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
37 snips
May 13, 2021 • 32min
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 • 28min
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 • 12min
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 • 24min
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 • 27min
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 • 32min
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 • 28min
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 • 25min
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 • 10min
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 • 26min
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.
