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
22 snips
Feb 2, 2022 • 21min
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 • 20min
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.
42 snips
Jan 5, 2022 • 25min
48. Speaking Up Without Freaking Out: How to Tackle Communication Anxiety
Aliyah Crum, a Stanford psychology professor specializing in stress and mindset, joins the discussion on combating communication anxiety. They reveal that a staggering 85% of people dread public speaking and share insights into the evolutionary roots of this fear. Listeners learn how to reframe stress positively and utilize it to enhance performance. Techniques like humor, prioritizing rest, and embracing personal voice are explored, empowering individuals to express themselves confidently across various settings.
15 snips
Dec 14, 2021 • 9min
47. Quick Thinks: How to Use Storytelling to Be a Better Founder
Great founders are great storytellers! Discover how authentic narratives can captivate customers and inspire employees. Learn the essential steps for launching a startup, from identifying pain points to pitching investors. Storytelling is vital for connection and credibility in entrepreneurship. By mastering narrative techniques, founders can significantly enhance their chances of success. Join a fascinating discussion that emphasizes the power of storytelling in the startup journey!
Dec 3, 2021 • 22min
46. Stay Creative: How to Keep Your Ideas Fresh and Practical
Justin Berg, an assistant professor of organizational behavior at Stanford, shares insights on the balance between novelty and usefulness in creativity. He emphasizes that both aspects are crucial yet often at odds. Berg discusses the importance of staying connected to creative efforts, especially for managers, and introduces the concept of job crafting to enhance job satisfaction. The discussion also highlights how effective communication can boost innovation in organizations and encourages listeners to embrace creativity in their professional roles.
4 snips
Nov 18, 2021 • 15min
45. Recipes From the “Communication Kitchen”: How to Handle Three Common Challenges This Holiday Season
The hosts tackle common holiday communication challenges with practical strategies. They share tips for mastering small talk and navigating conflicts with effective problem-solving. The importance of understanding different perspectives is emphasized, alongside techniques for better negotiation. Engaging discussions are framed to foster collaboration and gratitude during the festive season. Listeners are encouraged to enhance their communication skills with additional resources.
22 snips
Nov 11, 2021 • 22min
44. Act Like a Leader: How Lessons From The Theater Can Help You Step into Power
Melissa Jones Briggs, a Stanford GSB lecturer, merges theater techniques with social science to enhance leadership and communication skills. She emphasizes that leadership is a role played in others' lives and the importance of being present and stepping back when needed. Jones Briggs discusses how uncovering diverse narratives fosters inclusivity, and how powerful language can bridge gaps in corporate communication. She advocates for curiosity in leadership, asserting it as essential for genuine connections and effective teamwork.
8 snips
Oct 28, 2021 • 20min
43. Get Psyched: How Time and Situations Shape Our Communication
Join Stanford emeritus professor Phillip Zimbardo, renowned for the Stanford Prison Experiment, as he dives into how time shapes our communication. Zimbardo discusses the significant impact of situational factors on behavior, emphasizing that context can often overshadow personality traits. He also explores present hedonism, encouraging listeners to cherish immediate experiences. The podcast further highlights the potential for ordinary individuals to become heroes in challenging situations, using compelling lessons from his groundbreaking research.
11 snips
Oct 15, 2021 • 25min
42. Space, Pace, and Grace: How to Handle Challenging Conversations
Collins Dobbs, a management lecturer and executive coach at Stanford, dives into the nuances of handling tough conversations. He emphasizes the value of silence for reflection and the need to focus on receiving emotions with curiosity and openness. By discussing the AIR feedback model and the principles of space, pace, and grace, Dobbs outlines strategies for enhancing communication and building relationships. He also draws inspiration from influential figures like Martin Luther King Jr., highlighting the importance of competence and connection in effective dialogue.
17 snips
Sep 30, 2021 • 20min
41. Speak like a Founder: How Successful Entrepreneurs Communicate to Their Teams
Stefanos Zenios, a prominent entrepreneurship professor at Stanford, shares his insights on effective communication in teams. He suggests that teamwork involves 'dating' to foster strong connections and navigate difficult conversations. Zenios emphasizes the importance of clarity and setting expectations, drawing parallels between storytelling and pitching ideas. The discussion also delves into managing risks in entrepreneurship and aligning product development with customer needs. Listeners are encouraged to embrace these practical strategies to enhance collaboration and drive innovation.
