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
7 snips
Aug 19, 2021 • 20min
38. The New Normal: How Hybrid Work Actually Works
Pamela Hinds, a prominent professor at Stanford University, dives into the complexities of hybrid work. She highlights that this new work model is neither telecommuting nor traditional office settings, presenting unique challenges. With a focus on flexibility, Hinds explains how organizations must adapt to employee expectations for varied work environments. She also discusses the evolving role of leadership and the vital importance of effective communication to foster team culture and collaboration in diverse settings.
Aug 5, 2021 • 23min
37. Be Better: How Communication Catalyzes Business Transformation
Robert Siegel, a Stanford GSB lecturer and author of 'The Brains and Brawn Company,' delves into how effective communication fuels business transformation. He discusses the interplay between digital and physical strategies that drive success, emphasizing a balance of practical execution and strategic insight. Siegel highlights essential skills for virtual communication, including storytelling and active listening. The conversation also covers the key ingredients for effective messaging, underscoring clarity and enthusiasm to engage audiences and foster adaptability in today’s dynamic landscape.
13 snips
Jul 15, 2021 • 22min
36. Perfecting Teamwork: Building High-Performing Teams By Encouraging Learning
Sara Singer, a Stanford professor specializing in organizational behavior and medicine, joins Matt Abrahams to explore the essence of teamwork. They discuss the pivotal role of open communication in high-performing teams, emphasizing the need for psychological safety and leadership that fosters learning. Singer highlights cultural traits essential for collaboration and the dangers of poor communication. Their conversation reveals how storytelling can enhance understanding and motivation, making it clear that effective teamwork hinges on embracing diversity and encouraging experimentation.
10 snips
Jun 25, 2021 • 23min
35. Leading From The Hot Seat: How To Communicate Under Pressure
Jeff Immelt, former CEO of General Electric and a lecturer at Stanford, shares his journey of leadership and self-reflection. He reveals insights on communicating under pressure during crises, such as 9-11 and the financial downturn. Immelt emphasizes that perfection isn’t the goal; it's about making progress. He discusses adapting communication styles to audiences and the power of simplicity and storytelling in effectively engaging teams. With practical tips, he encourages listeners to reflect and practice to build confidence in their communication skills.
59 snips
Jun 3, 2021 • 21min
34. How We Gain — Or Give Away — Authority While Speaking
In this engaging discussion, Jeffrey Pfeffer, a professor at Stanford's Graduate School of Business, dives into the intricate dynamics of authority in communication. He shares how simple, vivid language can significantly strengthen our message. Pfeffer emphasizes the importance of body language and vocal techniques in asserting confidence and presence. He also touches on the value of pre-communication warm-ups to ease anxiety and enhance performance. Listeners will gain actionable insights to elevate their speaking skills and influence.
37 snips
May 13, 2021 • 29min
33. Hacking your Speaking Anxiety: How Lessons from Neuroscience Can Help You Communicate Confidently.
In this insightful discussion, Andrew Huberman, an associate professor of neurobiology at Stanford, delves into the fascinating link between excitement and anxiety. He shares how understanding the autonomic continuum can empower speakers to transform nervousness into enthusiasm. Practical strategies for managing speaking anxiety, including breath control and eye movement therapy, are explored. Huberman also highlights the importance of effective eye contact in virtual communication, and emphasizes the need for passion and clarity in engaging interactions.
15 snips
Apr 22, 2021 • 26min
32. Speech That Empowers: How to Encourage Growth and Resilience in a Younger Audience
Julie Lythcott-Haims, former associate vice provost at Stanford and author of 'How to Raise an Adult', shares her insights on empowering young people. She discusses the delicate balance of guiding them into adulthood while fostering independence and resilience. The conversation dives into embracing imperfection, encouraging proactive mindsets, and the art of effective communication. Lythcott-Haims emphasizes the importance of authentic connection and compassion in conversations with youth, helping them navigate their journey with confidence.
11 snips
Apr 16, 2021 • 11min
31. Quick Thinks: How to Shine Online and Excel at Virtual Communication
Discover how to thrive in the world of virtual communication. Experts share essential strategies to capture attention and foster connections online. Learn about pacing meetings and the power of body language in enhancing engagement. Reduce cognitive overload by presenting information in bite-sized pieces, making remote interactions more effective. Get ready to shine through the screen with tips to cultivate a professional presence and build trust in your digital conversations!
15 snips
Mar 31, 2021 • 22min
30. Dissolve Disagreements: How Communication Impacts Conflict
Nir Halevy, an associate professor of organizational behavior at Stanford, dives into the intricate relationship between communication and conflict resolution. He discusses how choice of words and nonverbal cues can drastically affect responses during disagreements. The conversation touches on the importance of psychological distance in communication, advocating for adapting styles to foster engagement. Halevy emphasizes strategies for clarity and connection, suggesting that effective repetition and personal stories can significantly enhance understanding and cooperation.
34 snips
Mar 11, 2021 • 25min
29. Question Everything: Why Curiosity Is Communication’s Secret Weapon
Debra Schifrin, a Lecturer at Stanford and former NPR reporter, emphasizes the power of questioning in communication. She discusses how asking strategic questions fosters trust and deeper connections. Shifrin highlights the dual nature of questions, how tone influences perception, and the transformative role of curiosity in conversations. With personal stories and effective techniques like the 'killer last question,' she shows how thoughtful inquiries enhance engagement and authenticity in interactions, making communication more impactful.
