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
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.
44 snips
Aug 6, 2024 • 20min
154. Rethinks: Communicating Better as a Leader
Jonathan D. Levin, the tenth dean of Stanford Graduate School of Business and President of Stanford University, shares invaluable insights on leadership communication. He emphasizes the need for leaders to connect with their teams through shared humanity, while striking a balance between directness and open dialogue. Levin discusses the evolving expectations of leadership in uncertain times and the importance of fostering discussions around pressing societal issues. He also highlights initiatives aimed at broadening educational access to cultivate future leaders.
48 snips
Jul 30, 2024 • 31min
153. Listen Up, Leaders: A Record-Setting Coach’s Guide to Communication
Tara VanDerveer, former Stanford women's basketball coach and NCAA record-holder, shares her insights on leadership and communication. She emphasizes that effective coaching starts with listening and building strong relationships. VanDerveer explores how clear communication in high-pressure situations enhances team performance and trust. She also advocates for equity in women's sports, reflecting on personal achievements while emphasizing teamwork. Her experiences illustrate that successful leadership hinges not just on winning, but on fostering collaboration and resilience.
241 snips
Jul 23, 2024 • 38min
152. Fix Your Communication: Why It’s About Connection Over Perfection
Join Anne Morriss, a CEO and best-selling author, and Frances Frei, a Harvard Business School Professor, as they discuss the art of communication. They explore the pitfalls of perfectionism and self-doubt, emphasizing that great communication is about connecting with your audience. Discover strategies for managing anxiety, mastering spontaneous speaking, and turning communication challenges into opportunities. Gain insights on how to refocus your energy from yourself to those you speak to, enhancing both clarity and collaboration.
159 snips
Jul 16, 2024 • 31min
151. Get Hired: How the Right Communication Can Advance Your Career
In this engaging discussion, Andrew Seaman, Senior Managing Editor for Jobs at LinkedIn, shares his expertise on how effective communication can propel your career. He emphasizes the importance of crafting a compelling personal narrative to showcase your journey. Andrew offers tips on mastering online presence and social media for job searches, and he provides strategies for navigating interviews and networking. He also highlights the value of authenticity and humor in professional communication, urging listeners to actively shape their career paths.
101 snips
Jul 9, 2024 • 24min
150. Communication Tips from the Classroom and Around the World
Shawon Jackson, a powerful communicator and the executive director of Vocal Justice, shares insights on effective communication strategies with co-host Matt Abrahams. They discuss the importance of understanding your audience, using transitions for clarity, and the art of silence in conversations. Jackson emphasizes the need for authentic communication, especially when discussing social justice. The duo also highlights techniques for enhancing listening skills and mastering Q&A sessions, making this a treasure trove of tips for anyone looking to communicate more effectively.
150 snips
Jul 2, 2024 • 29min
149. Rethinks: How to Take Risks in Your Communication, Relationships, and Career
Dan Pink, author of five New York Times bestsellers and former speechwriter for Al Gore, explores the transformative power of taking risks in communication and relationships. He emphasizes that people often regret missed opportunities rather than their actions. Pink discusses how leaders can inspire by focusing on the 'why' rather than the 'how,' highlighting that purpose drives performance. He encourages listeners to overcome fears of awkwardness in conversations, advocating for more direct and authentic communication.
126 snips
Jun 25, 2024 • 29min
148. Conviction and Compassion: How to Have Hard Conversations
Join Irv Grousbeck, a Stanford professor and entrepreneur, as he shares his expertise on managing difficult conversations. He emphasizes the balance of conviction and compassion, advocating for directness paired with respect. Discover practical strategies for navigating tough dialogues, including the power of listening and rehearsal. Grousbeck also debunks myths about entrepreneurship, highlighting that many successful founders are actually risk-averse. Learn how collaboration and thoughtful dialogue can turn tense discussions into constructive exchanges.
247 snips
Jun 18, 2024 • 26min
147. Disrupt Yourself: How to Innovate Who You Are and Become Who You Can Be
Whitney Johnson, an executive coach and author of "Disrupt Yourself," dives into the transformative power of personal disruption. She shares strategies for embracing self-innovation to unlock new possibilities in life and career. Johnson discusses the importance of emotional connection and storytelling in communication, highlighting techniques to tailor messages for different audiences. She also introduces the S-curve concept for personal growth, encouraging individuals to acknowledge their unique strengths while creating a supportive environment for change.
192 snips
Jun 11, 2024 • 21min
146. Stress Resets: How to Change Your Internal Dialogue to Communicate Better
Jenny Taitz, a clinical psychologist and UCLA professor, dives into the crucial relationship between stress and communication. She reveals how our internal dialogue often fuels stress and offers tools to recalibrate our self-talk. Taitz introduces her G.I.V.E. framework—being Gentle, Interested, Validating, and Easy-mannered—as a pathway to better conversations. Listeners learn techniques to redirect negative thoughts and enhance empathy, ultimately transforming their interactions with themselves and others.
