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
40 snips
Jan 30, 2024 • 35min
126. BONUS Making Meetings Meaningful: When Face-to-Face Meetings Matter
Join Professor Jonathan Levav, a Marketing expert at Stanford's Graduate School of Business, as he dives into the critical role of in-person meetings for creativity. He reveals that face-to-face collaborations yield 15-20% more ideas than virtual ones. Levav also discusses how physical environments foster diversity of thoughts and richer brainstorming sessions, contrasting them with the limitations of remote work. He emphasizes the importance of thoughtfully designing workspaces that nurture collaboration and the unique connections that in-person interactions provide.
Jan 29, 2024 • 2min
Think Fast, Talk Smart: The Podcast (A Sound Bite!)
Dive into the art of communication with insights on how to present yourself authentically. Learn tips for clear messaging, even when under pressure. Discover strategies to give impactful feedback and convey complex ideas simply. Explore ways to manage your reputation and overcome anxiety in speaking situations. This engaging conversation highlights the tools and techniques essential for effective communication in both personal and professional settings.
127 snips
Jan 23, 2024 • 25min
125. Making Meetings Meaningful Pt. 2: Key Ingredients for Effective Meetings
In this engaging conversation with Elise Keith, co-founder of Lucid Meetings and author on effective communication, listeners discover how to transform mundane meetings into meaningful ones. Elise categorizes meetings into three types and shares strategies for maximizing engagement, whether in-person or over Zoom. She emphasizes the importance of purpose-driven agendas, creating inclusive environments, and using techniques like think-pair-share. With actionable insights for everyone, she inspires listeners to rethink how they approach meetings!
150 snips
Jan 16, 2024 • 27min
124. Making Meetings Meaningful Pt. 1: How to Structure and Organize More Effective Gatherings
Join Emmy Award-winning journalist Karin Reed and industrial psychologist Joe Allen as they tackle the notorious issue of ineffective meetings. They dive into why people dread gatherings and share crucial strategies for transformation. Discover the significance of intentionality, realistic agendas, and equitable participation, especially in hybrid formats. Karin offers tips on enhancing presence through eye contact and lighting, while Joe addresses disruptive behaviors. This insightful dialogue promises to reshape your approach to meetings!
157 snips
Jan 9, 2024 • 25min
123. Rethinks: Why Curiosity Is Communication’s Secret Weapon
This discussion features Debra Schifrin, a Lecturer at Stanford Graduate School of Business and former NPR reporter. She emphasizes the underestimated power of questions in communication, noting that asking the right questions can build relationships and enhance understanding. Schifrin highlights how curiosity leads to meaningful conversations and personal growth. They explore practical techniques for effective questioning, including tone and structure. Additionally, they address societal pressures surrounding women and smiling, linking self-awareness to improved communication.
196 snips
Jan 2, 2024 • 17min
122. How To Be More Confident and Calm in Your Communication: Managing the "ABC’s" of Communication Anxiety
Discover research-backed techniques to conquer communication anxiety. Learn the ABCs of managing nerves and how mindfulness can turn your negative emotions into effective communication. Explore calming strategies for physical symptoms like rapid heart rate and find out how to transform anxiety into excitement for better performance. The discussion emphasizes personalized plans to boost your confidence and calmness when speaking, making anxiety an ally instead of an enemy.
143 snips
Dec 26, 2023 • 23min
121. Building Trust and Connection: How to Lead with Vulnerability
Jacob Morgan, a futurist and speaker known for his work on leadership, joins host Matt Abrahams to discuss the power of vulnerability in leadership. Morgan reveals his unique 'vulnerable leadership equation' and emphasizes that true leadership involves acknowledging mistakes and sharing lessons learned. He explores how emotional openness fosters trust and transforms teams, advocating for vulnerability as a strength. The conversation also highlights the evolving nature of work and the importance of effective communication in today’s dynamic landscape.
108 snips
Dec 19, 2023 • 17min
120. A Few of Matt’s Favorite Things: 10 Communication Takeaways from 2023's TFTS Episodes
In this insightful discussion, Matt shares ten powerful communication takeaways from the season. He emphasizes the persuasive effects of transforming verbs into nouns, enhancing engagement. Key strategies include harnessing curiosity and empathy to build meaningful connections. Practical advice on navigating small talk and gracefully saying no is provided, along with tips for managing emotions in conversations. These gems are designed to elevate communication skills in everyday interactions.
75 snips
Dec 12, 2023 • 26min
119. Rethinks: How to Embrace the Benefits of Stress
Alia Crum, an assistant professor at Stanford and principal investigator at the Stanford Mind & Body Lab, dives into the transformative power of stress. She argues that stress, often viewed negatively, actually enhances our cognitive and physical capabilities. Crum explores practical strategies to harness stress for success, particularly in demanding situations like presentations. She also discusses nurturing adaptive mindsets in parenting and leadership, emphasizing authenticity in communication as key to overcoming anxiety and fostering resilience.
156 snips
Dec 5, 2023 • 24min
118. Maximizing your Personal Brand: Communicating Who You Are to Help Get What You Want
Dorie Clark, a renowned consultant and author specializing in personal branding and career development, shares insightful strategies for maximizing your personal brand. She emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and feedback in shaping your reputation. Dorie discusses how to communicate your brand effectively and transform it to align with your goals. The conversation explores methods to gain recognition in your field, enhance visibility through content creation, and leverage '20% time' for career innovation and growth.
