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
14 snips
Nov 6, 2020 • 34min
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 • 29min
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 • 25min
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.
62 snips
Sep 25, 2020 • 27min
20. Question Your Questions: How to Spark Creativity in Your Communication
In this engaging discussion, guest Tina Seelig, a Stanford professor focusing on creativity and innovation, shares insights on sparking creativity through effective communication. She emphasizes the importance of asking questions, stating that a curious mindset leads to better engagement. Seelig highlights storytelling techniques, like the 'story spine,' that can captivate audiences. Listeners learn how to enhance their virtual communication skills and the critical role of a strong opening and closing in presentations, making communication both engaging and impactful.
17 snips
Sep 11, 2020 • 28min
19. Showing Your Smile From Behind a Mask: How Culture and Emotion Impact Communication
In this enlightening discussion, Jeanne Tsai, an associate professor of Psychology at Stanford, delves into the intricate ways culture influences communication and emotions. She highlights how mask-wearing affects interpersonal interactions differently across cultures, where it can either foster understanding or hinder expression. Jeanne also contrasts independent versus interdependent cultural views on communication, offering insights on how recognizing these differences can enhance relationships, especially in diverse workplaces.
33 snips
Aug 28, 2020 • 34min
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 • 22min
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 • 8min
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 • 19min
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 • 27min
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.
