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
37 snips
Sep 27, 2022 • 20min
68. Directive vs. Dialogue: Communicating Better as a Leader
Jon Levin, Dean of Stanford Graduate School of Business and an advisor to President Biden, dives into the nuances of leadership communication. He discusses how leaders can balance being directive while fostering open dialogue. Levin emphasizes the emotional impact of messages, especially noted during the pandemic, and promotes personal storytelling to strengthen community connections. He also explores the role of business education in preparing future leaders to address global challenges like economic inequality and climate change, highlighting the necessity of clarity and connection.
25 snips
Sep 13, 2022 • 21min
67. What Is Normal? How Culture Affects Communication Styles
Michele Gelfand, a leading expert in cross-cultural management, dives into the intriguing world of social norms. She discusses the concept of 'tight' versus 'loose' cultures, revealing how these frameworks shape our behaviors and communication styles. Gelfand explains why societies have varying levels of adherence to norms, and how this affects everyday situations, from road rules to library etiquette. The conversation highlights the impact of perceived threats on communication, adding depth to our understanding of cultural dynamics.
101 snips
Aug 30, 2022 • 31min
66. Rethinks: Lessons from Neuroscientist Andrew Huberman to Help You Hack your Speaking Anxiety
In this insightful discussion, Andrew Huberman, an associate professor of neurobiology at Stanford, shares groundbreaking ideas on transforming anxiety into excitement. He explains the autonomic continuum and how understanding our physiological responses can change our perception of stress. Huberman offers practical breathing techniques and strategies for managing public speaking anxiety, both in-person and virtually. His approach emphasizes storytelling and connection in communication, making complex ideas accessible and engaging.
18 snips
Aug 16, 2022 • 23min
65. Ties That Bind: Why Remote and Hybrid Teams Need the Right Connection
Michael Arena, a faculty member at Penn and author of *Adaptive Space*, joins Glenn Carroll, Adams Distinguished Professor at Stanford GSB, to discuss the evolving dynamics of remote and hybrid teams. They explore how innovation hinges on adaptable connections in a post-pandemic world. The conversation dives into the significance of authentic communication, the effects of virtual interactions on relationships, and strategies for enhancing team productivity. They emphasize the need for experimentation and structured frameworks to maintain creativity and engagement in the workplace.
38 snips
Aug 2, 2022 • 20min
64. Rethinks: Techniques for Managing Your Reputation
In this discussion, Allison Kluger, a Stanford GSB lecturer and former producer for hit shows like Good Morning America, shares her insights on reputation management. She emphasizes the critical role of perception and the importance of a 'trust radar'—factoring in expertise, empathy, and transparency. The conversation delves into navigating reputations in the social media age and highlights the power of authentic communication. With engaging examples, Kluger outlines how vulnerability and storytelling can forge deeper connections.
14 snips
Jul 18, 2022 • 19min
63. Cheap Talk: What Economics Has to Say About Communication
Paul Oyer, a professor of economics at Stanford, dives into the fascinating interplay between economics and communication. He examines how credibility can impact our words, describing ‘cheap talk’ and its implications. Oyer shares real-life examples, from the gig economy dynamics as an Uber driver to everyday interactions like dating. He also discusses the importance of storytelling in education, particularly during the pandemic. The conversation reveals how economic principles inform and enrich our communication strategies in various aspects of life.
33 snips
Jul 5, 2022 • 32min
62. Rethinks: Summer Learning Series, How Humor Can Be a Secret Weapon in Communication
Jennifer Aaker, a marketing professor at Stanford GSB and expert on purpose, teams up with Naomi Bagdonas, a humor instructor with an Upright Citizens Brigade background, to discuss the transformative power of humor in communication. They reveal how humor can enhance storytelling and improve workplace dynamics, challenging the misconception that it undermines professionalism. Listeners are inspired to embrace humor as a tool for building trust and fostering authentic connections, ultimately making communication more effective and enjoyable.
28 snips
Jun 21, 2022 • 36min
61. Courage, Ambiguity, Belonging and Data: How to Design Your Communication for Success
Carissa Carter, an innovative designer, geoscientist, and academic director at the Stanford d.school, dives into how creativity shapes communication. She discusses the importance of courage while delivering challenging messages and ways to foster belonging in conversations. The podcast explores navigating clarity amid ambiguity, emphasizing the significance of structured communication and data visualization. Carter also highlights the impact of language and body language on audience engagement, encouraging authentic connections through thoughtful expression.
23 snips
Jun 7, 2022 • 18min
60. Communicating Uncertainty: How to Connect With Your Audience, Even When The Answers Aren’t Clear
In this enlightening discussion, Lloyd Minor, the Dean of the Stanford School of Medicine and author of 'Discovering Precision Health,' shares insights on communicating uncertainty, especially in health and leadership. He emphasizes that embracing ambiguity can enhance communication rather than hinder it. Minor also highlights the unique strengths introverts bring to leadership roles and underscores the vital importance of active listening. Tune in for practical strategies to navigate uncertainty and foster trust in any audience.
39 snips
May 24, 2022 • 21min
59. From Dreaming to Doing: How We Set and Achieve Goals
Szu-chi Huang, an associate professor at Stanford GSB specializing in motivation science, dives deep into the psychology behind goal achievement. She reveals that competition can significantly boost motivation and make goals feel more valuable. The discussion highlights how emotional decision-making influences behavior and how personal connections enhance communication. Huang also emphasizes the importance of tailoring motivation strategies to individual journeys, underscoring that goal attainment is not a linear process but a dynamic experience.
