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
103 snips
Nov 28, 2023 • 21min
117. Say It, See It: How to Connect Through Conversation
Shane O’Mara, a professor of experimental brain research at Trinity College Dublin, dives into the fascinating world of communication. He reveals that conversations are essential for creating a shared reality, where emotions and memories sync between people. O’Mara discusses techniques like active listening and turn-taking, vital for effective dialogue. He also highlights the role of gossip in social navigation and the importance of brevity, especially when connecting with teenagers. Overall, he emphasizes how our brains harmonize through language and interaction.
125 snips
Nov 21, 2023 • 13min
116. Quick Thinks: Don't Sweat the Small Talk
Small talk may seem trivial, but it’s a powerful tool for building connections! Learn techniques to turn casual chit chat into meaningful conversations. Embrace the value of small talk during social events to forge deeper relationships. Discover how active listening and genuine interest can make these interactions more enjoyable. Plus, pick up practical tips for asking open-ended questions and exiting gracefully. Small talk doesn't have to be awkward; it can actually be a gateway to new opportunities!
60 snips
Nov 14, 2023 • 22min
115. Rethinks: How We Set and Achieve Goals
Szu-chi Huang, an associate professor at Stanford GSB, specializes in motivation science and the dynamics of competition in goal attainment. In a captivating discussion, she reveals how competition can significantly boost motivation and make achieving goals feel more valuable. Huang also explores how emotional factors, like insecurity and peer comparisons, drive decision-making. She emphasizes the importance of understanding audience needs in communication and the role effective feedback plays in sustaining motivation on the journey to success.
153 snips
Nov 7, 2023 • 30min
114. Communication Means Paying Attention: The Four Pillars of Active Listening
Julian Treasure, a renowned expert on listening and sound, shares his deep insights on communication and active listening. He emphasizes the uniqueness of each person's listening filters shaped by life experiences. Treasure introduces the RASA method for effective listening, highlighting the importance of non-verbal cues. He also discusses powerful breathing techniques to enhance speech delivery. By framing conversation as a gift, he urges speakers to prioritize their audience's needs, fostering genuine connections and impactful communication.
40 snips
Oct 31, 2023 • 22min
113. Missing Something? How to Kick FOMO with Conscious Decision-Making
Patrick McGinnis, best-selling author of "Fear of Missing Out" and host of the FOMO Sapiens podcast, dives into the origins and impacts of FOMO, a term he coined. He explains how this anxiety stems from constant social comparisons, leading to indecision. McGinnis shares strategies for conscious decision-making to alleviate fears like FOBO (Fear of a Better Option). He emphasizes defining personal success and using engaging communication to enhance clarity, all while understanding the pressures of social media.
38 snips
Oct 24, 2023 • 18min
112. From Mistakes to "Missed Takes"
The discussion revolves around transforming mistakes into learning moments, likening them to a film director's "missed takes." By embracing dullness and imperfections, the conversation highlights how communication can flourish through acceptance. Improvisational techniques are presented as tools to build genuine connections and enhance overall communication skills. This fresh perspective encourages a shift in mindset, turning errors into opportunities for growth.
131 snips
Oct 16, 2023 • 26min
111. Rethinks: How to Spark Creativity in Your Communication
In a spirited discussion, Tina Seelig, a Professor at Stanford and a creativity guru, shares her insights on the art of asking questions to enhance communication. She emphasizes that curiosity is key to engagement, revealing how reframing questions can unlock innovative solutions. The duo also explores the power of storytelling and memorable openings in communication. Seelig offers practical tips for impactful virtual interaction, encouraging listeners to embrace an optimistic mindset in their creative endeavors.
163 snips
Oct 10, 2023 • 28min
110. Write It Well: How to Craft an Email to Capture Busy Readers
Todd Rogers, a Harvard Kennedy School professor and author of 'Writing for Busy Readers,' shares insights on crafting effective communication. He emphasizes that busy readers require clarity and brevity in everything from emails to speeches. Tips include using simple language, structure, and bullet points to enhance readability. The conversation also highlights how emojis can engage diverse audiences and the importance of adapting writing to fit communication norms for improved understanding. With Rogers’ strategies, you can write in a way that respects your readers' time.
310 snips
Oct 3, 2023 • 26min
109. Simplify! How to Communicate Complex Ideas Simply and Effectively
Frances Frei, a Harvard Business School professor and former Uber executive, shares her insights on simplifying communication for greater impact. She discusses strategies for building trust and fostering inclusion, emphasizing the balance of authenticity and empathy. Frei highlights the importance of storytelling in problem-solving and the role of clarity in dialogue. She also pays tribute to comedians for their ability to make complex ideas relatable, while underscoring the joy and intent behind effective communication.
83 snips
Sep 26, 2023 • 35min
108. All In: How Improv Helps You Show Up and Communicate Well
Join Adam Tobin, a senior lecturer at Stanford specializing in film and media, and Patricia Ryan Madsen, a professor emerita from the Stanford Drama Department and author of Improv Wisdom, as they explore the transformative power of improv in communication. They discuss how stepping into uncertainty fosters genuine connections and celebrates mistakes as opportunities for growth. With insights on balancing preparation and spontaneity, this engaging chat reveals that embracing the moment can lead to more authentic and effective conversations.
