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
283 snips
Apr 22, 2025 • 24min
199. Blunder Pressure: Mastering In-the-Moment Communication (3 of 3)
Explore mastering spontaneous communication and learn how to thrive under pressure. Discover strategies for embracing a 'next play' mindset, which helps in overcoming mistakes with confidence. Humor is highlighted as a powerful tool for turning errors into engaging moments. Professionals share insights on maintaining composure in high-stress situations and practical exercises enhance your skills. This informative series transforms how you think and speak on your feet, ensuring you flow, not freeze, when put on the spot.
477 snips
Apr 17, 2025 • 26min
198. Pause and Effect: Mastering In-the-Moment Communication (2 of 3)
Discover how to thrive in spontaneous communication with tips from experts like sports commentators and FBI negotiators. Learn to stay present, read the room, and use techniques like mirroring and active listening to connect with your audience. The importance of adaptability in high-pressure situations is explored, along with the nuances of effective pauses and body language. Practical exercises are provided to help turn challenges into growth opportunities, ensuring you speak confidently and clearly, no matter the circumstances.
725 snips
Apr 15, 2025 • 26min
197. Prep or Perish: Mastering In-the-Moment Communication (1 of 3)
Dive into the world of spontaneous communication, where preparation meets performance. Discover techniques to transform nerves into energy and master the art of staying present. Insights from an NFL referee and an FBI hostage negotiator reveal how to combat anxiety and overthinking. Learn to connect with your audience seamlessly, even when put on the spot. Practical exercises await to help sharpen your in-the-moment speaking skills, turning potential mishaps into confident moments.
307 snips
Apr 8, 2025 • 24min
196. Ditch the Dictionary: Communicate Confidently Through Connection
Lindsay McMahon, CEO and founder of All Ears English, shares her insights into effective communication for non-native speakers. She emphasizes that real communication is about connection, not perfection. Practical strategies like active listening and cultural awareness are discussed, along with overcoming nervousness to build confidence. The conversation dives into the significance of concise communication and embracing feedback for self-improvement. McMahon advocates for viewing communication from diverse angles, enhancing understanding and engagement.
79 snips
Apr 3, 2025 • 14min
195. Q&A on Conflict, Confidence, and Connection: Me2We 2025 Part 2
Stanford experts tackle live questions on leadership and authenticity, providing actionable insights for real-world challenges. They emphasize the importance of receptive dialogue in conflict situations, urging listeners to approach conversations with curiosity. The discussion also highlights the shift from fear-based leadership to fostering psychological safety and genuine connections within teams. Additionally, they explore the critical role of reputation and first impressions in professional interactions, showcasing strategies for balancing immediate success with meaningful relationships.
135 snips
Apr 1, 2025 • 33min
194. Live Lessons in Levity and Leadership: Me2We 2025 Part 1
Join Naomi Bagdonas, a Stanford Graduate School of Business lecturer specializing in humor in leadership, as she shares invaluable insights on effective communication. She discusses how authenticity fosters trust and the importance of discomfort for personal growth. The conversation delves into the innovative role of AI in education, enhancing human interaction, and the necessity of evolving leadership dynamics that prioritize employee well-being. Naomi offers engaging tips on using humor as a powerful tool in leadership, making this a must-listen for aspiring leaders.
296 snips
Mar 25, 2025 • 13min
193. Conquer Questions: ADDing Value To Your Answers
Transform your Q&A fears into strengths with expert strategies for delivering clear and controlled answers. Discover how a mindset shift can turn intimidating audience interactions into opportunities for engagement. Master preparation techniques to anticipate challenges, while harnessing the ADD framework to structure impactful responses. Build your confidence and learn to maintain composure under pressure, ensuring you command the room and tackle any question with ease.
473 snips
Mar 20, 2025 • 12min
192. Quick Thinks: How to Supersize Your Stories
Dan Heath, a bestselling author renowned for his expertise in decision-making, joins the discussion to share his secrets about powerful storytelling. He emphasizes the importance of crafting compelling narratives that not only captivate but also inspire change. Listeners will learn about the elements that make a story engaging, with real-life examples from a hospital case study. Heath also reveals how to find meaningful stories and the transformative power of storytelling in simplifying complex ideas and enhancing communication.
428 snips
Mar 18, 2025 • 25min
191. Memorable Messages: Choose Words That Capture Attention and Stay Remembered
Ada Aka, an assistant professor of marketing at Stanford Graduate School of Business, explores the science behind memorable communication. She reveals how word choice can significantly impact memory and perception, highlighting that certain words have more staying power than others. Aka discusses the art of crafting catchy slogans and how emotional language can enhance audience engagement. She provides practical tips on using framing and storytelling to create lasting impressions, making her insights invaluable for anyone seeking to communicate effectively.
537 snips
Mar 11, 2025 • 27min
190. Motivation Matters: How to Leverage What People Already Want
Dan Heath, a New York Times bestselling author and expert in persuasion, shares his insights on mobilizing change without crafting new motivations. Instead of convincing others from scratch, he encourages tapping into their existing desires. Heath discusses the concept of 'leverage points'—small efforts that yield significant results—and emphasizes the power of storytelling in engaging audiences. He explores how personal anecdotes and practical strategies can enhance communication and drive organizational success. Discover how to turn latent motivation into an engine for impactful change!
