fostering self-awareness and focusing on genuine motives, he offers tools to enhance emotional management and strengthen relationships during crucial discussions.
368 snips
May 29, 2025 • 25min
206. Crafting Narratives That Motivate: What’s Your Strategy Story?
Martin Reeves, chairman of the BCG Henderson Institute and author of The Imagination Machine, dives into the art of storytelling and its vital role in strategy. He shares how a good strategy isn’t just a plan—it’s a compelling narrative that inspires action. Reeves introduces a six-step framework for enhancing creativity and emphasizes the importance of reframing ideas. They also discuss how the simple 'like' button has reshaped our digital interactions and its implications on communication and influence in today's world.
153 snips
May 27, 2025 • 41min
205. Say What Sucks: Catalyzing Organizational Change with AI
Join Jeremy Utley, a Stanford design thinking professor, alongside Krista Stout, EVP of the Trailblazers, and David Long, VP of digital innovation, as they unpack innovative strategies for organizational change. The trio dives into how voicing employee complaints can lead to significant improvements. They share insights from 'Lunch and Launch' sessions that helped uncover pain points, emphasizing that understanding what employees dislike about their jobs can spark meaningful transformation and enhanced productivity through AI.
412 snips
May 20, 2025 • 30min
204. Tough Talks: Turn Tension Into Trust
Sheila Heen, a Harvard Law School lecturer and co-author of the bestselling books on difficult conversations, shares her insights on navigating tough talks. She emphasizes the importance of self-reflection to tackle our internal narratives before engaging others. Heen introduces the 'ACE' framework for providing feedback and suggests transforming confrontations into understanding opportunities. She also discusses recognizing emotions and personal triggers, promoting clearer communication even in high-stakes situations that foster trust and collaboration.
652 snips
May 15, 2025 • 17min
203. No Script, No Problem: Final Secrets to Speaking Under Pressure (Bonus)
Learn how to master spontaneous communication with expert tips from diverse professionals like an FBI negotiator and sports broadcaster. Discover a structured framework to organize your thoughts on the fly, using the three-question approach: What, So What, Now What? Enhance your confidence and storytelling skills through visualization and self-reflection. This insightful discussion emphasizes the value of unique insights and self-care to perform effectively under pressure. Equip yourself to think fast and speak smart in any situation!
507 snips
May 13, 2025 • 24min
202. Own Your Brand: How to Communicate with Presence and Impact
Lorraine Lee, a teacher, content creator, and author of 'Unforgettable Presence,' dives into the art of personal branding and communication. She emphasizes that you can shape your reputation rather than leave it to others. Using her EPIC framework, she discusses the importance of Experiences, Personality, Identity, and Community in building an impactful presence. Lorraine shares strategies for engaging virtual communication, effective introductions, and leveraging introverted strengths, making it clear that mastering your brand can significantly boost your career.
111 snips
May 6, 2025 • 28min
201. Ballpark to the Boardroom: How Alex Rodriguez Hits a Communication Home Run
In this engaging conversation, Alex Rodriguez, Chair and CEO of A-Rod Corp and former MLB All-Star, shares his insights on success and resilience. He emphasizes that striking out is a part of life, whether in sports or business. Alex discusses the importance of maintaining a 'slow heartbeat' in high-pressure situations and the value of 'intentional listening.' His transformative approach to communication focuses on authenticity and viewing it as 'an unselfish act.' Discover how these strategies can help turn failures into valuable learning experiences.
707 snips
Apr 29, 2025 • 44min
200. Four Keys for Focused Communication: Live Lessons from Our 200 Episodes
In this celebratory podcast, communicative strategies take center stage, focusing on concision, relevance, accessibility, and precision. Engaging examples, like a humorous snail analogy, illustrate the value of clarity. Listeners learn how to craft impactful elevator pitches using storytelling techniques. The importance of vocabulary and presenting data effectively is discussed, along with managing speaking anxiety for increased confidence. Techniques for steering conversations back on topic are shared, providing tools for productive communication.
