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
313 snips
Mar 25, 2025 • 15min
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 • 13min
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.
547 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!
290 snips
Mar 4, 2025 • 22min
189. Numbers Need Narrative: Use Data to Influence and Inspire
Miro Kazakoff, a senior lecturer at MIT Sloan and author of 'Persuading with Data', shares insights on the power of narrative in data presentation. He argues that while data can provide objectivity, its true impact comes from understanding your audience. Kazakoff emphasizes the importance of empathy, suggesting that effective communication lies in listening and framing data in a relatable way. He offers practical strategies, such as context and storytelling, to turn complex information into compelling narratives that engage and inspire.
209 snips
Feb 25, 2025 • 26min
188. Mind Reading 101: To Know What Your Audience Thinks, Just Ask
Matt Lieberman, a UCLA psychology professor and director of the Social Cognitive Neuroscience Lab, explores the nuances of communication. He emphasizes the difference between mind-reading and his concept of 'perspective-getting,' advocating for direct dialogue to enhance understanding. The conversation dives into how social and physical pain share neural pathways and explains the loneliness crisis through neuroimaging insights. Lieberman also highlights humility and curiosity as essential traits for effective communication.
308 snips
Feb 20, 2025 • 24min
187. Experimenting, Failing, and Finding Your Job Fit - Catalyze Your Career
Dorie Clark, a bestselling author and career strategist, challenges the traditional view of career paths, advocating for a mindset of experimentation. She emphasizes the importance of adaptability in career planning and suggests using informational interviews and LinkedIn strategies as essential tools for exploration. Clark discusses how personal branding can enhance career shifts and the role of mentorship in professional growth. She also highlights the value of being open to unexpected opportunities, asserting that reinvention should be a continuous habit.
483 snips
Feb 18, 2025 • 22min
186. Own Your Impact: How to Communicate Your Personal Power
Explore how tapping into personal power can transform communication. A strong belief in oneself enhances the persuasiveness of messages. Discover how mindsets shape interactions, especially in high-stakes situations like pitches. Learn the art of structuring compelling pitches that resonate with audiences by focusing on benefits. Embrace authenticity and master nonverbal cues to engage effectively. This insightful conversation offers research-backed strategies for impactful communication that starts from within.
2,778 snips
Feb 11, 2025 • 21min
185. Say Less, Mean More: Craft Compelling Communication
Guy Kawasaki, a renowned author and former chief evangelist for Apple, shares his insights on making communication captivating rather than merely informative. He emphasizes that storytelling should evoke emotions, suggesting that entertainment enhances the chance to inform. From crafting engaging presentations to utilizing the 10-20-30 rule, he offers practical strategies for pitches and talks. Kawasaki also discusses how fostering a growth mindset is crucial in both communication and personal endeavors, highlighting the transformative power of storytelling.
284 snips
Feb 6, 2025 • 23min
184. Fit or Quit? Find the Job That is Right For You—Catalyze Your Career
Catherine Fisher, Vice President of Global Consumer Communications at LinkedIn, shares her insights on proactive career growth. She emphasizes that true career success involves adaptability, networking, and taking control before challenges arise. Fisher discusses the importance of self-reflection, personal branding, and job crafting to align your work with your strengths. With practical strategies for navigating non-linear career paths and the power of self-advocacy, listeners will learn how to cultivate their careers actively, rather than reactively.
