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
15 snips
Mar 31, 2021 • 23min
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 • 26min
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.
29 snips
Feb 18, 2021 • 30min
28. Building Strong Relationships: How to Effectively Communicate in Your Professional and Personal Life
David Bradford, a Stanford GSB lecturer on leadership, and Carole Robin, a former lecturer at Stanford, team up to share their insights on building exceptional relationships. They discuss the crucial role of vulnerability and trust in communication. Highlights include the '15% rule' for gradual risk-taking in sharing, the power of disclosure to enhance connections, and effective feedback strategies. Listeners will learn how genuine inquiries can foster deeper ties, especially in today’s virtual interactions.
Jan 28, 2021 • 26min
27. Psychology Trumps Technology: How to Be a Better Communicator on Social Media
Jeff Hancock, founding director of the Stanford Social Media Lab, brings his expertise in psychological processes to the discussion of online communication. He emphasizes that psychology trumps technology in social media, highlighting how human motivations shape our interactions. Hancock warns of the double-edged sword of social media on mental health while advocating for authentic communication. He offers strategies for building trust and engagement, showcasing the power of storytelling in connecting with audiences in a digital world.
36 snips
Jan 8, 2021 • 24min
26. Writing to Win: How to Quickly Capture Readers and Keep Them Engaged
Glenn Kramon, an editor at the New York Times and a Stanford GSB lecturer, emphasizes the urgency of engaging writing. He shares that starting with your main point can capture impatient readers' attention. The discussion explores common pitfalls and the necessity of audience awareness in crafting messages. Glenn also highlights storytelling and humor as effective tools to connect with readers. Lastly, he advocates for praise over criticism in communication, citing Steve Jobs as a master of influence, showcasing the passion required for impactful exchanges.
15 snips
Dec 4, 2020 • 9min
25. Quick Thinks: All Effective Communication Must Start With This
Understanding your audience is the secret to effective communication. Exploring past public service campaigns, we see how targeted messages can succeed, like the impactful 'Don't Mess with Texas' initiative. Tips on using storytelling to engage listeners are shared, underscoring the importance of tailoring content. The discussion reveals that the journey to impactful communication starts with knowing who you're speaking to, making your message more meaningful and memorable.
23 snips
Nov 20, 2020 • 25min
24. Feelings First: How Emotion Shapes Our Communication, Decisions, and Experiences
Baba Shiv, a Stanford Marketing Professor, dives into the powerful ways emotions influence our decisions and interactions. He reveals that a staggering 90-95% of our choices are driven by emotional processes, often unconsciously. Shiv underscores the significance of understanding your audience and giving them space to express themselves, enhancing ownership of ideas. The discussion also touches on how authentic communication and even embracing imperfection can significantly improve conversational effectiveness, enriching both personal and professional connections.
14 snips
Nov 6, 2020 • 32min
23. Look Within: How to Lead with Self Awareness and Vulnerability
Brian Lowery, Senior Associate Dean at Stanford GSB, dives into the crucial interplay between self-awareness and leadership. He discusses how personal values shape effective communication and highlights the need for courage in addressing systemic racism. Lowery emphasizes the significance of vulnerability in fostering genuine connections and urges leaders to engage authentically. He also explores the role of 'cloaking strategies' related to privilege and shares essential competencies for navigating challenging conversations. Tune in for insights on leading with clarity and purpose!
Oct 22, 2020 • 27min
22. Under Pressure: How to Communicate Clearly and Timely During a Crisis
David Demarest, a lecturer at Stanford Graduate School of Business and former White House Communications Director, shares crucial insights on crisis communication. He emphasizes the importance of knowing one's values to guide decision-making. The conversation touches on managing transparency during crises, engaging stakeholders proactively, and the power of perspective in communication. Demarest highlights how strategic messaging can bolster trust and engagement, showcasing historical figures like Gandhi and Lincoln as examples of effective context in messaging.
4 snips
Oct 9, 2020 • 23min
21. Words Matter: How to Make Your Communication Inclusive
Join Sarah Soule, Mortridge Professor at Stanford GSB, as she discusses how language can uphold or dismantle stereotypes. She shares insights on implementing effective diversity and inclusion programs, emphasizing the power of 'small wins.' Listeners will learn how biases in communication can impact perceptions of leaders and discover strategies to create more inclusive environments. Sarah also highlights the transformative impact of recent social movements on education and the emotional weight of communication in fostering engagement.
