Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques
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183. Rethinks: How Anxiety Can Fuel Better Communication
4 februari 2025 · 26 min
Reframe anxiety as a strength and use stress to enhance your communication. Lees meer
Stress, anxiety, nervousness — when these feelings inevitably arise, lecturer Kelly McGonigal says it’s not about making them go away, but using them to your advantage.
“What I have come to value about anxiety,” says McGonigal, “is it’s a sign that I care.” As she explains, feelings of stress alert us to things that matter to us and help us stay present in the moment — particularly useful, she says, when it comes to communication.
In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, McGonigal and host Matt Abrahams discuss how to channel stress toward more effective communication and to a deeper connection to our own purpose and meaning.
Episode Reference Links:
Kelly McGonigal
Original Episode: Ep.69 Feeling Nervous? How Anxiety Can Fuel Better Communication
Ep.10 High-Stakes Communication: How to Manage Anxiety When Speaking in Front of Others
Ep.33 Hacking your Speaking Anxiety: How Lessons from Neuroscience Can Help You Communicate Confidently.
Connect:
Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart Premium
Email Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.io
Episode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart Website
Newsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.io
Think Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube
Matt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn
Chapters:
(00:00) - Introduction
(01:35) - The Benefits of Anxiety in Communication
(04:54) - Presence and Anxiety in Performance
(06:34) - Common Communication Mistakes
(10:33) - Encouraging Audience Engagement
(13:37) - Crafting Effective Communication
(15:34) - The Joy of Movement
(18:42) - The Final Three Questions
(24:49) - Conclusion
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Thank you to our sponsors. These partnerships support the ongoing production of the podcast, allowing us to bring it to you at no cost.Strawberry.me. Get 50% off your first coaching session today at Strawberry.me/smart
Join our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and b…
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182. Stop Chasing Time and Start Owning It: Communication, Happiness & Wellbeing
30 januari 2025 · 21 min
Clarify your purpose — and stop wasting time. Lees meer
The new year gives us an opportunity to reflect on who we are and who we want to be. As we set resolutions and prepare for evolutions, this special four-part series on communication, happiness, and well-being explores practical ways to enhance our lives through better communication, deeper connections, and more meaningful choices.
As Cassie Holmes knows, how we spend our time has a big impact on our happiness and well-being. For her, that means focusing on the things not just immediately in front of us, but those that most closely align with our purpose.
"When I say purpose, what I mean is what really drives you," explains Holmes, a professor at UCLA Anderson School of Management and author of Happier Hour: How to Beat Distraction, Expand Your Time, and Focus on What Matters Most. Living a happier and more fulfilled life, she says, rests on using purpose to drive our decisions. “Once you clarify for yourself: what is your purpose? What is your why? Then you can use that as a filter [for] where you should be spending your time.”
In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Holmes and host Matt Abrahams explore practical strategies for being more purposeful with our time. From email management to relationship building, Holmes shares research-backed approaches for achieving greater happiness through intentional choices.
This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at BetterHelp.com/ThinkFast and get ten percent off your first month.
Episode Reference Links:
Cassie Holmes
Cassie’s Book: Happier Hour: How to Beat Distraction, Expand Your Time, and Focus on What Matters Most
Connect:
Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart Premium
Email Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.io
Episode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart Website
Newsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.io
Think Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube
Matt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn
Chapt…
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181. Why Happiness is a Direction, Not a Destination: Communication, Happiness & Wellbeing
28 januari 2025 · 24 min
Why connection is the key to a life well lived. Lees meer
The new year gives us an opportunity to reflect on who we are and who we want to be. As we set resolutions and prepare for evolutions, this special four-part series on communication, happiness, and well-being explores practical ways to enhance our lives through better communication, deeper connections, and more meaningful choices.
When it comes to happiness, Arthur Brooks says it’s not about reaching a destination — it's about heading in the right direction. And according to him, that direction is fundamentally about relationships.
"Loving more people... more and more love... if you pursue that, you will defy the trends and get happier,” says Brooks, a social scientist, Harvard Business School professor, and author of several books including Build the Life You Want: The Art and Science of Getting Happier, cowritten with Oprah Winfrey. According to him, a happy life is made of enjoyment, satisfaction, and meaning, which we cultivate through connection with others. "Faith, family, friends, and work, that's your basic happiness 401k plan,” he says.
In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Brooks and host Matt Abrahams explore the fundamental role of relationships in creating a happy life, and how effective communication helps us build and maintain these essential connections.
This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at BetterHelp.com/ThinkFast and get ten percent off your first month.
Episode Reference Links:
Arthur Brooks
Arthur’s Book: Build the Life You Want: The Art and Science of Getting Happier
Connect:
Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart Premium
Email Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.io
Episode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart Website
Newsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.io
Think Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube
Matt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn
Chapters:
(00:00) - Introduction
(02:27) - Defining Happiness
(03…
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180. Unlocking Your Future Self: Communication, Happiness & Wellbeing
23 januari 2025 · 22 min
Why creating happiness in the future starts today. Lees meer
The new year gives us an opportunity to reflect on who we are and who we want to be. As we set resolutions and prepare for evolutions, this special four-part series on communication, happiness, and well-being explores practical ways to enhance our lives through better communication, deeper connections, and more meaningful choices.
In pursuing happiness and well-being, we often focus on the present moment. But according to Hal Hershfield, one of the best ways to help ourselves today is to have a conversation with ourselves in the future.
"When I say future self, I really mean any version of us that exists at some later point in time," explains Hershfield, a UCLA professor and author of Your Future Self: How to Make Tomorrow Better Today. By thinking of our future selves as different people — ones we should care about — we can make better choices in the present. "If we can tap into the feelings of our future selves, then we can do more that benefits them, which may make our lives easier now and later."
In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Hershfield and host Matt Abrahams explore how communication between our present and future selves can help us set goals, make decisions, and overcome pitfalls like procrastination, enabling us to take meaningful action now so we can thrive today and tomorrow.
This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at BetterHelp.com/ThinkFast and get ten percent off your first month.
Episode Reference Links:
Hal Hershfield
Hal’s Book: Your Future Self: How to Make Tomorrow Better Today
Connect:
Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart Premium
Email Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.io
Episode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart Website
Newsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.io
Think Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube
Matt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn
Chapters:
(00:00) - Introduction
(02:12) - What Is a F…
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179. Finding Positive in Negative Emotions: Communication, Happiness & Wellbeing
21 januari 2025 · 24 min
A double definition of happiness — and how to cultivate both parts. Lees meer
The new year gives us an opportunity to reflect on who we are and who we want to be. As we set resolutions and prepare for evolutions, this special four-part series on communication, happiness, and well-being explores practical ways to enhance our lives through better communication, deeper connections, and more meaningful choices.
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to happiness, but according to Laurie Santos, everyone needs the two key components of contentment and fulfillment — or as she puts it, being happy in your life and happy with your life.
“Being happy in your life [means] your life is filled with joy,” explains Santos, a Yale psychology professor and host of The Happiness Lab podcast. This felt sense of happiness — enjoying where we are, what we do, and who we’re with — is essential, but it’s not the only piece of the puzzle. Being happy with your life, she says, is the belief that “your life is going well. Being happy with your life gets closer to things like fulfillment and purpose.”
In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Santos joins Matt Abrahams to explore how to cultivate both sides of her happiness equation, from building deeper connections with others to transforming the ways we communicate with ourselves.
This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at BetterHelp.com/ThinkFast and get ten percent off your first month.
Episode Reference Links:
Laurie Santos
The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos | Podcast
Connect:
Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart Premium
Email Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.io
Episode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart Website
Newsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.io
Think Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube
Matt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn
Chapters:
(00:00) - Introduction
(02:08) - Defining Happiness
(03:21) - The Role of Negative Emotions
(04:54) - Balan…
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178. Navigating Chaos and Uncertainty: The Power of Transparency and Empathy
14 januari 2025 · 19 min
Clear communication during times of uncertainty. Lees meer
Whether leading people through a 15-minute meeting or a years-long pandemic, communication requires compassion. For Dr. Anthony Fauci, that means being clear about who we’re speaking to and concise in what we say.
As one of the world's leading experts in infectious diseases and public health, Fauci has been America's most trusted voice during the COVID-19 pandemic and other health crises. Whether addressing groups of fellow scientists and specialists or everyday people, his communication approach is the same. "Know your audience," he says. "Decide what your message is and make it crisp [and] clear."
In addition to being clear about the known facts, Fauci advocates for equal transparency about the unknowns. "Be totally transparent into what you know and what you don't know," he says. "Transparency, honesty and a little bit of humility — let the audience know that you don't know everything."
In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Fauci joins Matt Abrahams to discuss how leaders can communicate more effectively by staying focused on what matters most. From managing uncertainty to handling contentious interactions, they explore how clarity and transparency build trust and drive results.
Episode Reference Links:
Dr. Anthony Fauci
Dr. Fauci’s Book: Expect the Unexpected
Connect:
Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart Premium
Email Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.io
Episode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart Website
Newsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.io
Think Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube
Matt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn
Chapters:
(00:00) - Introduction
(01:02) - Communication in Crisis
(02:08) - Strategies for Building Trust
(03:28) - Adapting Messages for Different Audiences
(05:33) - Techniques for Effective Communication
(07:00) - Managing High-Stakes Communication
(08:48) - Addressing Misinformation
(10:01) - Impromptu Speaking Skil…
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177. Don’t Resolve, Evolve: Top 10 Lessons For 2025
7 januari 2025 · 21 min
Ten essential communication strategies designed to elevate your skills. Lees meer
2024 has been an incredible year for learning and growth, and as we head into 2025, there’s no better time to reflect on the skills and strategies that can shape our communication and careers. In this special episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Matt Abrahams takes us through ten standout lessons from the past year. These aren’t just ideas to remember — they’re practices to evolve with. From Priya Parker’s insights on generous authority to Huggy Rao’s call to cut through jargon monoxide, each concept highlights how small shifts in mindset and behavior can lead to big transformations. With actionable advice and real-world examples, this episode is packed with inspiration to help you Think Fast, Talk Smart, and communicate better in the year ahead.
Episode Reference Links:
Ep.174 Fix Meetings: Transform Gatherings Into Meaningful Moments
Ep.164 Using "Pre-suasion" to Influence Others
Ep.158 Hope for Cynics: Building Trusting Relationships through Communication
Ep.156 Creative Communication: How Our Design Choices Illustrate Our Values
Ep.148 Conviction and Compassion: How to Have Hard Conversations
Ep.142 Power and Persuasion: Live Insights from Stanford Experts
Ep.137 When Words Aren’t Enough: How to Excel at Nonverbal Communication
Ep.138 Speak Your Truth: Why Authenticity Leads to Better Communication
Ep.134 How to Chat with Bots: The Secrets to Getting the Information You Need from AI
Ep.131 Friction Fixing: How to Use Obstacles to Your Advantage
Ep.120 A Few of Matt’s Favorite Things: 10 Communication Takeaways from 2023's TFTS Episodes
Connect:
Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart Premium
Email Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.io
Episode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart Website
Newsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.io
Think Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube
Matt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn
Chapters:
(00:00) - Intro…
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176. From Stereotypes to Synergy: Communicating Across Generations
31 december 2024 · 18 min
Age diversity and cross-generational synergy can transform an organization. Lees meer
Most of us know age diversity matters in the workplace. But according to UCLA’s Bob McCann, we're thinking about it all wrong: it's not just about having different generations present — it's about creating meaningful connections between them.
As director of UCLA's Leadership Communication Program and founder of the McCann Group, McCann has spent years researching intergenerational workplace dynamics. With four to six generations now working side by side, he says there’s never been a better time to create synergies between the old and the young.
"There's a tremendous opportunity for meeting and interacting with people who are different than you, for increasing a variety of potential outcomes in business in a positive way, if we can maximize our intergenerational engagement," he says. His research reveals that while many organizations focus on gender and ethnic diversity, age diversity often gets overlooked in DEI initiatives — despite its crucial role in workplace success.
In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, McCann joins Matt Abrahams to discuss how organizations can move beyond superficial age diversity to create meaningful cross-generational connections. From reverse mentoring programs to shadow boards, they explore practical ways leaders can harness the power of generational difference to drive innovation and collaboration.
Episode Reference Links:
Bob McCann
Ep.67 What Is Normal? How Culture Affects Communication Styles
Ep.21 Words Matter: How to Make Your Communication Inclusive
Connect:
Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart Premium
Email Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.io
Episode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart Website
Newsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.io
Think Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube
Matt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn
Chapters:
(00:00) - Introduction
(01:01) - Why Generational Interactions M…
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Ask Matt Anything (AMA) 1: Trust, Paraphrasing, and Nonverbal Cues
26 december 2024 · 15 min
Enjoy this preview of our first Ask Matt Anything (AMA). Lees meer
We are excited to introduce this special edition of Think Fast, Talk Smart, featuring a preview of our first-ever Ask Matt Anything (AMA) episode. Typically, these sessions are exclusive to our Think Fast, Talk Smart Premium members, where Matt Abrahams answers the most pressing communication questions submitted by our premium community.
Think Fast, Talk Smart Premium was created to deepen our connection with you and support your growth as effective communicators. Premium members enjoy exclusive benefits like regular full-length AMA episodes, eQuips, or Essential Quick Insight Playlist, early access to events, and more. Beyond this, your membership helps us continue to build a global community dedicated to improving communication skills and advancing careers.
If you find this episode helpful, we invite you to join our Think Fast, Talk Smart Premium community to unlock the full library of AMAs, submit your own questions, and gain access to even more tools and resources. Thank you for being part of our journey! You can learn more at fastersmarter.io/premium.
Episode Reference Links:
Ep.133 From Good to Super: How Supercommunicators Unlock the Language of Connection
Ep.137 When Words Aren’t Enough: How to Excel at Nonverbal Communication
Connect:
Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart Premium
Email Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.io
Episode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart Website
Newsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.io
Think Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube
Matt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn
Chapters:
(00:00) - Introduction
(00:55) - Building Trust with Senior Leadership
(03:17) - Engaging Large Virtual Audiences
(07:05) - Managing Nonverbal Communication
(09:15) - Balancing Emotions in Conversations
(11:05) - Navigating Status Differences in Meetings
(14:10) - Conclusion
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Thank you to our sponsors. These partnerships support … -
175. Mastering Toasts and Tributes: Making Your Words Count
24 december 2024 · 15 min
Crafting impactful toasts for every occasion. Lees meer
"Almost reflexively, most of us focus in the moment on how others are perceiving us, yet these situations aren't about us at all." Matt Abrahams, host of Think Fast, Talk Smart, shares an excerpt from his book, Think Faster, Talk Smarter: How to Speak Successfully When You're Put on the Spot, on the art of delivering effective toasts and tributes. With a focus on public speaking in celebratory contexts, he offers a structured approach to crafting meaningful remarks.
Matt introduces the WHAT structure—a four-part formula designed to guide speakers through the process. This method helps ensure that the focus remains on the honorees, transforming speeches into gifts for the audience. He further shares tips for refining remarks, including the importance of brevity and the need to prepare for emotional moments. Matt advises, "Be brief and to the point. Long toasts, tributes, or introductions are usually bad ones." He also highlights the significance of setting others up for success, ensuring a smooth flow for subsequent speakers.
With insights from his book and practical examples, Matt equips listeners with the tools to deliver impactful toasts and tributes, making these moments memorable for all involved.
Audio excerpt courtesy of Simon & Schuster Audio from THINK FASTER, TALK SMARTER by Matt Abrahams, read by the author. Copyright 2023 by Matthew Abrahams LLC. Used with permission of Simon & Schuster, Inc.
Episode Reference Links:
Think Faster, Talk Smarter: How to Speak Successfully When You're Put on the Spot
Connect:
Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart Premium
Email Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.io
Episode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart Website
Newsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.io
Think Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube
Matt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn
Chapters:
(00:00) - Introduction
(00:45) - Key Insight: Toasts, Tributes, and Introduct…
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174. Fix Meetings: Transform Gatherings Into Meaningful Moments
17 december 2024 · 19 min
Turn any meeting or get-together into a chance for deep connection and collaboration. Lees meer
Whether you’re holding a team meeting or hosting a family get-together, the success of any gathering, says Priya Parker, isn’t about the perfect agenda or venue, but about the intentionality behind how you bring people together.
“90% of the success of any gathering happens before anyone enters the room,” says Parker. As the author of The Art of Gathering: How We Meet and Why It Matters, and a strategic advisor who has helped organizations worldwide reimagine their gatherings, Parker believes that thoughtful preparation can turn any meeting, whether professional or personal, into a meaningful and memorable experience for all involved. “Intentionality is the first step,” she says, “to pause and ask: why are we doing this? What is the purpose? What is the need in this community or in this classroom or in this team?”
In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Parker joins Matt Abrahams to explore the art of meaningful gatherings, sharing practical strategies for everything from crafting invitations that prime engagement to designing powerful closings that leave a lasting impact. By being more thoughtful in bringing people together, we can transform ordinary meetings into extraordinary opportunities for connection and collaboration.
Episode Reference Links:
Priya Parker
Priya’s Book: The Art of Gathering
Ep.124 Making Meetings Meaningful, Pt. 1: How to Structure and Organize More Effective Gatherings
Ep.125 Making Meetings Meaningful, Pt. 2: Key Ingredients for Effective Meetings
Connect:
Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart Premium
Email Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.io
Episode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart Website
Newsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.io
Think Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube
Matt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn
Chapters:
(00:00) - Introduction
(00:49) - Intentionality in Everyday Conversat…
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173. Rethinks: Surviving the Holidays
10 december 2024 · 13 min
Master holiday conversations. Lees meer
The holiday season is a time of joy, connection, and, occasionally, communication challenges and as we gather with family, friends, and colleagues, effective communication becomes crucial. To help make this time more enjoyable, this special Think Fast Talk Smart “Rethinks” episode revisits favorite “recipes” from past Stanford guests along with Matt’s advice for tackling three common holiday scenarios: contributing effectively to ongoing conversations, engaging in meaningful small talk, and managing conflict with clarity and empathy. Whether it's making small talk or resolving conflicts, these strategies aim to turn holiday communication hurdles into opportunities for connection and collaboration.
Episode Reference Links:
Ep.169 Don't Be a ZQ: Make Your Conversations Count
Connect:
Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart Premium
Email Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.io
Episode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart Website
Newsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.io
Think Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube
Matt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn
Chapters:
(00:00) - Introduction
(01:59) - Challenge 1: Inserting Your Voice into Conversations
(03:14) - Expert Insights on Inserting Ideas
(05:00) - Challenge 2: Mastering Small Talk
(06:36) - Expert Strategies for Small Talk
(08:38) - Challenge 3: Managing Holiday Conflicts
(10:25) - Expert Tips for Conflict Resolution
(12:02) - Conclusion
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Thank you to our sponsors. These partnerships support the ongoing production of the podcast, allowing us to bring it to you at no cost.Strawberry.me. Get 50% off your first coaching session today at Strawberry.me/smart
Join our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be.
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Between the Lines: In Storytelling, Simplify to Amplify - Premium Sampler
5 december 2024 · 17 min
Visit fastersmarter.io/premium to become a Premium subscriber. Lees meer
"Start with the action moment or right before it," advises Hilary Price whose one-panel comic strips offer insights far beyond humor—they’re lessons in concise storytelling that resonate with anyone seeking to communicate effectively. “Simplify and amplify,” Price advises, emphasizing the art of clarity and impact. Every stroke of her pen strips away the unnecessary, letting the essentials shine through.
Creating her daily comic strip, Rhymes with Orange, Price starts with the game of “what if,” merging unexpected ideas to surprise and engage her readers. “You want to start at the action moment—or just before,” she notes, pointing out how the unsaid often speaks louder. Price extends this philosophy beyond cartoons: whether crafting a presentation, a joke, or a story, it’s essential to leave room for the audience to co-create meaning. “Don’t spoon-feed your readers,” she says. “The joy comes from not getting it, then getting it.”
In this bonus episode of Think Fast Talk Smart, Price joins host Matt Abrahams to explore the power of surprise, stakes, and shared experience in storytelling—reminding us that the punchline, whether in humor or communication, is where the magic happens.
Episode Reference Links:
Hilary Price
Rhymes With Orange
Ep.170 Advice From Nontraditional Storytellers Part 1
Ep.171 Advice From Nontraditional Storytellers Part 2
Connect:
Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart Premium
Email Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.io
Episode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart Website
Newsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.io
Think Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube
Matt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn
Chapters:
(00:00) - Introduction
(01:45) - What Makes a Good Story?
(02:38) - Crafting a Story
(03:58) - Auditioning the Characters
(07:02) - Stories in Daily Life
(08:50) - Visuals in Storytelling
(10:37) - The Power of a Punchline
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172. Bring Mindfulness to Your Communication
3 december 2024 · 19 min
Mindfulness can transform your communication and your career. Lees meer
When we react, our instincts and impulses are in the driver’s seat. But when we take the time to reflect, that’s when Marshall Goldsmith says we take back control of how we respond.
“Before speaking at work, breathe,” Goldsmith says. “Is my comment going to improve this other human being's commitment? At home, breathe. Is my comment going to improve this relationship with someone I love? If the answer is no, why am I saying it?”
As a world-renowned executive coach, speaker, and best-selling author, Goldsmith teaches how a mindful approach can change how we relate to others, to ourselves, and even to our career goals and ambitions. Through reflection, we identify our values, which we can use to live what Goldsmith calls an “earned life — when the choices, risks, and effort we make in each moment align with an overarching purpose in our lives.”
In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Goldsmith joins host Matt Abrahams to explore practical strategies for bettering our interactions with others and ourselves, from his “feed forward” method for giving and receiving constructive critique to his "daily questions" practice, which prompts reflective self-inquiry to keep us focused on what truly matters.
Episode Reference Links:
Marshall Goldsmith
Marshall’s Books: What Got Here Won't Get You There / Triggers
Ep.138 Speak Your Truth: Why Authenticity Leads to Better Communication
Connect:
Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart Premium
Email Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.io
Episode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart Website
Newsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.io
Think Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube
Matt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn
Chapters:
(00:00) - Introduction
(00:45) - Key Communication Advice
(01:27) - An Earned Life
(03:24) - Transition to Leadership
(04:55) - Breathe Before Speaking
(06:10) - Feedforward vs. Feedback
(0…
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171. Advice from Nontraditional Storytellers Part 2
28 november 2024 · 19 min
Make your audience a part of the story. Lees meer
Great storytellers don't just relay information — they create experiences. As magicians, TikTok influencers, and stand-up comedians, these masters of engagement know that true connection happens when you make your audience a part of the story.
In part two of this special series on storytelling, host Matt Abrahams explores the art of audience connection with an extraordinary lineup. For magician Alex Moffat, it’s about immersive performance. “How can I get the audience to not [just] sit there watching? They've got to be able to feel it too,” he says. As TikTok's head of creator marketing, Kudzi Chikumbu says authenticity is everything. "Be your authentic self. Show yourself in a way that other people don't." And for standup comedian Orlando Leyba, it’s about leveraging presence and responsiveness to transform a performance into a genuine conversation.
In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, discover how these engagement experts create stories that don't just inform or entertain — they forge genuine connections with every audience member.
Episode Reference Links:
Alex Moffat
Kudzi Chikumbu
Orlando Leyba
Ep.168 How Story Can Change Everything in Your Career
Ep.50 Telling Good Stories: How to Use the Elements of Narrative to Keep Listeners Engaged
Connect:
Premium Signup >>> Think Fast Talk Smart Premium
Email Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.io
Episode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart Website
Newsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.io
Think Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube
Matt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn
Chapters:
(00:00) - Introduction
(00:56) - Linear vs. Nonlinear Storytelling
(04:22) - Tools for Engaging an Audience
(07:47) - Key Ingredients of a Good Story
(09:36) - Authenticity in Storytelling
(10:45) - Description in Storytelling
(11:12) - Positivity in Storytelling
(14:45) - Engaging Through Presence
(16:22) - Conclusion
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Thank you … -
170. Advice from Nontraditional Storytellers Part 1
26 november 2024 · 14 min
Wisdom from the witness stand to the newsstand. Lees meer
The best storytellers might not call themselves storytellers at all. But from litigating in the courtroom to crafting newspaper cartoons, these experts know how to weave narratives that resonate.
In part one of this special two-part series, host Matt Abrahams explores the foundations of effective storytelling with tech litigator Neel Chatterjee and syndicated cartoonist Hilary Price. Chatterjee, drawing parallels to stand-up comedy, emphasizes the critical importance of those first few lines: "We have to figure out the two to three-line statement on 'this is a case about'..." Meanwhile, Price reveals the power of restraint in storytelling. "You want to simplify and amplify," she says. "I only want to put the elements that are important. Never spoon-feed your reader."
In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, nontraditional storytelling masters share their approach to structure, framing, and audience engagement, revealing insights that we can all use to transform our communication — whether in convincing a jury, crafting the perfect punchline, or sharing stories in everyday life.
Episode Reference Links:
Neel Chatterjee
Hilary Price
Ep.168 How Story Can Change Everything in Your Career
Ep.50 Telling Good Stories: How to Use the Elements of Narrative to Keep Listeners Engaged
Connect:
Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart Premium
Email Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.io
Episode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart Website
Newsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.io
Think Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube
Matt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn
Chapters:
(00:00) - Introduction
(01:53) - Structure in Storytelling
(04:33) - The Premise and Promise
(05:32) - Being Concise in Storytelling
(09:28) - Visuals in Storytelling
(12:31) - Conclusion
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Thank you to our sponsors. These partnerships support the ongoing production of the podcast, allowing us to b… -
169. Don't Be a ZQ: Make Your Conversations Count
19 november 2024 · 24 min
What makes a great conversation? Lees meer
“Many of us dread small talk,” says Harvard Business School professor and author Alison Wood Brooks. Yet she believes these everyday exchanges are the gateway to deeper connection and opportunity. An expert in the science of conversation, Wood Brooks, teaches a popular course titled Talk and has spent years researching what makes a great conversation. "Big things often start with small talk," she notes. "It’s not about avoiding it; it’s about knowing how to use it to uncover something meaningful."
In this LinkedIn Live episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Wood Brooks joins host Matt Abrahams to share a practical framework for mastering small talk and making it enjoyable, even for those who loathe it. Drawing from her "topic pyramid" approach, Wood Brooks breaks down how to elevate a conversation from mundane chitchat to something memorable. “Think of it as a treasure hunt,” she suggests. “Small talk is where you start looking for golden nuggets that can lead to deeper engagement.”
Episode Reference Links:
Alison Wood Brooks
Alison's Book: Talk
Ep.73 Listen Up: Why It’s Better to Be Interested than Interesting
Ep.89 Listen, Listen, Listen: How to Build Deep Connections
Connect:
Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart Premium
Email Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.io
Episode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart Website
Newsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.io
Think Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube
Matt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn
Chapters:
(00:00) - Introduction
(00:52) - What Makes a Good Conversation?
(03:11) - The Topic Pyramid
(05:52) - Preparation for Small Talk
(08:08) - Remembering Conversation Details
(09:46) - Asking Too Many Questions
(11:39) - Conversation Goals and Contexts
(15:33) - Virtual vs In-Person Conversations
(17:22) - The Importance of Listening
(21:16) - Think Fast Talk Smart Premium
(22:34) - Conclusion
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Thank you to our spon… -
Launching: Think Fast Talk Smart Premium
14 november 2024 · 3 min
Introducing our new Premium membership, designed to enhance communication and career skills with expanded content and tools. Enjoy early access to live events, AMAs (Ask Matt Anything), eQuips—Essential Quick Insight Playlists—Extended Deep Thinks episodes, and the AI Chat Matt tool. Lees meer
The focus is on building a global community where members can connect, share insights, and receive feedback. A portion of membership fees will support charities dedicated to developing communication skills worldwide.
Connect:
Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart Premium
Email Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.io
Episode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart Website
Newsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.io
Think Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube
Matt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn
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168. How Story Can Change Everything in Your Career
12 november 2024 · 24 min
Make your message memorable. Lees meer
“Immediately forgettable” — that’s how Matthew Dicks describes most of the business communication that he encounters. If you want to be remembered, he says, it’s time to tell stories.
A veteran elementary school teacher, storytelling coach, and best-selling author, Dicks knows how the right narrative can transform mundane messages into stories that stick. In his book, Storyworthy: Engage, Teach, Persuade, and Change Your Life through the Power of Storytelling, he explores how to capture and hold an audience’s attention, which is particularly critical for business leaders. "When we tell a story about a product or service, the people we work with, our company, we become memorable and interesting and entertaining in a way that doesn't happen very often in business," he says.
In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Dicks and host Matt Abrahams discuss practical techniques for crafting compelling narratives, from setting a scene to creating suspense. “Don’t build a building. Don’t buy a machine,” he says. Becoming a better storyteller is one of the most effective ways to level up. “It’s a crazy thing for businesses,” he says.
Episode Reference Links:
Matthew Dicks
Matthew’s Book: Storyworthy
Ep.50 Telling Good Stories: How to Use the Elements of Narrative to Keep Listeners Engaged
Ep.47 Quick Thinks: How to Use Storytelling to Be a Better Founder
Connect:
Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart Premium
Email Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.io
Episode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart Website
Newsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.io
Think Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube
Matt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn
Chapters:
(00:00) - Introduction
(00:49) - Why Storytelling Matters in Business
(02:25) - The Essence of a Good Story
(04:26) - Become a Better Storyteller
(06:06) - Using Suspense in Stories
(08:12) - Suspense in Business Communication
(10:14) - Structuring Stori…
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167. Hollywood Lessons For Successful Communication
5 november 2024 · 22 min
Beyond the Big Screen. Lees meer
Every business meeting, product launch, or marketing communication has something in common with your favorite movie: they all succeed or fail based on their ability to make you feel something. Just ask Jeff Small, CEO of Amblin Partners.
"Good stories win," says Small, who leads one of the world's most renowned independent film and television companies alongside Steven Spielberg. As both a business leader and storytelling expert, Small knows that successful communication is built on person-to-person connection through the power of story. "Whatever walk of life you're in, you have to be able to tell a story to connect with people, to get across the message that you're trying to get across."
In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Small joins host Matt Abrahams to share insights from his experience at the intersection of creativity and commerce, unpacking how effective storytelling can transform your communication, whether leading teams through industry disruption, resolving conflicts at work and at home, or creating films to inspire audiences for generations to come.
Episode Reference Links:
Jeff Small
Ep.153 Listen Up, Leaders: A Record-Setting Coach’s Guide to Communication
Ep.35 Leading From The Hot Seat: How To Communicate Under Pressure
Connect:
Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart Premium
Email Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.io
Episode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart Website
Newsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.io
Think Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube
Matt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn
Chapters:
(00:00) - Introduction
(01:13) - What Makes a Good Story?
(02:06) - Bringing Emotion into Communication
(02:42) - Storytelling Across Professions
(04:46) - Crafting an Effective Story
(06:32) - Uniqueness in Storytelling
(07:35) - Balancing Creativity and Business
(09:04) - Managing Conflict with Connection
(10:53) - Screen Time and Family
(12:33) - Navigatin…
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166. Why Relying on Talent Alone Will Fail You
29 oktober 2024 · 19 min
Why practice is the key to success. Lees meer
If there’s anyone who knows about performing under pressure, it’s former NFL quarterback Andrew Luck. Whether playing in front of thousands or presenting to ten, his key to success is practice.
"There's a romantic notion that you rise to the occasion," says Luck, a Stanford graduate and four-time Pro Bowl selection. "But I think you settle to the level of your training. We practiced those high-pressure situations all the time.” From calling critical game-winning plays to navigating communication off the field, our performance in high-stakes situations, Luck maintains, is determined by our level of preparation.
In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Luck and host Matt Abrahams explore how deliberate practice can help us hone our performance across all domains of our lives. From managing high-pressure situations to building psychological safety in homes and workplaces, Luck shares insights gained from both sides of the field — as a player and now as a coach.
Episode Reference Links:
Andrew Luck
Ep.153 Listen Up, Leaders: A Record-Setting Coach’s Guide to Communication
Connect:
Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart Premium
Email Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.io
Episode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart Website
Newsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.io
Think Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube
Matt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn
Chapters:
(00:00) - Introduction
(01:09) - Communication in High-Stress Situations
(03:19) - Staying Calm Under Pressure
(05:49) - Earning Leadership Through Respect
(07:12) - Overcoming Conflict Aversion
(08:19) - Decision to Retire from the NFL
(10:26) - Returning to Education
(12:04) - Life Lessons Through Coaching
(14:25) - The Final Three Questions
(17:33) - Conclusion
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Thank you to our sponsors. These partnerships support the ongoing production of the podcast, allowing us to bring it to you at no cost.Strawberry.m…
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165. Building Your Personal Brand Makes a Promise: Are You Keeping It?
22 oktober 2024 · 22 min
Create more meaningful communication by defining your audience. Lees meer
Before you even think about communicating a message, defining a brand, or developing a strategy, Seth Godin says you have to ask these questions: “Who’s it for? What’s it for? And what’s the change [you] seek to make?”
As a best-selling author, entrepreneur, and marketing expert, Godin understands that effective communication rests on purpose and intent. “Branding is not logoing,” he says, but a “promise” that an individual or company makes about who they are and what others can expect of them. By intentionally defining who we are and who our audience is, Godin argues we can create more meaningful connections and drive real change.
In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Godin and host Matt Abrahams explore how we can be more deliberate in our communication, using storytelling, clarity of messaging, and defining the impact we want to make on our audience and the world.
Episode Reference Links:
Seth Godin
Seth’s Books: This Is Strategy / This Is Marketing
Ep.64 Best of: Techniques for Managing Your Reputation
Ep.118 Maximizing your Personal Brand: Communicating Who You Are to Help Get What You Want
Connect:
Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart Premium
Email Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.io
Episode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart Website
Newsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.io
Think Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube
Matt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn
Chapters:
(00:00) - Introduction
(00:51) - Defining Branding and Marketing
(02:32) - The Role of Status in Podcast Growth
(04:41) - Storytelling as a Powerful Tool
(06:21) - The Smallest Viable Audience
(07:54) - Clarity in Messaging
(10:11) - Strategy Defined
(13:34) - Developing Effective Strategies
(16:10) - The Final Three Questions
(20:17) - Conclusion
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164. Rethinks: Using "Pre-suasion" to Influence Others
15 oktober 2024 · 28 min
The inner workings of social influence and persuasion. Lees meer
Want to change someone’s mind? First, explains Robert Cialdini, you have to change their framing.
For Cialdini, the Regent's Professor Emeritus of Psychology and Marketing at Arizona State University, persuasion begins before we even deliver our pitch or presentation. Through what he calls “Pre-suasion,” communicators can prime audiences to receive messages in a specific way, simply by drawing their attention in specific directions.
“It involves focusing people on—putting them in mind of—those motivators before they encounter [them] in the communicator’s message,” Cialdini says, “bringing people’s focus of attention onto something that is nested in the message…before that message is delivered, so they have been readied for the concept.”
In this episode, Matt Abrahams and Cialdini talk about the motivating power of FOMO, getting better advice from others, and how your next wine purchase could be influenced by what music is playing in the shop.
Episode Reference Links:
Robert Cialdini
Robert's books: Influence / Pre-Suasion
Ep.11 The Science of Influence: How to Persuade Others And Hold Their Attention
Ep.142 Power and Persuasion: Live Insights from Stanford Experts
Original Episode: Ep.76 Change My Mind: Using “Pre-suasion” to Influence Others
Connect:
Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart Premium
Email Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.io
Episode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart Website
Newsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.io
Think Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube
Matt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn
Chapters:
(00:00) - Introduction
(01:56) - Persuasion and Pre-suasion
(05:17) - Priming and Framing in Pre-suasion
(07:58) - Understanding Scarcity
(10:48) - The Unity Principle
(14:04) - Social Proof and Influence
(19:24) - The Role of Language in Persuasion
(22:23) - The Final Three Questions
(26:49) - Conclusion
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Thank you t… -
163. Is Your Audience Ignoring You? How Authenticity Creates Connection
8 oktober 2024 · 19 min
How acceptance and authenticity can transform all of our interactions. Lees meer
What’s the key to experiencing deeper connection in our communication? According to Alan Alda, it starts with acceptance — of others and ourselves.
"Connecting, communicating, and clarity," Alda explains, "they're all based on hearing what the other person is really saying; letting the person be real; accepting them.” As an acclaimed actor, writer, director, and author of If I Understood You, Would I Have This Look on My Face?, Alda has spent much of his career exploring how acceptance enables us to be our authentic selves, leading to better communication and truer connection. “There’s nothing more engaging than the real you,” he says.
Also the founder of the Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science at Stony Brook University, Alda strives to help scientists and health professionals communicate more effectively with the public. “Science can't do its work unless it gets funded. And it can't get funded if people don't understand what the scientists are trying to do,” he says.
In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Alda and host Matt Abrahams discuss how acceptance and authenticity can transform all of our interactions, from complicated science conversations to everyday communication.
Episode Reference Links:
Alan Alda
Alan’s Book: If I Understood You, Would I have This Look on My Face?
Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science
Ep.82 It’s Not About You: Why Effective Communicators Put Others First
Ep.114 Communication Means Paying Attention: The Four Pillars of Active Listening
Connect:
Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart Premium
Email Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.io
Episode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart Website
Newsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.io
Think Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube
Matt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn
Chapters:
(00:00) - Introduction
(00:59) - Motivation for Communication
(02:59) - Avo…
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162. Unlock Career Opportunities: How to Make the Right Moves
1 oktober 2024 · 19 min
Being present in the moment and staying open to whatever unfolds. Lees meer
We all want to lead lives and careers full of joy and fulfillment. Maggie Baird certainly has, and the key, she says, is to stay open to new possibilities and “let your passion lead.”
Baird is an accomplished actress, improv teacher at the Groundlings Theater, mother to music sensations Billie Eilish and Phineas, and founder of Support and Feed, a nonprofit addressing food equity and the climate crisis. Through it all, she has embodied the improv principle of "Yes, and..." — being present in the moment and staying open to whatever unfolds. “I have done many things,” she says, “but I never approached any of them as a career change. They all came out of new interests and new experiences.”
In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Baird joins host Matt Abrahams to explore the critical role of communication in developing a career, and how improv principles can help us engage, as Baird says, “From a place of open-heartedness, appreciation, [and] collaboration.”
Episode Reference Links:
Support And Feed
Ep.118 Maximizing your Personal Brand: Communicating Who You Are to Help Get What You Want
Ep.1 Speaking Without a Net: How to Master Impromptu Communication
Ep.9 Quick Think: How Being Present-Oriented Improves Communication
Connect:
Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart Premium
Email Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.io
Episode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart Website
Newsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.io
Think Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube
Matt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn
Chapters:
(00:00) - Introduction
(00:53) - Career Transitions
(01:45) - Teaching and Confidence Through Improv
(04:03) - Improv as a Communication Tool
(05:45) - Structure and Freedom in Improv
(07:37) - Teaching with Empathy
(10:34) - Advocacy in the Music Industry
(13:18) - Collaboration and Positive Change
(16:07) - The Final Three Questions
(17:…
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Bonus: How to Manage Speaking Anxiety the Think Faster, Talk Smarter Way
26 september 2024 · 20 min
Gain control over your speaking and excel in your communication. Lees meer
For the first anniversary of his book Think Faster, Talk Smarter, Matt Abrahams shares strategies from the first chapter, focusing on managing speaking anxiety and improving spontaneous communication. Through personal anecdotes and practical techniques, he explains how to handle unexpected questions, reframe anxiety as excitement, and use mindfulness and breathing exercises to stay calm under pressure. The episode also offers tips for managing physical symptoms of anxiety and staying mentally focused during high-stakes situations
Audio excerpt courtesy of Simon & Schuster Audio from THINK FASTER, TALK SMARTER by Matt Abrahams, read by the author. Copyright 2023 by Matthew Abrahams LLC. Used with permission of Simon & Schuster, Inc.
Reference Links:
Link to buy book in your country: Think Faster, Talk Smarter
Ep.48 Speaking Up Without Freaking Out: How to Tackle Communication Anxiety
Connect:
Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart Premium
Email Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.io
Episode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart Website
Newsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.io
Think Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube
Matt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn
Chapters:
(00:00) - Introduction
(00:37) - The Onion Interview
(02:19) - Speaking Up Without Freaking Out
(04:47) - The ABCs of Speaking Anxiety
(06:01) - Mindfulness Matters
(08:19) - Reframe Anxiety as Excitement
(09:43) - Cooling Down and Managing Physical Symptoms
(13:32) - Taming Negative Thoughts
(14:43) - The Power of Repetition
(15:21) - Preparing Questions
(17:46) - Rationalizing the Odds
(18:49) - Conclusion
********
Thank you to our sponsors. These partnerships support the ongoing production of the podcast, allowing us to bring it to you at no cost.Strawberry.me. Get 50% off your first coaching session today at Strawberry.me/smart
Join our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Com…
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161. Do Your Homework: Know What to Say by Knowing Who You’re Talking To
24 september 2024 · 21 min
Know your audience and tailor the message for them. Lees meer
In high-stakes communication, every word counts. For Jen Psaki, that means knowing who she’s talking to — so she knows just what to say.
As the former White House Press Secretary and current host of Inside with Jen Psaki on MSNBC, Psaki has discovered that communication isn’t about “saying the most words or saying them the loudest,” but about knowing your audience well enough to tailor the message just for them. “You need to think about how you're going to get your audience to listen to you,” she says. “The goal of communicating is to crack the door open so somebody wants to hear more.”
In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Psaki and host Matt Abrahams explore her approach to strategic communication: identifying your audience and using what you know to engage with them and get them to engage with you.
Episode Reference Links:
Jen Psaki
Jen’s Book: Say More
Ep.22 Under Pressure How to Communicate Clearly and Timely During Crisis
Ep.155 Can We Be Candid? How to Communicate Clearly and Directly
Connect:
Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart Premium
Email Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.io
Episode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart Website
Newsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.io
Think Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube
Matt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn
Chapters:
(00:00) - Introduction
(01:07) - Principles of Communication
(02:08) - Skills for Effective Listening
(02:51) - Engagement and Lowering Barriers
(03:50) - Tailoring Communication
(05:14) - Preparation and Practice for Confidence
(07:07) - The Value of Feedback
(10:10) - Handling Difficult Questions
(12:38) - High-Stakes Negotiation
(15:30) - The Final Three Questions
(19:48) - Conclusion
********
Thank you to our sponsors. These partnerships support the ongoing production of the podcast, allowing us to bring it to you at no cost.Strawberry.me. Get 50% off your first coachi…
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160. Rethinks: How to Communicate Your Gameplan
17 september 2024 · 25 min
Why organizational strategy can be both top-down and bottom-up. Lees meer
As Professor Jesper Sørensen sees it, a winning strategy is the result of conversations, not commands, and that strategy can be directed from the C-suite, but it doesn’t have to be. “Lots of great strategies are discovered,” he says, “they’re discovered because the leaders were able to listen to their frontline workers or their frontline managers.” A more iterative approach, says Sørensen, helps companies adapt their strategy to an ever-changing landscape.
In the latest episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Sørensen joins host and lecturer Matt Abrahams to discuss how organizations can use better communication to craft better strategies.
Episode Reference Links:
Jesper B. Sørensen
Sørensen’s Book: Making Great Strategy
Original Episode: Ep.71 Strategy Success: How to Communicate Your Gameplan
Ep.103 Simple is a Superpower: How to Communicate Any Idea to Any Audience
Ep.41 Speak Like a Founder: How Successful Entrepreneurs Communicate to Their Teams
Connect:
Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart Premium
Email Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.io
Episode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart Website
Newsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.io
Think Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube
Matt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn
Chapters:
(00:00) - Introduction
(01:38) - Defining Strategy
(03:21) - Common Misconceptions about Strategy
(05:07) - The Concept of a Strategy Argument
(07:04) - Strategy as a Communication Tool
(10:53) - The Dynamic Nature of Strategy
(12:29) - Storytelling in Strategy Communication
(14:55) - Propagating Strategy Through Storytelling
(17:01) - The Final Three Questions
(23:39) - Conclusion
********
Thank you to our sponsors. These partnerships support the ongoing production of the podcast, allowing us to bring it to you at no cost.Strawberry.me. Get 50% off your first coaching session today at Strawberry.me/smart
Join o…
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159. Earn Your Audience: You Can’t Lead If No One’s Listening
10 september 2024 · 20 min
What it takes to develop as a leader. Lees meer
Great leaders and great communicators aren't born, they're made. That's why John Hennessy and Tina Seelig, directors of Stanford University’s Knight-Hennessy Scholars, are working to create the great storytellers of tomorrow, today.
"We decided that there was a leadership void, and that was a driving motivation to do this," says Hennessy, former Stanford president and current Alphabet chairman. The program, which he co-founded in 2016 with Stanford alum and Nike co-founder Phil Knight, equips scholars with essential leadership skills through hands-on experience and collaborative problem-solving.
Seelig, executive director of the program, emphasizes that great leadership centers on effective storytelling. "No matter how compelling your invention, your idea, the thing you want to do in the world, if you can't communicate it in [an] effective way, nobody's going to listen," she says.
In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Hennessy, Seelig, and host Matt Abrahams explore what it takes to develop as a leader, discussing the role of communication, the power of empathy, and the centrality of storytelling.
Episode Reference Links:
John L Hennessy
Tina Seelig
Knight-Hennessy Scholars
Leading Matters Podcast
Ep.155 Can We Be Candid? How to Communicate Clearly and Directly
Ep.35 Leading From the Hot Seat: Hot to Communicate Under Pressure
Connect:
Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart Premium
Email Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.io
Episode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart Website
Newsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.io
Think Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube
Matt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn
Chapters:
(00:00) - Introduction
(01:07) - The Core of Knight-Hennessy Scholars
(01:55) - Knight-Hennessy Scholars Leadership Model
(03:34) - Empathy and Humility in Leadership
(06:00) - Storytelling in Leadership
(07:22) - Challenges in Storytelling
(08:56) - Dive…
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158. Hope for Cynics: Building Trusting Relationships through Communication
3 september 2024 · 26 min
“Acts of trust are the bedrock on which relationships are formed.” Lees meer
There’s a lot in the world to make us cynical about other people and their motives and intentions. But by “trusting loudly,” Professor Jamil Zaki believes we can renew our faith in one another.
Zaki is a professor of psychology at Stanford, director of the Stanford Social Neuroscience lab, and author of several books, including his most recent, Hope for Cynics: The Surprising Science of Human Goodness. While many people feel suspicious of others and are reluctant to trust them, Zaki finds that relying on other people is a necessary part of forming relationships.
“Acts of trust are the bedrock on which relationships are formed,” Zaki says. “The only way that strangers become friends and friends become best friends, the only way that we can build partnerships is through a willingness to count on one another.”
In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Zaki joins host Matt Abrahams to discuss practical strategies for fostering trust and challenging our cynical assumptions, offering a hopeful perspective on human nature, backed by surprising scientific insights.
Episode Reference Links:
Jamil Zaki
Jamil’s Lab: Stanford Social Neuroscience Lab
Jamil’s Book: Hope for Cynics
Ep.84 Quick Thinks: How Others Define Us
Ep. 129 Connect Deeply: How to Communicate So People Feel Seen and Heard
Connect:
Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart Premium
Email Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.io
Episode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart Website
Newsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.io
Think Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube
Matt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn
Chapters:
(00:00) - Introduction
(01:03) - Defining Trust and Its Importance
(01:54) - Building Better Trust
(03:24) - Understanding Cynicism
(05:47) - The Cynicism Spectrum
(08:07) - Fostering Hopeful Skepticism
(10:20) - Challenges of Overcoming Cynicism
(15:10) - Self-Fulfilling Prophe…
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157. Communicating the Future: Defining Where We Want AI to Take Us
27 augustus 2024 · 22 min
Artificial intelligence can now do a lot of things. But if you’re worried about it taking your place as a communicator, Russ Altman says you need to question why you’re communicating in the first place. Lees meer
Altman is a professor of bioengineering, a senior fellow at the Stanford Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence, and host of Stanford Engineering’s podcast, The Future of Everything. According to him, advancing technology isn’t a threat to human creativity and connection, but a tool we can use to raise our own standards for communication.
“If you're worried that a ChatGPT-type tool can replace you, you need to [ask]: Why am I communicating? What am I trying to say? Do I have a message?” he says. “If those things are true, it shouldn't be a problem. It should actually amplify and improve your message.”
In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Altman and host Matt Abrahams explore how effective communication can help us envision, articulate, and navigate towards our desired future, in our relationships, in our work, and in society.
Episode Reference Links:
Russ Altman
The Future of Everything Podcast | Stanford University School of Engineering
Ep.109 Simplify! How to Communicate Complex Ideas Simply and Effectively
Ep.3 When Knowing Too Much Can Hurt Your Communication: How to Make Complex Ideas Accessible
Connect:
Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart Premium
Email Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.io
Episode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart Website
Newsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.io
Think Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube
Matt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn
********
Thank you to our sponsors. These partnerships support the ongoing production of the podcast, allowing us to bring it to you at no cost.Strawberry.me. Get 50% off your first coaching session today at Strawberry.me/smart
Join our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be.
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156. Creative Communication: How Our Design Choices Illustrate Our Values
20 augustus 2024 · 25 min
As a designer, Scott Doorley is interested in how humans create the world around them. It’s a conversation, he says, that starts with the question: What kind of world do we want? Lees meer
Doorley is the creative director of the Stanford d.school and co-author of the book, Assembling Tomorrow: A Guide to Designing a Thriving Future. In designing everything from a device to an app to a building, “People get excited about what it can do,” he says, “but what should it do? What do we want? What's the desirable outcome that we want in the world?”
In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Doorley and host Matt Abrahams discuss how applying design thinking to communication can help us connect more with each other, better understand the world, and create meaningful change.
Episode Reference Links:
Scott Doorley
Stanford d.school
Scott’s Book: Assembling Tomorrow
Ep.61 Courage, Belonging, Ambiguity and Data: How to Design Your Communication for Success
Ep.70 Ideas Fuel Innovation: Why Your First Ideas Aren’t Always the Best
Connect:
Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart Premium
Email Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.io
Episode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart Website
Newsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.io
Think Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube
Matt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn
********
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155. Can We Be Candid? How to Communicate Clearly and Directly
13 augustus 2024 · 17 min
Navigators know the shortest distance between two points is a straight line. In charting a course through communication, Susan Rice says the best route is often the most direct. Lees meer
Throughout her career at the forefront of American diplomacy and foreign policy, Rice has been no stranger to high-stakes situations that hinge on clear and candid communication. As she says, “I'm very direct. I don't believe in playing games, going around people, and being passive-aggressive. I shoot straight.”
Rice graduated from Stanford University in 1986 and served as the US Ambassador to the United Nations from 2009 to 2013 and the National Security Advisor from 2013 to 2017. She is currently the Bernard and Susan Liautaud Visiting Fellow. Rice is the author of Tough Love: My Story of the Things Worth Fighting For.
But beyond being direct herself, Rice knows the value of allowing others to be direct with her. “If you give it, you got to be able to take it,” she says. “I've benefited at various stages of my career from colleagues who've been kind enough to give me the hard truths or the tough love to enable me to be better and help me to recognize where I'm falling short.”
In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Rice and host Matt Abrahams discuss how to foster personal and professional relationships where candidness can thrive — even when communicating with those we don’t agree with.
Episode Reference Links:
Susan E. Rice
Susan’s Book: Tough Love
Ep.35 Leading from the Hot Seat: How to Communicate Under Pressure
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********
Thank you to our sponsors. These partnerships support the ongoing production of the podcast, allowing us to bring it to you at no cost.…
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154. Rethinks: Communicating Better as a Leader
6 augustus 2024 · 16 min
"In a leadership role, so much more of communication is about connecting with people, establishing shared humanity, motivating them, inspiring them, sometimes challenging them." Lees meer
On August 1, 2024, Jonathan D. Levin, the tenth dean of Stanford Graduate School of Business, was appointed the President of Stanford University. In this Think Fast, Talk Smart episode from 2022, Levin reflects on the importance of communication as a leader. There is a balance, he says, in being direct with your dialogue, while also "leaving space for people to form their own opinions, to discuss ideas, to debate."
Episode Reference Links:
Jonathan Levin
Original Episode: Ep.68 Directive vs. Dialogue: Communicating Better as a Leader
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********
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153. Listen Up, Leaders: A Record-Setting Coach’s Guide to Communication
30 juli 2024 · 27 min
Tara VanDerveer has more wins than any other coach in NCAA basketball history. But as she says, motivating and leading teams isn’t about barking orders. Communication, she says, “It starts, number one, with listening.” Lees meer
For VanDerveer, leadership isn’t about a power dynamic, but a collaboration between her and her team. “I can't do it by myself and they can't do it by themselves. But as a team, we can,” she says. From seeking opinions from her assistant coaches to connecting with players about life outside the gym, VanDerveer recognizes that championships are won through communication. “The relationships that you have with your players, the communication that you have with them, will determine your success as a coach,” she says.
In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, VanDerveer and host Matt Abrahams explore more communication insights from on and off the court — being clear and concise, giving praise and positive feedback, and letting go of perfectionism.
Episode Reference Links:
Tara VanDerveer
Ep.102 Create Presence: How to Communicate in a Way Others Can Feel
Ep.35 Leading From The Hot Seat: How To Communicate Under Pressure
Connect:
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********
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Join our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be.
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152. Fix Your Communication: Why It’s About Connection Over Perfection
23 juli 2024 · 36 min
“Anything is fixable,” say Frances Frei and Anne Morriss. As cohosts of the Fixable podcast, they’re typically the ones doing the fixing, but on this special episode, they turn to Matt Abrahams for tips on what to do when communication breaks down. Lees meer
Both Frei and her wife Morriss are public speakers; the former, a professor at Harvard Business School, the latter, a CEO and best-selling author. As they discuss with Matt Abrahams, perfectionism and self-doubt can often creep in, both during preparation before speaking and after the fact. According to Matt, effective communication is about “connection, not perfection.” Instead of putting pressure on ourselves to “get it right,” Matt encourages us to shift our focus from ourselves to those we’re speaking to. “Whenever you're communicating, you're in service of the audience you're communicating to,” he says. “It's not about you, it's about them and what you can do for them.”
In this podcast episode, Frei, Morriss, and Matt explore frameworks and strategies for speaking more spontaneously, building confidence, managing anxiety, and course-correcting when communication goes awry.
Episode Reference Links:
Fixable Podcast
Anne Morriss
Frances Frei
Connect:
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Join our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be.
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151. Get Hired: How the Right Communication Can Advance Your Career
16 juli 2024 · 27 min
Whether winning over a hiring manager or winning new business, career success often hinges on how we communicate. That’s why Andrew Seaman is on a mission to help people find the words that work — to get work. Lees meer
Seaman is the senior managing editor for jobs and career development at LinkedIn, and as the creator and host of the Get Hired podcast and newsletter, he helps millions hone communication skills to land the jobs they want. According to him, getting opportunities isn’t just about experience or connections, but how we frame and present our personal and professional narratives. With a standard resume, he says, “You're making them connect the dots. And people are not good at that.” Instead, he recommends crafting a story that explains where you’ve been, where you are, and where you hope to go. “Connect the dots for them,” he says, “so they're not viewing you as a person who has bounced around. They're thinking, this person has had a cohesive career.”
In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Seaman and host Matt Abrahams explore tools for navigating the interview process, networking on and offline, and communication strategies to get hired.
Episode Reference Links:
Andrew Seaman
Andrew’s Podcast: Get Hired
Ep.118 Maximizing Your Brand: Communicating Who You Are to Help Get What You Want
Ep.147 Disrupt Yourself: How to Innovate Who You Are and Become Who You Can Be
Ep.62 Best Of: Summer Learning Series, How Humor Can Be a Secret Weapon in Communication
Connect:
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Matt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn
Chapters:
(00:00) - Introduction
(00:57) - Importance of Online Presence
(01:52) - Posting on LinkedIn
(03:41) - Commenting vs. Posting
(05:12) - Interview Presence
(06:59) - Recover…
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150. Communication Tips from the Classroom and Around the World
9 juli 2024 · 21 min
Sometimes, what’s communicated to us can have a big impact on how we communicate to others. This episode explores some of the best communication advice — from experts and Think Fast, Talk Smart listeners around the world. Lees meer
As teachers of Strategic Communication, lecturers Shawon Jackson and Matt Abrahams have plenty of advice on how to be a better communicator. But in this 150th episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, the two don’t just discuss the communication strategies they share with students in their class, they also feature communication advice from listeners of the podcast.
Covering topics like knowing your audience, using transitions to tie together different ideas, and embracing the power of silence, Jackson and Abrahams unpack good advice for good communication in this celebratory episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart.
Episode Reference Links:
Shawon Jackson
Shawon’s Educational Program: Vocal Justice
Connect:
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********
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Join our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be.
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149. Rethinks: How to Take Risks in Your Communication, Relationships, and Career
2 juli 2024 · 27 min
“What people regret over time are things they didn’t do. They didn’t take that trip, they didn’t ask that person out on a date. They didn’t start that business,” says former political speechwriter and author Dan Pink. “I think it’s because we are slightly over-indexed on risk. We overstate the risk in many circumstances.” Lees meer
In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, strategic communications lecturer Matt Abrahams sits down with Pink to hear how we can take more risks and how leaders can inspire others by focusing on the why instead of the how. “There’s almost incontrovertible evidence that a sense of purpose is the most cost-effective performance enhancer that organizations have,” Pink says.
Episode Reference Links:
Dan Pink
Dan's Book: The Power of Regret, Drive
Original Episode: Ep.92 No Regrets: How to Take Risks in Your Communication, Relationships, and Career
Ep.103 Simple Is a Superpower: How to Communicate Any Idea to Any Audience
Ep.80 Magic Words: Change What You Say to Inspire and Influence Others
Connect:
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********
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Join our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be.
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148. Conviction and Compassion: How to Have Hard Conversations
25 juni 2024 · 27 min
In our personal and professional lives, some conversations are harder than others. To navigate the difficulties of discussing what matters most, Professor Irv Grousbeck says we need the right balance of conviction and compassion. Lees meer
At both Stanford Graduate School of Business and Stanford School of Medicine, Grousbeck teaches courses on managing difficult conversations. He equips students with skills to be direct while being respectful, to be strong while being warm, and to resist any urge to beat around the bush. "Directness, with respect, is essential,” he says. "So many of our students feel that if you're direct with someone, somehow that's harsh. The art of good conversation management, I think, does involve directness and respect at the same time."
In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Grousbeck and host Matt Abrahams explore practical tips and strategies for navigating difficult conversations, from the importance of listening and pausing, to the value of rehearsing your words in advance.
Episode Reference Links:
Irv Grousbeck
Irv’s Book: New Business Ventures and the Entrepreneur
Center for Entrepreneurial Studies | Stanford Graduate School of Business
Connect:
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********
Thank you to our sponsors. These partnerships support the ongoing production of the podcast, allowing us to bring it to you at no cost.Strawberry.me. Get 50% off your first coaching session today at Strawberry.me/smart
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147. Disrupt Yourself: How to Innovate Who You Are and Become Who You Can Be
18 juni 2024 · 24 min
Innovation and disruption aren’t just for organizations. According to Whitney Johnson, we can find new possibilities for personal and professional growth — by disrupting ourselves. Lees meer
As an executive coach, author, and podcaster, Johnson teaches people how to level up their lives and careers through the power of personal disruption. Her book, Disrupt Yourself: Putting the Power of Disruptive Innovation to Work, reveals how shaking things up enables us to break free of the constraints we might not even know we’re imposing on ourselves. “Personal disruption [is] a process of deliberate self-innovation; a decision to step back from who you are to slingshot into who you can be,” she explains.
In this Think Fast, Talk Smart episode with host Matt Abrahams, Johnson offers strategies for tailoring messages to different audiences, reveals the key ingredients for successful communication, and explains how disrupting yourself can open new doors and help you reach your full potential.
Episode Reference Links:
Whitney Johnson
Whitney’s Book: Disrupt Yourself: Putting the Power of Disruptive Innovation to Work
Whitney’s Podcast: Disrupt Yourself Podcast
Ep.118 Maximizing Your Personal Brand: Communicating Who You Are to Help Get What You Want
Ep.138 Speak Your Truth: Why Authenticity Leads to Better Communication
Connect:
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********
Thank you to our sponsors. These partnerships support the ongoing production of the podcast, allowing us to bring it to you at no cost.Strawberry.me. Get 50% off your first coaching session today at Strawberry.me/smart
Join our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be.
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146. Stress Resets: How to Change Your Internal Dialogue to Communicate Better
11 juni 2024 · 19 min
Stress can get in the way of our communication with others. To manage our stress, psychologist Jenny Taitz says, we first need to adjust the conversations that we have with ourselves. Lees meer
Taitz is an assistant clinical professor in psychiatry at the University of California, Los Angeles, and the author of several books, including Stress Resets: How to Soothe Your Body and Mind in Minutes. According to her, much of the stress we experience is self-created through negative thought patterns and harsh self-criticism. “We're doing this to ourselves all the time,” she says. But as we become aware of these unhelpful mental loops, Taitz’ “resets” can help us disrupt them and reframe self-talk in more productive ways
In addition to changing our self-talk, Taitz offers tools for refreshing our communication with others. In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, she and host Matt Abrahams explore her G.I.V.E. framework — how being gentle, interested, validating, and easy-mannered equips us for more positive conversations with ourselves and others
Episode Reference Links:
Jenny Taitz
Jenny’s Book: Stress Resets
Ep.69 Feeling Nervous? How Anxiety Can Fuel Better Communication
Ep.122 How To Be More Confident and Calm in Your Communication: Managing the "ABC’s" of Communication Anxiety
Connect:
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********
Thank you to our sponsors. These partnerships support the ongoing production of the podcast, allowing us to bring it to you at no cost.Strawberry.me. Get 50% off your first coaching session today at Strawberry.me/smart
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145. Rethinks: The Art of Negotiation, How to Get More of What You Want
4 juni 2024 · 15 min
Whether we realize it or not, we negotiate everyday. But when we approach these situations as a win-or-lose battle, we’re already showing resistance, and setting ourselves up for difficulty. But what if you reframed the whole idea, to think of a negotiation not as a fight, but as a problem-solving exercise involving emotions? Lees meer
In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Matt Abrahams speaks with Stanford GSB Professor Emeritus Margaret Neale about what she has learned in her decades of researching negotiation and the steps that lead to more collaborative problem-solving.
Listen as Neale shares tips on how to approach negotiations with intention, and what strategies can help us more easily communicate our wants and needs. She is the coauthor of Getting (More of) What You Want: How the Secrets of Economics and Psychology Can Help You Negotiate Anything, in Business and in Life.
Episode Reference Links:
Margaret Ann Neale
Margaret's Book: Getting (More of) What You Want
Original Episode: Ep.15 The Art of Negotiation: How to Get More of What You Want
Connect:
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********
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144. Communicating Through Conflict: How to Get Along with Anyone
28 mei 2024 · 21 min
Many of us would rank getting along with colleagues as an important aspect of work, but, as Amy Gallo explains, relationships devoid of disagreement can actually be less productive. Lees meer
“While our natural human instinct is to avoid conflict, I believe that conflicts are not only an inevitable part of interacting with other humans, but they're a necessary part.”
Gallo is a workplace expert, host of HBR’s Women at Work podcast, and the author of Getting Along: How to Work With Anyone. Across her work, Gallo touts that the key to transforming conflicts into something productive is to understand its root cause and learn how to reframe them.
“Even at the base of those unhealthy conflicts or those unproductive conflicts is something that needs to be resolved,” she says.
In her conversation with host and strategic communications lecturer Matt Abrahams, Gallo provides useful frameworks and new concepts on how we can approach conflicts at work.
Episode Reference Links:
Amy Gallo
Amy Gallo’s Book: Getting Along: How to Work With Anyone
Amy Gallo’s Podcast: Women at Work
Ep.132 Lean Into Failure: How to Make Mistakes That Work
Connect:
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********
Thank you to our sponsors. These partnerships support the ongoing production of the podcast, allowing us to bring it to you at no cost.Strawberry.me. Get 50% off your first coaching session today at Strawberry.me/smart
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143. Adopt a VC Mindset: Achieve More by Thinking and Communicating Like a Venture Capitalist
21 mei 2024 · 20 min
In choosing who to date, what job to pursue, or how to invest our money, most people are just looking for a reason to move forward. But according to Professor Ilya Strebulaev, we should be looking for something else: a reason to bail. Lees meer
"The smartest venture capitalists ask a very different question from what most of us ask," says Strebulaev. Instead of asking “‘Why should we invest?’, venture capitalists approach every new opportunity with [the] question: Why should we not proceed?” This contrarian mindset is at the heart of Strebulaev's new book The Venture Mindset, which reveals how the strategies of top VCs can help anyone make sharper decisions.
In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Strebulaev joins host Matt Abrahams to discuss how the venture mindset can help anyone — investor or not — weigh alternatives, make decisions, and move forward without looking back.
Episode Reference Links:
Ilya Strebulaev
Ilya’s Book: The Venture Mindset
Ep.41 Speak Like a Founder: How Successful Entrepreneurs Communicate to Their Teams
Ep.56 Lean Messaging: How Simple Messages Really Stick
Connect:
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********
Thank you to our sponsors. These partnerships support the ongoing production of the podcast, allowing us to bring it to you at no cost.Strawberry.me. Get 50% off your first coaching session today at Strawberry.me/smart
Join our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be.
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142. Power and Persuasion: Live Insights from Stanford Experts
14 mei 2024 · 34 min
A special live edition from the Me2We event at Stanford, where strategic communications expert and podcast host Matt Abrahams joins four distinguished faculty members from Stanford Graduate School of Business: Lees meer
Michelle Gelfand explores the dynamics of cross-cultural organizational behavior.
Brian Lowery discusses the societal implications of racial perceptions.
Deborah Gruenfeld reveals insights into power dynamics and personal presence.
Zakary Tormala delves into the nuances of persuasive language.
Episode Reference Links:
Michelle Gelfand’s Book: Rule Makers, Rule Breakers: How Tight and Loose Cultures Wire Our World
Michelle Gelfand's Tight-Loose Quiz
Brian Lowery’s Book: Selfless: The Social Creation of "You"
Deborah Gruenfeld’s Book: Acting With Power: Why We Are More Powerful Than We Believe
Ep.67 What is Normal? How Culture Affects Communication Styles
Ep.84 Quick Thinks: How Others Define Us
Ep.11 The Science of Influence: How to Persuade Others and Hold Their Attention
Ep.12 It’s Not What You Say It’s How You Say It: How to Communicate Power
Connect:
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********
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Join our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be.
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141. An Invitation for Innovation: Why Creativity Is Found, Not Forced
7 mei 2024 · 21 min
So you want to lead your team toward innovation. Does that require that you know where you’re going? Not according to Linda Hill. Lees meer
Hill is a professor of business administration at Harvard Business School whose research focuses on leadership and how organizations achieve innovation. When it comes to generating breakthrough ideas, Hill says it’s less about a creative vision and more about stepping into the unknown. “Innovation [is] not about an individual coming up with a new idea,” she says. “Instead, innovation is the result of the collaboration of people with diverse expertise and diverse perspectives coming together, being able to collaborate, being able to experiment together and learn.”
In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Hill and host Matt Abrahams discuss how leaders can foster cultures and environments where innovation thrives — where teams use communication and collaboration to “co-create the future.”
Episode Reference Links:
Linda Hill
Linda's books: Collective Genius / Being the Boss / Becoming a Manager
Connect:
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********
Thank you to our sponsors. These partnerships support the ongoing production of the podcast, allowing us to bring it to you at no cost.Strawberry.me. Get 50% off your first coaching session today at Strawberry.me/smart
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140. Rethinks: How to Handle a Skeptical Audience
30 april 2024 · 16 min
Preparing to speak in front of a skeptical audience is more than thinking about objections beforehand – there are specific techniques you can use to respond to these challenging situations without sounding defensive, evasive, or dismissive. Here, we offer a few key tips for how to handle skepticism with aplomb. Lees meer
In this episode, host Matt Abrahams and Stanford GSB lecturer Burt Alper share how to prepare for these challenges from your audience and discuss the importance of tactics like acknowledging audience input, reframing responses, and how to remain cool, collected, and credible.
Episode Reference Links:
Burt Alper
Ep.102 Create a Presence: How to Communicate in a Way Others Can Feel
Ep.70 Keep ’Em Coming: Why Your First Ideas Aren’t Always the Best
Original Episode: Ep.5 From Monologue to Dialogue: How to Handle a Skeptical Audience
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********
Thank you to our sponsors. These partnerships support the ongoing production of the podcast, allowing us to bring it to you at no cost.Strawberry.me. Get 50% off your first coaching session today at Strawberry.me/smart
Join our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be.
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139. Lose Yourself: The Secret to Finding Flow and Being Fully Present
23 april 2024 · 17 min
Whether you're looking to boost your productivity, find more joy in your work, or simply be more present in the moment, you need flow — and research by Assistant Professor David Melnikoff could help you find it. Lees meer
Melnikoff investigates how we pursue our goals, and how flow — the state of being totally immersed and engaged in what we’re doing — can help us achieve them. According to him, flow isn’t necessarily about enjoying a task or activity for its own sake, but more about the process of discovery that unfolds as we take action in the face of uncertainty. “The source of flow is engaging in an activity that allows you to reduce uncertainty about your future, engaging in actions that reduce possible future outcomes, or ideally, eliminate all possible future outcomes except for one,” he says. With each action that we take, the path before us narrows, leading us more directly to the goal that we’ve set.
In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Melnikoff shares why uncertainty presents us with the opportunity to step into the flow state, to experience more focus and engagement, and to supercharge our goal pursuit and performance
Episode Reference Links:
David Melnikoff
Ep.59 From Dreaming to Doing: How We Set and Achieve Goals
Ep.104 How to Change: Building Better Habits and Behaviors (And Getting Out of Your Own Way
Connect:
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********
Thank you to our sponsors. These partnerships support the ongoing production of the podcast, allowing us to bring it to you at no cost.Strawberry.me. Get 50% off your first coaching session today at Strawberry.me/smart
Join our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be.
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138. Speak Your Truth: Why Authenticity Leads to Better Communication
16 april 2024 · 23 min
From the way you communicate, to the way build your life and career, Graham Weaver, MBA ’99, says it’s about “giving yourself permission to fully be yourself. You can never go wrong when you’re saying your truth.” Lees meer
Weaver is a lecturer in management, a GSB alum, and the founder and a partner of Alpine Investors. He stresses the importance of direct communication, highlighting how avoiding it can lead to wasted time, energy, and even financial losses. Reflecting on his own experiences in private equity, Weaver admits to struggling with being conflict-averse and not speaking his truth directly, which resulted in getting into bad deals and big losses for his company. “People think that by being indirect, they’re being kind, but all they're doing is creating confusion,” he says. “Clarity is compassionate. Even if it's not what they want to hear, the more direct and clear you can be, the more compassionate that is for the other person.”
In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Weaver and host Matt Abrahams explore how being true to oneself not only fosters personal fulfillment but also enables us to show up better for others. Authenticity and self-belief lay the foundation for effective communication, leadership, and ultimately, success.
Episode Reference Links:
Graham Weaver
Last Lecture Series: How to Live an Asymmetric Life
Ep.82 It’s Not About You: Why Effective Communicators Put Others First
Ep.118 Maximizing Your Personal Brand: Communicating Who You Are to Help Get What You Want
Connect:
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