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
104 snips
Oct 8, 2024 • 22min
163. Is Your Audience Ignoring You? How Authenticity Creates Connection
Alan Alda, an acclaimed actor, writer, and founder of the Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science, discusses the transformative power of authenticity in communication. He emphasizes that true connection hinges on acceptance—of ourselves and others. Alda shares insights on making complex scientific information accessible and the importance of clear, engaging dialogue. He also highlights the role of mirroring in deepening interactions and encourages embracing vulnerability for genuine communication. Alda's passion for clear dialogue shines throughout, aiming to bridge gaps in understanding.
57 snips
Oct 1, 2024 • 22min
162. Unlock Career Opportunities: How to Make the Right Moves
Maggie Baird, an accomplished actress, improv teacher, and founder of Support and Feed, shares her insights on navigating careers with joy and openness. She emphasizes the power of the 'yes, and...' principle, which fosters collaboration and enhances communication. Baird also discusses the importance of empathy in education and how it can influence positive change in sectors like the music industry. Plus, she highlights her nonprofit work promoting food equity and sustainability, encouraging listeners to embrace small changes for a better future.
83 snips
Sep 26, 2024 • 22min
Bonus: How to Manage Speaking Anxiety the Think Faster, Talk Smarter Way
Discover effective strategies to conquer speaking anxiety and enhance your communication skills. Learn how to reframe anxiety as excitement and employ mindfulness techniques to stay calm under pressure. Personal anecdotes and practical tips reveal how to tackle unexpected questions with confidence. Additionally, find ways to manage physical symptoms of anxiety and sharpen your focus during high-stakes situations. Empower yourself to speak up and shine in any conversation!
68 snips
Sep 24, 2024 • 25min
161. Do Your Homework: Know What to Say by Knowing Who You’re Talking To
Jen Psaki, the former White House Press Secretary and current host of Inside with Jen Psaki on MSNBC, shares her wisdom on effective communication. She emphasizes the importance of knowing your audience to tailor your message. High-stakes situations require precision in wording, as every word matters. Psaki discusses the art of negotiation, the role of common ground, and the power of feedback in fostering emotional connections. With engaging anecdotes, she underlines that clarity and emotional engagement are key for impactful conversations.
107 snips
Sep 17, 2024 • 26min
160. Rethinks: How to Communicate Your Gameplan
Jesper Sørensen, a Professor of organizational behavior at Stanford GSB, discusses the evolving landscape of organizational strategy. He emphasizes that effective strategies arise from dynamic conversations rather than top-down orders. Highlighting the importance of listening to frontline teams, Sørensen illustrates how a collaborative approach fosters adaptability. He also explores the distinction between strategy and planning, underscoring the role of storytelling and engagement in communicating effective strategies that resonate across all levels of an organization.
33 snips
Sep 10, 2024 • 23min
159. Earn Your Audience: You Can’t Lead If No One’s Listening
In this engaging discussion, John Hennessy, former Stanford president and current Alphabet chairman, and Tina Seelig, director of the Knight-Hennessy Scholars program, delve into the art of leadership development. They stress that effective leaders are cultivated through empathy, humility, and storytelling. The duo highlights how cultivating communication skills and embracing diverse perspectives fosters collaboration and innovation. They also emphasize that true leadership empowers others, making clarity in communication essential for inspiring change.
12 snips
Sep 3, 2024 • 29min
158. Hope for Cynics: Building Trusting Relationships through Communication
In this engaging conversation, Jamil Zaki, a Stanford psychology professor and author of *Hope for Cynics*, delves into the vital role of trust in relationships. He shares the concept of 'trusting loudly' to counteract cynicism and foster connections. Listeners learn how open communication can break down barriers and transform strangers into friends. Zaki emphasizes the impact of positive influences and offers practical strategies to overcome negativity. The discussion encourages a hopeful outlook on human nature and the power of empathy in communication.
71 snips
Aug 27, 2024 • 26min
157. Communicating the Future: Defining Where We Want AI to Take Us
Russ Altman, a bioengineering professor at Stanford University and host of The Future of Everything podcast, shares insights on the intersection of AI and communication. He emphasizes that AI is not a threat but a tool to enhance our messages. The conversation touches on how AI can improve clarity in communications, especially for non-native speakers, and its role in crafting compelling grant proposals. Altman highlights the importance of passion in communication, urging us to prioritize understanding our message and audience to foster creativity and connection.
50 snips
Aug 20, 2024 • 28min
156. Creative Communication: How Our Design Choices Illustrate Our Values
Scott Doorley, creative director at the Stanford d.school and co-author of "Assembling Tomorrow," dives into the intersection of design and communication. He challenges listeners to consider what kind of world we want to create through intentional design. Topics include the emotional dynamics of communication, the influence of design on engagement, and the responsibilities of creators in a changing world. Doorley emphasizes storytelling and trust as vital components for meaningful connections, advocating for curiosity in leadership.
107 snips
Aug 13, 2024 • 21min
155. Can We Be Candid? How to Communicate Clearly and Directly
Susan Rice, former US Ambassador to the UN and National Security Advisor, shares her insights on the power of candid communication. She emphasizes the importance of being direct and encourages mutual honesty in relationships. Rice discusses the challenges of negotiating in high-stakes environments and the need for compassion in leadership. She also reflects on handling political differences within family dynamics, highlighting how love can bridge divides, and shares qualities that define effective communicators.
