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
Feb 7, 2023 • 11min
77. Quick Thinks: AI Has Entered The Chat – A "Conversation" with ChatGPT
This engaging discussion dives into the role of AI in communication by interviewing ChatGPT. It reveals how the chatbot generates responses using vast internet data, while also emphasizing the need for critical evaluation of its outputs. Ethical challenges in education and the importance of academic integrity are explored, along with fun strategies to combat speaking anxiety. Most importantly, the conversation highlights that human communication skills, including emotional intelligence, remain irreplaceable, echoing the legacy of iconic figures like Martin Luther King Jr.
14 snips
Feb 1, 2023 • 2min
Think Fast, Talk Smart: The Podcast | Season 4 Trailer
Dive into the fascinating world of effective communication with insights on managing public speaking anxiety. Learn how to harness both excitement and nervousness for impactful presentations. Discover tips for speaking off the cuff and mastering Q&A sessions. The discussions emphasize shared humanity and the importance of inspiring leadership, making it relatable and applicable for anyone looking to improve their communication skills.
129 snips
Jan 24, 2023 • 29min
76. Change My Mind: Using “Pre-suasion” to Influence Others
Robert Cialdini, Regent's Professor Emeritus of Psychology and Marketing at Arizona State University, discusses the art of persuasion. He introduces the concept of "Pre-suasion," highlighting that effective persuasion starts before the actual message is delivered. Cialdini dives into the influence of environmental cues like music on consumer behavior, and how framing can change actions, as seen in studies on social norms. He also emphasizes the power of language in transforming critics into allies, making communication a powerful tool for influence.
55 snips
Jan 10, 2023 • 24min
75. Love & Money: How to Talk About Big Decisions Together
In this engaging discussion, Abby Davisson, a social innovation leader and co-author of "Money and Love," teams up with labor economist Myra Strober to explore how love and money intersect. They share insights on making vital life decisions as a couple, emphasizing communication's role in managing impacts on family dynamics. From navigating career changes to addressing financial concerns, they offer practical frameworks for meaningful conversations. Listeners will learn the value of listening and adaptability in fostering strong relationships amidst challenging discussions.
75 snips
Dec 20, 2022 • 34min
74. Rethinks: How Emotion Shapes Our Communication, Decisions, and Experiences
Baba Shiv, a renowned neuroscientist and professor at Stanford, dives into the compelling interplay between emotion and decision-making. He explains the 'Ikea effect', where personal investment enhances our attachment to ideas. The discussion emphasizes the importance of authenticity over perfection in communication, advocating for emotional engagement over rationality. Listeners gain practical strategies to manage stress and foster collaboration, reminding us that effective communication is not just about delivering a message, but connecting on an emotional level.
84 snips
Dec 6, 2022 • 26min
73. Listen Up: Why It’s Better to Be Interested Than Interesting
Alison Wood Brooks, a Harvard Business School professor and expert in conversation science, shares insights on the art of effective communication. She emphasizes that listening is as crucial as speaking and offers strategies to turn anxiety into excitement in discussions. The conversation also explores the importance of small talk, providing tools to manage topics and deepen connections. Wood Brooks illustrates how genuine interest in others, paired with practical listening techniques like asking questions, can transform interactions and foster meaningful relationships.
84 snips
Nov 22, 2022 • 14min
72. Quick Thinks: Talk It Out – How to Successfully Negotiate and Resolve Conflict
Professor Michele Gelfand, an expert in organizational behavior and cross-cultural management at Stanford, joins the conversation to shed light on the art of negotiation. She emphasizes the power of creativity and cultural intelligence in resolving conflicts, stressing that effective negotiation is about meeting everyone’s needs. Gelfand shares strategies for listening to diverse viewpoints and using storytelling to navigate conflicts. Her insights reveal how the best negotiators are those who craft collaborative solutions that benefit all parties involved.
230 snips
Nov 8, 2022 • 26min
71. Strategy Success: How to Communicate Your Gameplan
In this insightful discussion, Jesper Sørensen, a professor of organizational behavior at Stanford and expert in strategic change, emphasizes that winning strategies emerge from conversations rather than top-down commands. He argues for the value of listening to frontline workers to discover adaptable strategies. Sørensen also explores the power of storytelling to align teams with organizational goals, highlights the importance of clarity and audience awareness in communication, and advocates for a culture of open discussion and constructive disagreement in leadership.
94 snips
Oct 25, 2022 • 23min
70. Ideas Fuel Innovation: Why Your First Ideas Aren’t Always the Best
Jeremy Utley, the Director of Executive Education at Stanford's d.school, shares insights on tapping into creativity. He emphasizes that generating multiple ideas, even the 'bad' ones, is crucial for true innovation. Utley discusses how diverse collaboration and unconventional analogies can unlock creative potential. He highlights the importance of a supportive organizational environment to nurture new ideas and the need for engaging communication that resonates emotionally with audiences. Embrace iteration and let creativity collide!
107 snips
Oct 11, 2022 • 27min
69. Feeling Nervous? How Anxiety Can Fuel Better Communication
Join Kelly McGonigal, a Stanford GSB lecturer and best-selling author, as she dives into the upsides of anxiety in communication. She reveals how nervousness can signal your investment in the moment, transforming it into a communication asset. McGonigal shares strategies to channel stress into engagement, emphasizing curiosity, passion, and honesty. Discover how physical movement can enhance mood and connection while navigating communication with authenticity and trust. It’s a fresh take on embracing anxiety for better interactions!
