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
353 snips
Jul 1, 2025 • 29min
213. Rethinks: Building Trusting Relationships Through Communication
Jamil Zaki, a Stanford psychology professor and director of the Stanford Social Neuroscience Lab, shares insights from his book, Hope for Cynics: The Surprising Science of Human Goodness. He discusses how to transform skepticism into trust by trusting loudly. Zaki explores the foundations of trust in relationships, the impact of cynicism on communication, and practical strategies to counter negativity bias. He emphasizes the importance of constructive conversations and navigating disagreements to foster deeper connections.
320 snips
Jun 26, 2025 • 25min
212. Break It to Make It: Disrupt Your Way to the Perfect Job Fit
Whitney Johnson, a bestselling author and leadership expert, shares her insights on embracing change for career success. She emphasizes that real growth comes from stepping outside your comfort zone and challenging routines. Johnson introduces the S-curve of learning, helping listeners identify when it’s time to pivot or double down. She encourages recognizing signs of stagnation and navigating discomfort to achieve personal and professional reinvention. Her strategies for embracing disruption spotlight the importance of self-awareness and aligning values with career choices.
234 snips
Jun 24, 2025 • 26min
211. Small Screens, Strong Signals: Mastering Modern Communication
Andrew Brodsky, a management professor at the University of Texas and author of PING: The Secrets of Successful Virtual Communication, shares insights on navigating the challenges of digital communication. He highlights how texts, emails, and video calls can misrepresent our intentions. Brodsky introduces the PING framework, focusing on perspective-taking and nonverbal awareness, and offers practical tips for effective virtual interactions. He emphasizes the importance of channel selection and the nuances of authenticity in the digital age.
424 snips
Jun 17, 2025 • 28min
210. First Impression to Lasting Impact: Use Status Strategically
In this discussion, Alison Fragale, a research psychologist and author known for her work on power and influence in organizations, emphasizes the importance of status in achieving career success. She argues that gaining influence begins with earning respect rather than seeking power directly. Fragale shares insights on the art of being a 'likeable badass,' blending warmth and assertiveness in communication to foster authentic connections. Her strategies help women navigate workplace challenges and build meaningful relationships for professional growth.
451 snips
Jun 12, 2025 • 25min
209. Find Your Fit, Find Your Focus - Catalyze Your Career
Andrew Seaman, Senior Managing Editor for Jobs at LinkedIn, shares insights on navigating the job market with intention. He emphasizes that job searching starts with curiosity, not just a polished résumé. Seaman advocates for slowing down, asking questions, and engaging in meaningful conversations. He introduces a four-step framework for effective job hunting, highlighting the role of AI tools and strategic storytelling. Discover how to redefine success and actively manage your career while showcasing your unique value in a competitive landscape.
211 snips
Jun 10, 2025 • 26min
208. Ambiguity to Action: Tensions and Trade-Offs of Leadership and Communication
Rob Siegel, a venture investor and lecturer at Stanford Graduate School of Business, discusses the complexities of leadership in today's chaotic environment. He emphasizes that effective communication is essential for navigating uncertainty, encouraging leaders to embrace ambiguity as a new normal. Siegel shares practical tips on preparing for spontaneous speaking and building trust through transparency. He argues that fostering clarity while managing rapid change empowers teams, ultimately enabling leaders to guide their organizations through crises.
361 snips
Jun 3, 2025 • 27min
207. From Conflict to Connection: Having Crucial Conversations that Count
Joseph Grenny, a leading expert in business performance and communication and a New York Times bestselling co-author, dives into the dynamics of difficult conversations. He reveals how the stories we tell ourselves—victim, villain, and helpless narratives—can sabotage dialogue. Grenny shares practical strategies, emphasizing TLC: truth, love, and competence, to navigate conflicts. By fostering self-awareness and focusing on genuine motives, he offers tools to enhance emotional management and strengthen relationships during crucial discussions.
395 snips
May 29, 2025 • 25min
206. Crafting Narratives That Motivate: What’s Your Strategy Story?
Martin Reeves, chairman of the BCG Henderson Institute and author of The Imagination Machine, dives into the art of storytelling and its vital role in strategy. He shares how a good strategy isn’t just a plan—it’s a compelling narrative that inspires action. Reeves introduces a six-step framework for enhancing creativity and emphasizes the importance of reframing ideas. They also discuss how the simple 'like' button has reshaped our digital interactions and its implications on communication and influence in today's world.
152 snips
May 27, 2025 • 41min
205. Say What Sucks: Catalyzing Organizational Change with AI
Join Jeremy Utley, a Stanford design thinking professor, alongside Krista Stout, EVP of the Trailblazers, and David Long, VP of digital innovation, as they unpack innovative strategies for organizational change. The trio dives into how voicing employee complaints can lead to significant improvements. They share insights from 'Lunch and Launch' sessions that helped uncover pain points, emphasizing that understanding what employees dislike about their jobs can spark meaningful transformation and enhanced productivity through AI.
464 snips
May 20, 2025 • 29min
204. Tough Talks: Turn Tension Into Trust
Sheila Heen, a Harvard Law School lecturer and co-author of the bestselling books on difficult conversations, shares her insights on navigating tough talks. She emphasizes the importance of self-reflection to tackle our internal narratives before engaging others. Heen introduces the 'ACE' framework for providing feedback and suggests transforming confrontations into understanding opportunities. She also discusses recognizing emotions and personal triggers, promoting clearer communication even in high-stakes situations that foster trust and collaboration.
