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
33 snips
May 10, 2022 • 19min
58. Forgiveness: How the Right Communication Repairs Relationships
Fred Luskin, Director of the Stanford University Forgiveness Project, discusses the transformative power of forgiveness in relationships. He emphasizes that authentic apologies are crucial for healing connections, as they help facilitate forgiveness. Luskin outlines a nine-step process for this journey, including personal accountability and mindfulness. The conversation also touches on the importance of self-talk and kind communication, enhancing relational dynamics through empathy and shared values. Tune in for insightful strategies to mend relationships and boost overall well-being.
32 snips
Apr 26, 2022 • 17min
57. Are You Listening?: How to Stay Open and Curious to Other People’s Ideas
In this enlightening discussion, Kristin Hansen, an expert in management and executive director of Civic Health Project, shares insights into the art of active listening. She emphasizes the intrinsic worth of others' perspectives and the importance of open-mindedness. Conversations delve into civil discourse and its challenges in the U.S., shedding light on how to foster understanding in polarized environments. Hansen offers practical strategies for improving listening skills, vital for both personal connections and professional success.
24 snips
Apr 12, 2022 • 21min
56. Lean Messaging: How Simple Messages Really Stick
In a fascinating discussion, seasoned entrepreneur and Stanford professor Steve Blank emphasizes the power of simplicity in messaging. He shares insights on how memorable messages can drive significant change. Steve explores the Lean Startup methodology, stressing the importance of direct customer engagement for validating ideas. Additionally, he delves into crafting effective communication strategies tailored to audience needs, highlighting the art of simplifying complex concepts, much like iconic communicators. Ultimately, he champions communication as a crucial ingredient for leadership success.
25 snips
Mar 29, 2022 • 21min
55. Ideas & Empathy: How to Design and Communicate with Others in Mind
In this engaging discussion, Sarah Stein Greenberg, Director of the Stanford d.school and author of Creative Acts for Curious People, shares her insights on designing with empathy. She emphasizes the importance of seeing beyond our own perspectives to meet others' needs effectively. The conversation touches on the evolving applications of design thinking, enhancing communication through creativity, and the essential ingredients for effective communication, such as passion and simplicity. Practical tips for fostering collaboration and creating a positive atmosphere in group settings are also explored.
32 snips
Mar 15, 2022 • 25min
54. Leadership and Ethics: How to Communicate Your Core Values
Neil Malhotra and Ken Shotts, esteemed political economy professors at Stanford, delve into the nuances of leadership and ethics. They stress understanding that not everyone will share your core values, making empathy crucial to effective leadership. The duo discusses transitioning to a stakeholder model of business ethics and the impact of environment on ethical choices. They also highlight the power of clear communication, tailoring messages to resonate with diverse audiences. Their insights are both practical and thought-provoking.
53 snips
Mar 1, 2022 • 22min
53. Step Up and Stand Out: How to Create the Right Environment for Communication
Jonathan Levav, the King Philanthropies Professor of Marketing at Stanford Graduate School of Business, delves into the intricacies of effective communication. He discusses how decision fatigue impacts not just consumers, but also judges in parole hearings, leading to biased outcomes. Levav emphasizes the importance of fostering a positive company culture that encourages creativity and innovation, even in remote settings. He shares insights on overcoming cognitive load and managing implicit norms to enhance collaboration and connection among teams.
9 snips
Feb 16, 2022 • 22min
52. Communicating Our Mistakes: How to Avoid Common Flaws and Make Better Decisions
Jules van Binsbergen, Nippon Life Professor in Finance at Wharton and co-host of the All Else Equal podcast, joins as a guest. The conversation dives deep into the importance of embracing mistakes in decision-making and the emotional dynamics involved. They advocate for fostering a culture of openness for better collaboration. Innovative teaching methods, like the flipped classroom, are discussed alongside the power of simplicity in communication. The duo emphasizes active listening and humility as essential ingredients for effective communication.
13 snips
Feb 10, 2022 • 13min
51. We Asked, You Answered: Celebrating our 50th Episode with your Anxiety Management Plans
Hosts celebrate a milestone by sharing listener-inspired anxiety management strategies. They explore various techniques for managing public speaking jitters, emphasizing the importance of personalized approaches. Unique plans, like the RELAX acronym, highlight preparation and gratitude as key components. The discussion also contrasts communication strategies for both virtual and in-person settings. With gratitude, they acknowledge listener participation while teasing future themes that continue to enhance communication skills.
22 snips
Feb 2, 2022 • 20min
50. Telling Good Stories: How to Use the Elements of Narrative to Keep Listeners Engaged
In this conversation, Paula Moya, a Stanford University professor and author, dives into the art of storytelling. She explains how compelling narratives can evoke emotions and inspire action. Moya emphasizes the importance of empathy and creating relatable characters in stories. She also discusses how to tailor narratives for diverse audiences, focusing on inclusivity, especially for underrepresented voices. Additionally, they explore the power of storytelling in leadership, highlighting techniques that engage and motivate listeners.
20 snips
Jan 18, 2022 • 19min
49. Make Numbers Count: How to Communicate Data Effectively
In this engaging discussion, Chip Heath, a professor of organizational behavior and author of Making Numbers Count, shares his insights on transforming data into compelling narratives. He emphasizes the need to make numbers emotional, as emotions drive action. Heath reveals how many people struggle with interpreting numbers and advocates for translating data into relatable concepts. Drawing on historical examples, he illustrates how emotional context can enhance communication and motivate change, providing practical strategies for clear and engaging data presentations.
