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
33 snips
Aug 28, 2020 • 31min
18. Managing in the Moment: How to Get Comfortable with Being Uncomfortable
Christian Wheeler, StrataComm Professor at Stanford, dives into the art of managing unpredictability. He emphasizes the power of embracing failure as a vital step toward success, encouraging listeners to view setbacks as growth opportunities. The discussion highlights creative collaboration techniques, such as the 'yes and' principle, to foster inclusivity. Wheeler also explores how language impacts relationships and decision-making. His insights on effective communication underscore the importance of vulnerability and curiosity in creating meaningful connections.
36 snips
Aug 13, 2020 • 20min
17. Think Fast: You Asked, We Answered
Shawon Jackson, MBA ’21, founder of Our Voices Matter, joins Matt Abrahams to tackle audience-submitted communication challenges. They discuss powerful techniques to craft written responses and manage interruptions effectively. Shawon emphasizes the importance of understanding power dynamics in communication. The duo dives into collaborative advocacy strategies for students and shares insights on setting clear communication goals. They also highlight storytelling's role in engaging audiences, showcasing how personal narratives can drive meaningful conversations.
21 snips
Jul 31, 2020 • 7min
16. Quick Thinks: How to Craft Your Body Language When Confronting Objections
Body language plays a crucial role in addressing objections and engaging with a skeptical audience. Discover how posture, eye contact, and nonverbal cues can convey empathy and confidence. Learn strategies for active listening to enhance understanding and foster trust. Balancing vulnerability and strength in your expressions can lead to more effective communication. This insightful conversation dives into the dynamics of nonverbal communication and its impact on resolving conflicts.
47 snips
Jul 16, 2020 • 16min
15. The Art of Negotiation: How to Get More of What You Want
Maggie Neale, Adams Distinguished Professor of Management Emerita at Stanford GSB and co-author of 'Getting More of What You Want,' dives into the nuances of negotiation. She suggests viewing negotiations not as battles but as collaborative problem-solving opportunities. Neale emphasizes the importance of preparation and understanding emotions in negotiations. She shares unique anecdotes and practical strategies, including the concept of chunking to address multiple issues simultaneously, ultimately advocating for empathy and effective communication in resolving conflicts.
17 snips
Jul 2, 2020 • 24min
14. Be Better At Work: How to Communicate Better With Coworkers and Employees
Bob Sutton, a Stanford Professor of Management Science and an expert in organizational behavior, joins the discussion to unravel the complexities of workplace communication. He emphasizes the importance of minimizing "friction" to enhance collaboration. Sutton shares strategies for improving meeting effectiveness and fostering psychological safety, urging leaders to create environments where every voice is heard. He underscores the need for clarity and empathetic communication, especially during challenging times, to boost team cohesion and productivity.
46 snips
Jun 22, 2020 • 28min
13. Make ’Em Laugh: How to Use Humor as a Secret Weapon in Your Communication
Jennifer Aaker and Naomi Bagdonas, experts from Stanford, dive into the art of using humor as a powerful communication tool. They reveal how humor can help build trust, elevate one's status, and connect with audiences more effectively. Aaker shares insights on how humor can transform workplace dynamics, while Bagdonas emphasizes authenticity and positivity in messaging. Personal anecdotes highlight the balance of humor and professionalism, making a case for laughter as a strategic asset in both business and life.
47 snips
Jun 5, 2020 • 20min
12. It's Not What You Say, It’s How You Say It: How To Communicate Power
In this conversation, Deborah Gruenfeld, a Professor at Stanford's Graduate School of Business and author of *Acting with Power*, explores the intricacies of power in communication. She emphasizes how body language can enhance or diminish personal power and shares strategies to project confidence through posture and presence. The discussion delves into the importance of understanding power dynamics in relationships, mastering non-verbal cues, and the art of reassuring communication for effective leadership.
80 snips
May 21, 2020 • 22min
11. The Science of Influence: How to Persuade Others And Hold Their Attention
Zak Tormala, the Lawrence W. Lane Professor of Behavioral Science and Marketing at Stanford GSB, shares insights on the science behind persuasion. He explains that effective communication isn’t about manipulation, but rather understanding how to engage people’s attention. The discussion dives into strategies for overcoming resistance, fostering dialogue, and utilizing cooperative language. Tormala emphasizes the importance of combining confidence with humility to connect with audiences, making persuasion a collaborative effort rather than a confrontation.
23 snips
May 7, 2020 • 19min
10. High-Stakes Communication: How to Manage Anxiety When Speaking in Front of Others
Public speaking anxiety is a common hurdle, but it can be managed with the right techniques. The conversation emphasizes recognizing the roots of nervousness and managing rather than eliminating anxiety. Listeners learn practical strategies like deep breathing, audience engagement, and focusing on the moment to boost confidence. Personal anecdotes and humor highlight the journey of overcoming public speaking fears. The importance of the three Cs—confidence, connection, and compelling delivery—provides essential insights for effective communication.
9 snips
Apr 23, 2020 • 7min
9. Quick Thinks: How Being Present-Oriented Improves Communication
Discover how being present enhances communication skills and deepens audience connections. Experts share insights on improvisation and active listening, revealing techniques to engage effectively. The discussion also highlights the importance of humor in building rapport, emphasizing that fostering connection is more valuable than just making people laugh. Learn to let go of scripts and embrace spontaneity to boost your speaking presence and clarity.
