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
34 snips
Jul 11, 2023 • 21min
97. No Rules, No Trust: How Accountability Shapes Communication
Anat Admati, a finance and economics professor at Stanford and co-author of 'The Banker's New Clothes,' discusses the critical link between communication and trust in organizations. She emphasizes that accountability is essential for effective governance and how clear communication can align markets and institutions. Admati shares insights on combating misinformation and explains how transparency during crises can shape public perception. The conversation highlights strategies for engaging audiences and fostering trust through effective governance.
26 snips
Jun 27, 2023 • 27min
96. Rock and Role: How Assigning Gender to Inanimate Objects Influences Us
Ashley Martin, an assistant professor of organizational behavior, delves into how assigning gender to inanimate objects, like boats and digital assistants, shapes our interactions with them. She discusses the balance between fostering emotional connections and reinforcing negative stereotypes. The conversation explores the impact of gender on professional communication, emphasizing tailored diversity strategies and the role of representation in leadership. Martin also highlights the importance of mindful communication, including the transformative power of silence in team dynamics.
119 snips
Jun 20, 2023 • 27min
95. The Power of No: How Boundaries Help Us Live More Empowered Lives
In this engaging conversation, Vanessa Patrick, Associate Dean of Research and Marketing Professor at the University of Houston, discusses the transformative power of saying no. She highlights how empowered refusal isn't just about rejection but asserting personal boundaries rooted in one’s values. Patrick unveils her ART-ART framework for effective communication and emphasizes the importance of personal policies to simplify decision-making. Tune in to learn how to navigate pressures with confidence and elevate your life by embracing the power of no!
37 snips
Jun 13, 2023 • 30min
94. LEADing ideas: Research-Backed Tips and Tools from Four Stanford Professors
Jesper B. Sørensen, a Stanford professor specializing in organizational behavior and strategy, and Sarah Soule, an expert in corporate social responsibility, share fascinating insights on leadership communication. They discuss the importance of storytelling in strategy, reveal how transparency can boost organizational reputation, and compare the effectiveness of verbal versus written recommendations in decision-making. The conversation also covers challenges for entrepreneurs in the job market and the influence of AI on communication, emphasizing the need for adaptability in today's landscape.
45 snips
Jun 6, 2023 • 19min
93. All the Feels: The Personal and Professional Power of Emotional Awareness
Celine Teoh, a Stanford GSB facilitator and CEO coach, emphasizes the importance of emotional awareness in this conversation. She discusses how feelings can be treated as crucial data for making better personal and professional choices. Teoh shares strategies to enhance emotional intelligence in workplace communication, focusing on empathy and self-reflection. The significance of authentic connections and the art of listening with empathy are highlighted, aiming to transform functional exchanges into meaningful conversations.
131 snips
May 30, 2023 • 28min
92. No Regrets: How to Take Risks in Your Communication, Relationships, and Career
In this engaging conversation, Dan Pink, a best-selling author and former chief speechwriter for Al Gore, discusses the idea that we often regret the risks we didn't take rather than the ones we did. He emphasizes the importance of focusing on the 'why' to inspire others, as a sense of purpose can significantly enhance performance. Pink also advocates for taking breaks, revealing that even top professionals regularly do so to boost creativity. Tune in for insights on embracing communication risks and the power of authenticity!
84 snips
May 23, 2023 • 31min
91. Um, Like, So: How Filler Words Can Create More Connected, Effective Communication
Valerie Fridland, a sociolinguistics professor at the University of Nevada, shares fascinating insights into the world of filler words like “um” and “like.” She argues that these seemingly trivial words enrich communication and reflect social connections. Fridland discusses how vocal patterns like uptalk and vocal fry impact perceptions of women in professional settings. Additionally, she explores the evolving role of emojis in business communication, emphasizing the need for emotional expression and audience awareness. Prepare to rethink your words!
48 snips
May 16, 2023 • 22min
90. Rethinks: Brains Love Stories – How Leveraging Neuroscience Can Capture People’s Emotions
In this conversation, neuroscientist David Eagleman, known for his work on how the brain processes information and author of acclaimed books like Live Wired, reveals how storytelling is hardwired into our brains. He discusses innovative communication methods, including a wristband translating sound into vibrations, enhancing emotional connections. The duo explores the art of using analogies for clearer understanding and the importance of real-time feedback in engaging audiences. Dive into how narratives shape emotions and revolutionize communication!
248 snips
May 9, 2023 • 26min
89. Listen, Listen, Listen: How to Build Deep Connections
Rachel Greenwald, an executive fellow at Harvard Business School and a professional matchmaker, shares her expertise in communication and relationship building. She emphasizes how making others feel valued is more crucial than just the words we use. Greenwald discusses mastering small talk and identifies common conversation pitfalls that sabotage authentic connections. The importance of feedback and active listening in fostering deeper relationships is highlighted, encouraging listeners to enhance their engagement and overcome communication blind spots.
88 snips
May 2, 2023 • 22min
88. Rethinks: Leading From Home – How to Create the Right Environment for Communication
Jonathan Levav, a Stanford marketing professor and director of the Behavioral Lab, discusses leading from home and fostering a creative environment. He emphasizes the importance of establishing company culture online and encouraging spontaneous conversations that enhance communication. Levav examines how the timing of decisions influences outcomes and the need for mental breaks during interactions. He also highlights the distinction between being liked and being respected in leadership, advocating for clarity and empathy in communication.
