Shows
Think Fast Talk Smart (Hindi): Communication TechniquesHow To Be More Confident and Calm in Your Communication: Managing the "ABC's" of Communication AnxietyResearch-backed techniques on how to beat nervousness in the moment. In this episode, Matt uses clips from experts from previous Think Fast Talk Smart episodes to provide you with several communication anxiety management techniques to help you feel more comfortable and confident when you communicate. And as a guide to help us learn these techniques, he introduces the ABCs of anxiety management.Connect:Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart PremiumEmail Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.ioEpisode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTubeMatt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn ********************************* Become a Faster Smarter S...
2026-02-1620 min
Think Fast Talk Smart (Hindi): Communication Techniques15. Quick Thinks: All Effective Communication Must Start With ThisContent that is relevant and meaningful to an audience is more likely to be heard, retained and acted upon. The word communication comes from the Latin for to “make common,” yet many of us start our message from the wrong place. As lecturer and podcast host Matt Abrahams shares in this Quick Thinks episode, by taking the time to learn about our audience and their needs, we can better craft our messages for them and be more useful, engaging and successful.जो content audience के लिए relevant और meaningful होता है, उसे ज़्यादा ध्यान से सुना जाता है, याद रखा जाता है और उस पर action भी लिया जाता है। Communication शब्द Latin भाषा से आया है, जिसका मतलब है “to make common,” यानी चीज़ों को साझा करना। लेकिन हम में से कई लोग अपना message गलत जगह से शुरू करते हैं। जैसा कि lecturer और podcast host Matt Abrahams इस Quick Thinks episode में share करते हैं, जब हम audience और उनकी needs को समझने में समय लगाते हैं, तो हम अपने messages को उनके लिए बेहतर तरीके से craft कर पाते हैं — और इस तरह ज़्यादा useful, engaging और successful बनते हैं।See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at ht
2026-02-0908 min
Think Fast Talk Smart (Hindi): Communication Techniques14. Strategy Success: How to Communicate Your GameplanAs Professor Jesper Sørensen sees it, a winning strategy is the result of conversations, not commands.Sørensen says 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...
2026-02-0233 min
Think Fast Talk Smart (Hindi): Communication Techniques12. The Art of Negotiation: How to Get More of What You WantWhether 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?In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart Matt Abrahams speaks with Stanford GSB Professor emeritus Maggie Neale (and author of Getting More of What You Want: How the Secrets of Economics and Psychology Can Help You Negotiate Anything, in Bu...
2026-01-1920 min
Think Fast Talk Smart (Hindi): Communication Techniques11. The Science of Influence How to Persuade Others And Hold Their AttentionWe’re constantly bombarded with competing images, messaging, and bids for our attention. That's why as communicators, it’s increasingly important to know what engages people.In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Matt Abrahams speaks with Stanford GSB Professor Zak Tormala about the subtle ways you can structure your speech to get people to pay attention. “It’s not really about tricking people into doing what you want,” Professor Tormala says. “It’s more about understanding the factors that actually engage people or open them up to your idea and maybe get them to see something a little bit dif...
2026-01-1224 min
Think Fast Talk Smart (Hindi): Communication Techniques10. Quick Thinks: Use This Framework to Speak up in Virtual MeetingsWe've all been in the situation where you have something important to contribute to a meeting and you don't know how to insert your thoughts. On this "Quick Thinks" episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, podcast host Matt Abrahams offers the three ways to insert your ideas, either by paraphrasing, asking a question, or stating an emotion. He also outlines the "What, So What, Now What" framework and explains how to use this structure to communicate your ideas more effectively.हम सब कभी न कभी ऐसी situation में रहे हैं जहाँ meeting में हमारे पास कहने के लिए कुछ ज़रूरी होता है, लेकिन समझ नहीं आता कि अपनी बात बीच में कैसे रखें।Think Fast, Talk Smart के इस Quick Thinks episode में, podcast host Matt Abrahams तीन आसान तरीक़े बताते हैं जिनसे आप अपने ideas को conversation में शामिल कर सकते हैं — या तो paraphrase करके, एक सवाल पूछकर, या फिर किसी emotion से शुरुआत करके।
2026-01-0504 min
Think Fast Talk Smart (Hindi): Communication Techniques9. It's Not What You Say, It's How You Say It: How To Communicate PowerPower exists in every relationship — whether we like that idea or not — and to be effective in any role, power needs to be understood. In this episode, Matt Abrahams sits down with Professor of Organizational Behavior Deborah Gruenfeld to discuss her new book, Acting with Power: Why We Are More Powerful Than We Believe. Deborah shares how body language can give us power, or take it from us, and advises how we can use power for good.हर रिश्ते में शक्ति (power) मौजूद होती है — चाहे हमें यह बात पसंद हो या नहीं। और किसी भी भूमिका में प्रभावी होने के लिए, power को समझना ज़रूरी है। Think Fast, Talk Smart के इस एपिसोड में Matt Abrahams, Organizational Behavior की प्रोफेसर Deborah Gruenfeld के साथ बातचीत करते हैं और उनकी नई किताब Acting with Power: Why We Are More Powerful Than We Believe पर चर्चा करते हैं।Deborah बताती हैं कि कैसे हमारी body language हमें ताक़तवर बना सकती है — या हमसे हमारी power छीन भी सकती है। साथ ही, वह यह भी साझा करती हैं कि हम power का इस्तेमाल एक सकारात्मक और अच्छे तरीके से कैसे कर सकते हैं।Connect:Email
2025-12-2921 min
Think Fast Talk Smart (Hindi): Communication Techniques8. High-Stakes Communication: How to Manage Anxiety When Speaking in Front of OthersMost people feel nervous in situations such as speaking in front of a class, pitching a big idea, or giving a toast, yet research-backed techniques can help manage both the symptoms and sources of our speaking jitters.Matt Abrahams sits in the interviewee chair for this episode and talks with the podcast's producer, Jenny Luna, to share his backstory with public speaking anxiety and how by recognizing the causes of our nervousness, and applying mitigating techniques, we can gain confidence in our communication. ज़्यादातर लोगों को क्लास के सामने बोलते समय, कोई बड़ा आइडिया पिच करते हुए, या किसी मौके पर टोस्ट देते वक्त घबराहट महसूस होती है। Think Fast, Talk Smart के इस एपिसोड में, ऐसी रिसर्च पर आधारित तकनीकों के बारे में बात की गई है जो इस घबराहट के लक्षणों और असली कारणों — दोनों को संभालने में मदद करती हैं।इस बार Matt Abrahams खुद इंटरव्यू देने वाली कुर्सी पर बैठते हैं और पॉडकास्ट की प्रोड्यूसर Jenny Luna के साथ अपनी पब्लिक स्पीकिंग एंग्ज़ायटी की कहानी साझा करते हैं। दोनों मिलकर बताते हैं कि जब हम अपनी घबराहट की वजहों को पहचानते हैं और सही तरीकों को अपनाते हैं, तो हम ज़्यादा कॉन्फिडेंट बन सकते हैं और बेहतर तरीके से कम्युनिकेट कर सकते हैं।Connect:Email Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.ioEpisode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTubeMatt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn
2025-12-2221 min
Think Fast Talk Smart (Hindi): Communication Techniques7. Don't Get Lost in Translation: How Non-Native Speakers Can Communicate With ConfidenceHaving to communicate in a language other than our native tongue can be quite a challenge. In this podcast episode, host Matt Abrahams speaks with Ken Romeo, the Associate Director for the Stanford Language Center, on specific tactics and approaches non-native speakers can use to prepare for speeches or presentations. Ken also shares advice on how to handle in-the-moment challenges, improve fluency, and let go of the need for perfection.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.अपनी मातृभाषा के अलावा किसी दूसरी भाषा में बात करना अक्सर काफ़ी चुनौतीपूर्ण हो सकता है। इस Think Fast, Talk Smart के एपिसोड में, होस्ट Matt Abrahams की बातचीत होती है Ken Romeo से, जो Stanford Language Center के Associate Directo...
2025-12-1515 min
Think Fast Talk Smart (Hindi): Communication Techniques6. From Monologue to Dialogue How to Handle a Skeptical AudiencePreparing 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.In this podcast, 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.एक skeptical audience के सामने बोलने की तैयारी सिर्फ पहले से objections के बारे में सोच लेने तक सीमित नहीं है — ऐसी चुनौतीपूर्ण परिस्थितियों में आप कुछ विशेष तकनीकों का उपयोग कर सकते हैं, जो आपको defensive, evasive या dismissive लगे बिना जवाब देने में मदद करती हैं। यहाँ हम कुछ मुख्य टिप्स साझा कर रहे हैं जो आपको skepticism को आत्मविश्वास और संतुलन के साथ handle करने में मदद करेंगी।इस podcast में, host Matt Abrahams और Stanford GSB...
2025-12-0818 min
Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques247. “Matt”er of Fact: Coaching on Feedback and Q&ATwo new Think Fast Talk Smart AI tools put communication skills to the test in real time.Technology promises many things, but few experiments illustrate its potential more vividly than a coach in conversation with his own digital counterpart. In this episode, Matt Abrahams introduces two new AI-powered tools from the Think Fast Talk Smart Online Learning Community: Coach Matt and Chat Matt. Trained on years of Matt’s communication teachings and podcast insights, these digital counterparts offer a rare opportunity to watch human expertise meet machine-driven guidance in real time.Coach Matt begins by...
2025-12-0218 min
Think Fast Talk Smart (Hindi): Communication Techniques5. Quick Thinks: Communicating and Leading VirtuallyLeading successful meetings remotely and being a strong speaker on-screen require specific skills. Communicating effectively has to do with your presence, ability to leverage tools, and your audience engagement. In this Quick Thinks episode, Stanford GSB Strategic Communications lecturer Matt Abrahams shares best practices for becoming a more effective and engaging online communicator.दूर से successful meetings lead करना और on-screen एक strong speaker बनना — इसके लिए विशेष कौशल की आवश्यकता होती है। Effective communication आपकी presence, tools को सही तरह से leverage करने की क्षमता, और audience engagement पर निर्भर करती है।इस Quick Thinks episode में, Stanford GSB Strategic Communications के lecturer Matt Abrahams यह शेयर करते हैं कि और अधिक प्रभावी और engaging online communicator बनने के लिए किन best practices का उपयोग किया जा सकता है। Connect:Email Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.ioEpisode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTubeMatt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn
2025-12-0108 min
Think Fast Talk Smart (Hindi): Communication Techniques4. The Journey to Mastery: How Self Reflection Can Improve CommunicationWhat does it mean to truly master communication? How can we speak and write for the most impact? In this podcast episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Stanford Graduate School of Business lecturers JD Schramm and Matt Abrahams discuss how to use self reflection for self improvement. They also offer methods for preparing for a high stakes situation such as a pitch meeting or an everyday interaction like an email. हम बोलते और लिखते कैसे हैं — इसका असर हमारी professional और personal life पर कितना गहरा पड़ता है। लेकिन impactful तरीके से communicate करने का मतलब क्या है? और हम इसे कैसे सीख सकते हैं?इस एपिसोड में Think Fast, Talk Smart के होस्ट Matt Abrahams, Stanford Graduate School of Business के ही अपने सह-प्रोफेसर JD Schramm के साथ मिलकर इसी पर बात करते हैं।दोनों चर्चा करते हैं कि self-reflection यानी खुद का मूल्यांकन कैसे हमारी communication skills को बेहतर बना सकता है — चाहे वो कोई high-stakes pitch meeting हो, कोई महत्वपूर्ण presentation, या फिर बस एक सीधा सा email।इस बातचीत में आपको ऐसे प्रैक्टिकल तरीके मिलेंगे जिनसे आप अपनी speaking और writing को
2025-11-2415 min
Think Fast Talk Smart (Hindi): Communication TechniquesIntroducing Think Fast, Talk Smart (Hindi): The PodcastJoin Matt Abrahams, lecturer in strategic communication at Stanford Graduate School of Business, as he sits down with experts from across the world to discuss public speaking anxiety, speaking off the cuff, nailing a Q&A, and more.Stanford Graduate School of Business के Strategic Communication के lecturer Matt Abrahams के साथ जुड़िए, जहाँ वो दुनिया भर के experts से बातचीत करते हैं — topics जैसे public speaking anxiety, बिना तैयारी के बोलना, Q&A में कमाल करना, और बहुत कुछ पर।Connect:Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart PremiumEmail Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.ioEpisode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTubeMatt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn
2025-10-2701 min
Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques229. Rethinks: How to Speak Successfully When You’re Put on the SpotTo celebrate its second anniversary, we revisit our favourite tools and tips from Matt’s book, Think Faster, Talk Smarter.Original executive producer Jenny Luna turns the tables and interviews host and strategic communications lecturer Matt Abrahams about his bestselling book, Think Faster, Talk Smarter: How to Speak Successfully When You're Put on the Spot. To celebrate the book’s second anniversary, this special Rethinks episode dives into Matt’s most practical tips, powerful frameworks, and mindset shifts to help you speak with confidence in any spontaneous situation. From managing anxiety to structuring your though...
2025-09-1626 min
Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques209. Find Your Fit, Find Your Focus - Catalyze Your CareerHow to turn curiosity, clarity, and AI into your most powerful job search tools.Job search isn’t just about landing your next role—it’s about understanding who you are and how you want to show up in the world. According to Andrew Seaman, Senior Managing Editor for Jobs and Career Development at LinkedIn, that process begins with curiosity, not certainty. “People assume they need to apply to dozens of jobs with a perfect résumé,” he explains. “But the best applications are rooted in self-awareness and strategy—not spray-and-pray.”Instead of rushing to the next opport...
2025-06-1227 min
Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques200. Four Keys for Focused Communication: Live Lessons from Our 200 EpisodesThis live Q&A with host Matt Abrahams celebrates 200 episodes of Think Fast, Talk Smart.In an age of endless content and information, how do we ensure our communication cuts through the noise? Across 200 episodes of Think Fast, Talk Smart, host Matt Abrahams has discovered four essential ingredients that help messages rise above the chatter: concision, relevance, accessibility, and precision.“Attention is our most precious commodity in the world today, and we need to make sure that we engage our audience so we get their attention,” says Abrahams in this special 200th episode. How do w...
2025-04-2946 min
Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques193. Conquer Questions: ADDing Value To Your AnswersTurn Q&A from nerve-wracking to confidence-boosting with strategies for clear, controlled answers.A great presentation doesn’t end with the final slide—it continues through the Q&A, where real engagement happens. Yet, for many speakers, this is the most nerve-wracking part. In this episode, Matt Abrahams explores why Q&A can feel intimidating and how shifting your mindset can turn it into an opportunity rather than a challenge. Drawing from his book, Speaking Up Without Freaking Out, he shares expert-backed techniques for structuring responses, managing audience expectations, and maintaining composure under pressure. Whether you're facing a to...
2025-03-2514 min
Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques188. Mind Reading 101: To Know What Your Audience Thinks, Just AskHow to really know what your audience is thinking.To be a great communicator, you have to get out of your own head. But that’s not all, says Matt Lieberman. According to him, you also have to get into the head of someone else.“Mind-reading is this remarkable ability that humans have,” explains Lieberman, a professor of psychology, director of UCLA’s Social Cognitive Neuroscience Lab, and author of Social: Why Our Brains Are Wired to Connect. But even as we engage in perspective-taking, Lieberman says our attempts to mind-read often miss the mark. Instead...
2025-02-2528 min
Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques177. Don’t Resolve, Evolve: Top 10 Lessons For 2025Ten essential communication strategies designed to elevate your skills.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 sh...
2025-01-0725 min
Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication TechniquesAsk Matt Anything (AMA) 1: Trust, Paraphrasing, and Nonverbal CuesEnjoy this preview of our first Ask Matt Anything (AMA).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...
2024-12-2619 min
Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques175. Mastering Toasts and Tributes: Making Your Words CountCrafting impactful toasts for every occasion."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 sp...
2024-12-2419 min
Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques163. Is Your Audience Ignoring You? How Authenticity Creates ConnectionHow acceptance and authenticity can transform all of our interactions.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...
2024-10-0823 min
Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication TechniquesBonus: How to Manage Speaking Anxiety the Think Faster, Talk Smarter WayGain control over your speaking and excel in your communication.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 situationsAudio excerpt courtesy of Simon & Schuster Audio from THINK FASTER, TALK...
2024-09-2624 min
Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques152. Fix Your Communication: Why It’s About Connection Over Perfection“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.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 perf...
2024-07-2340 min
Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques150. Communication Tips from the Classroom and Around the WorldSometimes, 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.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.Coveri...
2024-07-0925 min
Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques128. Four Powerful Principles Pt. 2: Your Questions AnsweredJoin Matt Abrahams engaging with his international audience and answering questions that touch upon some of today's most pressing communication challenges. Matt offers advice on everything from the nuances of crafting clear, impactful questions and navigating emotional dynamics in group settings to maintaining control during presentations and delivering difficult news.Additionally, listeners are treated to innovative strategies for creating memorable introductions and managing disruptive behaviors in group discussions. This episode, taken from a Think Fast Talk Smart live event, offers practical tips and strategies; its a value add for anyone looking to enhance their communication skills in...
2024-02-0823 min
Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques120. A Few of Matt’s Favorite Things: 10 Communication Takeaways from 2023's TFTS EpisodesMatt reflects on all the advice we've heard this season and shares the top 10 takeaways that he’s applying to his own communication:Episode Reference Links:Jonah Berger: episode 80Rachel Greenwald: episode 89Dan Pink: episode 92Vanessa Patrick: episode 95Carmine Gallo: episode 103Katy Milkman: episode 104Kim Scott: episode 105Francis Frei: episode 109Patrick McGinnis: episode 113Julian Treasure: episode 114Connect:Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart PremiumEmail Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.ioEpisode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Ta...
2023-12-1920 min
Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques112. From Mistakes to "Missed Takes"This episode we're sharing an excerpt from Matt Abrahams's audiobook, Think Faster, Talk Smarter. Listen in as Matt explains how to think like a movie director, where a mistake isn't a grave error, but rather a "missed takes" and an opportunity to try again with a new approach.This audio excerpt is 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.Connect:Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart PremiumEmail Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter...
2023-10-2421 min
Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques91. Um, Like, So: How Filler Words Can Create More Connected, Effective CommunicationWe’re often advised not to use “um” or “uh”, or “so” and “you know” in our communication. But linguist Valerie Fridland might argue otherwise. “Language is about how we encode both the linguistic message and a social message,” she says. “Crutch words … are really valuable and they have arisen to serve a need.” In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Fridland sits down with host and strategic communications lecturer Matt Abrahams to discuss how and when we use "you know","so", and other filler words. For example, Fridland says, the way we use “um” varies greatly from how and we might use...
2023-05-2334 min
Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques77. Quick Thinks: AI Has Entered The Chat – A "Conversation" with ChatGPTIn this "Quick Thinks" episode, host Matt Abrahams interviews ChatGPT, an AI natural language processing chatbot, about its purpose, sources of information, ethical considerations, and the importance of human communication skills.To produce this episode, Matt typed his questions to ask ChatGPT, then recorded them in the studio. Producers then used Descript Overdub to "read" ChatGPT's responses.The purpose of ChatGPT is to provide informative and accurate responses to questions in natural language.ChatGPT uses vast amounts of text data from the internet to generate responses based on patterns it has seen in the data.It...
2023-02-0712 min
Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques71. Strategy Success: How to Communicate Your GameplanAs Professor Jesper Sørensen sees it, a winning strategy is the result of conversations, not commands.Sørensen says 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...
2022-11-0828 min
Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques70. Ideas Fuel Innovation: Why Your First Ideas Aren’t Always the BestWhat’s the secret to coming up with good ideas? For Jeremy Utley, it’s about generating as many as possible. The director of executive education at the Stanford d.school, Utley says, “very few problems we face in business or in life have a single right answer.” All ideas — the good, the bad, and the ugly — are “a necessary input to an innovation process,” and an essential step in getting to solutions that will actually work.In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Utley and host Matt Abrahams explore how we can focus less on finding t...
2022-10-2526 min
Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques69. Feeling Nervous? How Anxiety Can Fuel Better CommunicationStress, 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 commun...
2022-10-1129 min
Thinking Inside the BoxHow The Attention Economy Affects Us All - Matt AbrahamsIn today’s episode, I chat with Matt Abrahams, a Lecturer in Organizational Behaviour, at Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business, where he teaches Strategic Communication courses and workshops that help future business leaders to be more authentic, confident and compelling communicators.Matt’s also Host of the Think Fast, Talk Smart: The Podcast, where he sits down with experts across a wide range of professional disciplines to discuss public speaking anxiety, spontaneity, and more.We didn’t set out to discuss the attention economy, though perhaps predictably, as two individuals as fascinated by communic...
2022-10-1139 min
Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques68. Directive vs. Dialogue: Communicating Better as a LeaderAs the dean of Stanford Graduate School of Business, Dean Jon Levin knows the importance of crafting the right message and sharing it in the right way. But, as he says, one of the biggest challenges for any leader is to know what to communicate, and how. How do leaders strike the balance between being clear and directive, and as Levin says, “leaving space for people to form their own opinions, to discuss ideas, to debate”? He joins host and lecturer of strategic communications Matt Abrahams to discuss on this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart.Con...
2022-09-2722 min
Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques67. What Is Normal? How Culture Affects Communication StylesWhy do we drive on only one side of the road? Why don’t we sing in libraries? Why wear a swimsuit?For Professor Michele Gelfand, it all comes down to culture. As a cross-cultural psychologist, Gelfand is fascinated by social environments and their effects on human behavior, particularly, how strictly people adhere to social norms.In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Gelfand joins host and lecturer of strategic communications Matt Abrahams to explain why some cultures are “tight” and “have strict social norms,” while others are “loose,” with “more permissibility of behavior.”Co...
2022-09-1323 min
Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques64. Rethinks: Techniques for Managing Your ReputationHow others perceive us in person and via social media can impact our careers and social standing. But we can build the reputation we want through conscious communication.On this episode, strategic communication lecturers Matt Abrahams and Allison Kluger share techniques on effectively improving and managing your reputation.Connect:Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart PremiumEmail Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.ioEpisode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTubeMatt Abrahams >>> LinkedInShow Notes:Allison Kluger“How Tylenol Made a Comeback” NYTim...
2022-08-0222 min
Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques63. Cheap Talk: What Economics Has to Say About CommunicationYour words — are they credible? Or are they what Paul Oyer calls “cheap talk?”According to professor of economics Paul Oyer, how our words align with our actions isn’t just a matter of communication, but a matter of economics too. Economic concepts hold in all areas of life, which Oyer’s research has explored in everything from Uber driving to online dating.“Economics is everywhere,” Oyer says. “It's an incredibly powerful lens to analyze almost anything in the real world.”Join Matt Abrahams, lecturer in strategic communication, as he sits down with experts from acros...
2022-07-1822 min
Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques61. Courage, Ambiguity, Belonging and Data: How to Design Your Communication for SuccessAll communication comes from a place of creativity and creativity is rooted in design. In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, strategic communications lecturer and podcast host Matt Abrahams interviews four authors from the Stanford d.school. Each conversation challenges convention in how we approach our communication, be it visual, body language, or speech. Listen to this episode to hear more from Ashish Goel, author of Drawing on Courage; Susie Wise, author of Design for Belonging; Carissa Carter, author of The Secret Language of Maps; and Andrea Small, co author of Navigating Ambiguity.C...
2022-06-2138 min
Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques60. Communicating Uncertainty: How to Connect With Your Audience, Even When The Answers Aren’t Clear“It's not reassuring when we don't know the answers to critically important questions involved in health and wellbeing. But it's far more of a problem if we try to pretend we do.” In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Stanford Medical School dean Lloyd Minor sits down with podcast host Matt Abrahams to discuss transparency in leadership. “Rather than pushing ambiguity away, we should lean into it, and use it as a stimulus to guide our communication in more effective ways.” They also discuss the benefits an introvert can bring to leadership roles and critical role listening...
2022-06-0721 min
Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques59. From Dreaming to Doing: How We Set and Achieve GoalsWhy do we do what we do? What factors drive us? And how do things like competition with others help us achieve our goals?These are the questions most interesting to Szu-chi Huang, an associate professor of marketing with a specific interest in motivation. “Competition definitely increases motivation,” says Huang. “It makes attaining the goal more valuable.”In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Huang and host Matt Abrahams explore the intersection of human psychology, behavior, and goal attainment—and how communication connects them all.Connect:Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart...
2022-05-2424 min
Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques58. Forgiveness: How the Right Communication Repairs RelationshipsIn relationships between imperfect people, mistakes are inevitable. And when we find ourselves with damaged connections, it’s a specific kind of communication that can help us make amends.Fred Luskin is the Director of the Stanford University Forgiveness Project, and has devoted much of his career to researching the way forgiveness affects our psychological, relational, and physical health.“Apology is one of the few things that research shows actually facilitates forgiveness,” Luskin explains. In this Think Fast, Talk Smart podcast with host and strategic communication lecturer Matt Abrahams, Luskin outlines what it means to truly...
2022-05-1022 min
Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques57. Are You Listening?: How to Stay Open and Curious to Other People’s Ideas“Listening actively and deeply happens when I genuinely believe that the person who's speaking has intrinsic worth and brings a perspective that I lack and need.”This episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart features Kristin Hansen, lecturer in management and executive director of Civic Health Project, a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization working to reduce extreme polarization and foster healthier civil discourse in U.S. citizenry, politics, and media.Together with host Matt Abrahams, Hansen shares how from our workplaces to our personal lives, communication thrives when we cultivate open-mindedness, intellectual humility, and genuine curiosity.
2022-04-2620 min
Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques56. Lean Messaging: How Simple Messages Really Stick“Anyone can make a complicated thing sound complicated. It takes real skill to make it sound simple.” This episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart features Steve Blank, seasoned entrepreneur, marketer, and Stanford adjunct professor in the Department of Management Science and Engineering. “Messages need to be memorable,” he tells podcast host and strategic communications lecturer Matt Abrahams. “The more memorable the message, the greater its ability to create change.”Blank teaches courses on Lean Startups, innovation, and entrepreneurship, and throughout his 45 years of launching businesses and helping others do the same, he’s learned the importance of c...
2022-04-1224 min
Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques55. Ideas & Empathy: How to Design and Communicate with Others in Mind“Very often, you are not designing for yourself. And you kind of have to get out of your own way to effectively design with others’ needs in mind.”In this podcast episode, lecturer Matt Abrahams is joined by Sarah Stein Greenberg, Director of the Hasso Plattner Institute of Design, aka the Stanford d.school, and author of Creative Acts for Curious People: How to Think, Create, and Lead in Unconventional Ways.Together, Greenberg and Abrahams discuss how design and communication require seeing things from more than just our own point of view, and the tools we can...
2022-03-2923 min
Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques54. Leadership and Ethics: How to Communicate Your Core Values“A mistake that some leaders make is to assume that the people in your organization share your core values. Some of the time some of them do, but there's a bunch who don't, and those are the most difficult sorts of situations.” In this episode, Political Science professors Neil Malhotra and Ken Shotts sit down with host and lecturer Matt Abrahams, to discuss how to lead others whose values may not align with your own. “The most effective thing you can do is to understand the other person's story and frame the language and arguments around t...
2022-03-1527 min
Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques53. Step Up and Stand Out: How to Create the Right Environment for Communication“You’re not going to hit the mark with everybody, but you still need to be mindful of everybody,” says Jonathan Levav, the King Philanthropies Professor of Marketing. “That’s critical to create an environment where communication is effective.”In this episode, Levav sits down with podcast host Matt Abrahams to talk about the science behind decision fatigue, how to lead effectively while working from home, and how to create the right company culture both in the office and online. The right communication, Levav says, fosters an environment for creativity, innovation, and collaboration. “How can you encourage those serendip...
2022-03-0125 min
Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques52. Communicating Our Mistakes: How to Avoid Common Flaws and Make Better DecisionsIn this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, host Matt Abrahams sits down with finance professors Jonathan Berk and Jules van Binsbergen to talk about their new podcast, All Else Equal.Connect:Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart PremiumEmail Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.ioEpisode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTubeMatt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn
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2022-02-1624 min
Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques51. We Asked, You Answered: Celebrating our 50th Episode with your Anxiety Management PlansIn this 50th episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, host Matt Abrahams and executive producer Jenny Luna share the winners' plans from our Confident Communicator Challenge and offer new, research-backed techniques for managing nervousness both before and during your communication. Thank you to many, many listeners from all over the world who sent in their anxiety management plans. Connect:Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart PremiumEmail Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.ioEpisode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTubeMatt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn
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2022-02-1016 min
Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques50. Telling Good Stories: How to Use the Elements of Narrative to Keep Listeners Engaged“Make them want to turn the page,” says Paula Moya, a professor at Stanford University and author of The Social Imperative: Race, Close Reading, and Contemporary Literary Criticism. In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Moya sits down with strategic communication lecturer Matt Abrahams to share how the elements of story can be used in other types of communication. Create compelling situations, full of sense and surprise, she says. Create characters we can empathize with; speak your written sentences aloud, and, Moya advises, think of the images your words may conjure up and how they may be in...
2022-02-0223 min
Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques49. Make Numbers Count: How to Communicate Data Effectively“We have to make data emotional because emotions are what drive us to act,” says Chip Heath, a professor of organizational behavior and author of the new book, Making Numbers Count: The Art of Science of Communicating Numbers. In this interview with host Matt Abrahams, Heath talks about ways that data and statistics can be used to illuminate — or obscure — our message. “A lot of people in the world don’t understand numbers like the numbers people,” he says. “And there are a lot of untranslated numbers that float around in organizations and in society.” Heath suggests thinking about numb...
2022-01-1821 min
Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques48. Speaking Up Without Freaking Out: How to Tackle Communication Anxiety“Eighty five percent of people report being nervous about speaking in public, and I believe the other 15% are lying,” says Matt Abrahams, lecturer in Strategic Communication and podcast host. “What is it about speaking in front of others that makes most of us nervous? Well, those of us who study this ubiquitous fear believe it is part of our human condition.” In this special episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Matt Abrahams returns to one of the podcast's main goals: helping people become more confident communicators. Listen to interviews with Stanford University professors who research stress as they shar...
2022-01-0528 min
Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques46. Stay Creative: How to Keep Your Ideas Fresh and Practical“To be creative, ideas must be both novel and useful. That’s the definition that we use in creativity research,” says Justin Berg, an assistant professor of organizational behavior at Stanford Graduate School of Business. But, he warns: “Novel ideas are often not very useful and useful ideas are often not very novel.”In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Berg sits down with lecturer and podcast host Matt Abrahams to share lessons from his work on creativity, which has included conducting experiments with both movie directors and circus performers. “The takeaway is that we should nev...
2021-12-0324 min
Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques45. Recipes From the “Communication Kitchen”: How to Handle Three Common Challenges This Holiday SeasonIn each episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Stanford GSB lecturer and podcast host Matt Abrahams asks his guests the same question: “What are the first three ingredients in a successful communication recipe?” Answers have ranged from specific and poetic, to impactful and thought-provoking. In this episode, we bring you some favorite responses, as well as Matt’s tips for solving three common communication challenges that tend to arise during the holiday season. Connect:Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart PremiumEmail Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.ioEpisode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learnin...
2021-11-1817 min
Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques44. Act Like a Leader: How Lessons From The Theater Can Help You Step into Power"Leadership is a role that you play, like a part you play in other people’s lives. And [your] expression of that role is your responsibility as a leader,” says Stanford GSB lecturer Melissa Jones Briggs. Jones Briggs’ work combines techniques from the theater with social science research to teach lessons about power and communication. In this conversation with host Matt Abrahams, she discusses how acting in a leadership position requires staying present and also knowing when to step back. “Power and authority often determine which stories are centered and which stories are marginalized,” Jones Briggs says. “By uncovering...
2021-11-1122 min
Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques43. Get Psyched: How Time and Situations Shape Our Communication“Social psychologists believe that if we want to understand our own behavior and the behavior of others, the first thing we have to ask or notice is, ‘What is the situation in which they are performing, in which they are behaving?’ And then we want to know as much about the situation as possible.”In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Stanford emeritus psychology professor Phillip Zimbardo sits down with host Matt Abrahams to discuss how time influences our perception and our positive or negative thought processes. The two also talk about how the findings of Zimbardo...
2021-10-2822 min
Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques42. Space, Pace, and Grace: How to Handle Challenging ConversationsBeing a better listener has a lot to do with silence, says Collins Dobbs, a lecturer in management at Stanford Graduate School of Business. “A lot of people are uncomfortable with the smallest modicum of silence, but learning often happens when we create distance for useful reflection.”In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Dobbs talks with host Matt Abrahams about the importance of “space, pace, and grace” when you’re receiving others’ feedback and handling the emotions that come out during tough discussions. “There’s often a lot more focus on the skill set on delivering...
2021-10-1526 min
Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques41. Speak like a Founder: How Successful Entrepreneurs Communicate to Their Teams“Part of teamwork is dating,” says Stefanos Zenios, The Investment Group of Santa Barbara Professor of Entrepreneurship and Professor of Operations, Information & Technology. “Dating each other to see whether you can work well together. It’s about developing how you will speak with each other in the team, how you will manage difficult conversations, and how to be respectful, but also how to help each other grow.” In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, host Matt Abrahams sits down with Professor Zenios to hear more about the methods shared in the Stanford GSB project-based course Startup Garage.
2021-10-0121 min
Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques40. Mindset Matters: How to Embrace the Benefits of Stress“Stress is natural, stress is inevitable when you're living a life that's connected with things you care about. And learning how to embrace it, learning how to work with it is really what helps us thrive and grow and perform at our highest level, according to psychologist and associate professor at Stanford, Alia Crum. In this episode, Crum talks with host and lecturer Matt Abrahams about her research and findings as principal investigator of the Stanford Mind and Body Lab where she is focusing on reshaping our mindset to embrace stress. “There's a whole side of stress that...
2021-09-1628 min
Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques39. Brains Love Stories: How Leveraging Neuroscience Can Capture People's EmotionsIn this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, lecturer and podcast host Matt Abrahams sits down with David Eagleman, a neuroscientist and the host of the PBS series The Brain, to discuss why our brains are wired for storytelling and how new senses might impact our connection and communication with others. “I’ve always been really interested in this idea of how we can pass information to the brain via unusual channels," Eagleman says. "We’ve got our eyes or ears or fingertips and our nose, we’re very used to this and we sort of think these are fundamen...
2021-09-0224 min
Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques38. The New Normal: How Hybrid Work Actually Works“One of the things I think is really exciting about all this, and perhaps a little bit frightening, is nobody actually knows how to do it. It is not something that we’ve ever done before. And I’ve studied a lot of globally distributed work, and virtual teams, and so forth. But hybrid work is not that and it’s not telecommuting, which we know a bit about. But it’s something that is a mix of these multiple different modes of working,” says Pamela Hinds, Fortinet Founders Chair and professor of management science and engineering at Stanford University.
2021-08-1923 min
Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques37. Be Better: How Communication Catalyzes Business TransformationIn this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Stanford GSB Lecturer Robert Siegel sits down with Matt Abrahams to discuss the role of communication in helping businesses to adapt and transform and his new book The Brains and Brawn Company: How Leading Organizations Blend the Best of Digital and Physical Specifically. “You have to see how things are interacting with each other. You have to see how your organization is interacting both internally and externally. And so what we found is that great systems leaders were really good at managing the narrative,” says Siegel.Connect:Premium Sign...
2021-08-0526 min
Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques36. Perfecting Teamwork: Building High-Performing Teams By Encouraging LearningIn this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Sara Singer, a professor of organizational behavior (by courtesy) at Stanford Graduate School of Business and a professor of medicine at Stanford School of Medicine, sits down with lecturer Matt Abrahams to discuss the role of open communication in high-performing teams. “Learning requires leadership that reinforces learning, a supportive environment, including especially psychological safety, but also an appreciation for differences when you’re working with people of lots of different backgrounds, and openness to new ideas,” she says.Connect:Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart PremiumEmail Questions & Feedback >>> hello...
2021-07-1525 min
Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques35. Leading From The Hot Seat: How To Communicate Under Pressure“I say sometimes that leadership is a journey into yourself. It’s self-renewal, self-reflection, self-confidence. It’s going to bed kind of scratching your head and saying, “Man, I’m not as good,” and waking up the next morning and trying it again — and I think that’s what matters.” In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, former CEO of General Electric and Stanford Graduate School of Business lecturer Jeff Immelt sits down with lecturer Matt Abrahams to discuss communicating during times of challenge and pressure. “There’s no such thing as perfection of crisis,” Immelt says. “This is a pass-fail test, and a...
2021-06-2526 min
Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques34. How We Gain — Or Give Away — Authority While Speaking“Simple language, forceful language, vivid language, and keeping it simple and direct,” says Professor Jeffrey Pfeffer, are all tools to increase the strength of your communication. In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, host and lecturer Matt Abrahams interviews Jeffrey Pfeffer, author of Dying for a Paycheck, about the verbal and nonverbal ways we can harness, or give away, our authority in communication. To hear more from Jeffrey, listen to Pfeffer on Power, a podcast about accelerating your career.Connect:Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart PremiumEmail Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.ioEpisode Trans...
2021-06-0323 min
Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques33. Hacking your Speaking Anxiety: How Lessons from Neuroscience Can Help You Communicate Confidently.“There’s no difference between the physiological response to something that you’re excited about and something that you’re nervous about or dreading,” says Andrew Huberman, associate professor of neurobiology and ophthalmology at Stanford University. In this podcast episode, Huberman talks with host and lecturer Matt Abrahams about his research on the autonomic continuum, a spectrum between states of very high alertness or fear, all the way down to deep sleep, and shares how to better-use the system to your advantage. “If people can conceptualize that the anxiety or stress response is the same as the excitement re...
2021-05-1332 min
Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques32. Speech That Empowers: How to Encourage Growth and Resilience in a Younger Audience“Communication is such a delicate dance and kids need to emerge from childhood having practiced,” says Julie Lythcott-Haims, former associate vice provost of undergraduate education Stanford University. In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, lecturer and podcast host Matt Abrahams sits down with Lythcott-Haims to discuss her new book, Your Turn: How to be an Adult, and ideas on how to communicate with young people so they feel empowered to take on the various (and often intimidating) duties of adulthood. “Responsibility isn’t a bad thing,” she says. “Responsibility is actually an amazing thing. And I think we...
2021-04-2228 min
Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques31. Quick Thinks: How to Shine Online and Excel at Virtual CommunicationIt has been over a year since millions of people have switched from office work to working from home. In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, lecturer and host Matt Abrahams highlights guests’ top takeaways on how to best communicate, share information, and cultivate a professional presence though the screen. “I think we have to find ways to reduce cognitive overload,” says Professor and Senior Associate Dean Sarah Soule. “I now offer my information in much smaller pieces interspersed with breakout groups.”Connect:Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart PremiumEmail Questions & Feedback >>> hello@faste...
2021-04-1612 min
Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques30. Dissolve Disagreements: How Communication Impacts Conflict“Communication, conflict, and cooperation are intertwined in a multitude of ways,” says Nir Halevy, associate professor of organizational behavior at Stanford Graduate School of Business. In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Halevy sits down with host and lecturer Matt Abrahams, to discuss how we can often solve conflicts and disagreements by employing the correct strategy in our communication. “How you articulate a particular grievance, your choice of words, the nonverbal aspects of your claim, such as the tone of your voice, can definitely influence reactions to your claim,” Halevy says. Connect:Premium Si...
2021-04-0124 min
Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques29. Question Everything: Why Curiosity Is Communication’s Secret WeaponThe information you receive is only as strong as the questions you ask. In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Stanford Graduate School of Business lecturers Matt Abrahams and Debra Schifrin discuss how to craft inquiries that can lead to better communication outcomes. Questions are also instrumental in building relationships, Schifrin points out. “If you’re asking questions, you’re signaling to the other person that you value them. You’re taking time to listen to their answers.”Connect:Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart PremiumEmail Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.ioEpisode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart...
2021-03-1128 min
Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques28. Building Strong Relationships: How to Effectively Communicate in Your Professional and Personal LifeRecognizing the importance of forging connections with others — and learning how to build those bonds in real time — is the focus of a course that’s been the most popular elective at Stanford GSB for decades: Interpersonal Dynamics. The iconic course has taught thousands of students and professionals what it means to have exceptional relationships and how to interact with others in a way that contributes to deeper, stronger connections.In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, lecturer and podcast host Matt Abrahams sits down with David Bradford and Carole Robin, lecturer and former lecturer of iconic...
2021-02-1832 min
Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques27. Psychology Trumps Technology: How to Be a Better Communicator on Social Media“Psychology trumps technology,” says Jeff Hancock, founding director of the Stanford Social Media Lab and professor in the Department of Communication at Stanford.“If you want to understand what's going on in social media, the first place to start is with what's going on psychologically.”On the latest episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, lecturer and podcast host Matt Abrahams sits down with Professor Hancock, to talk about the communication tendencies, styles, and mistakes of social media users. “Whenever there's a new kind of technology ... our focus is on what it's doing,” Professor Hancock says. “But I think ov...
2021-01-2828 min
Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques26. Writing to Win: How to Quickly Capture Readers and Keep Them Engaged“The reader is impatient,” says Glenn Kramon, Stanford GSB lecturer in management and editor at the New York Times. “Start with the most important conclusion and then explain how you got there.”On the latest episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, lecturer and podcast host Matt Abrahams sits down with Glenn Kramon to talk about just how important our writing is — from a lengthy report to the opening line of an email. Listen as they discuss tips on improving your writing skills and share examples of what not to do. Connect:Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast...
2021-01-0826 min
Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques25. Quick Thinks: All Effective Communication Must Start With ThisAs we look back on more than 20 interviews with Think Fast, Talk Smart guests, we’ve heard one piece of advice over and again: Know Your Audience. This wisdom echoes what research clearly shows: Content that is relevant and meaningful to an audience is more likely to be heard, retained and acted upon. The word communication comes from the Latin for to “make common,” yet many of us start our message from the wrong place. As lecturer and podcast host Matt Abrahams shares in this Quick Thinks episode, by taking the time to learn about our audience and the...
2020-12-0410 min
Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques24. Feelings First: How Emotion Shapes Our Communication, Decisions, and Experiences“Something like 90 to 95% of our decisions and behaviors are constantly being shaped the non-consciously by emotional brain system.” In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Professor of Marketing Baba Shiv sits down with lecturer and host Matt Abrahams to share his research on how emotions affect our, and our audience’s, decision making. “You’ve got to pay careful attention to the audience that you’re talking to and allow the person to talk,” Shiv says. “Allow the person to talk because then, the person has ownership of the idea.” Connect:Premium Signup >>>> Think Fa...
2020-11-2027 min
Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques23. Look Within: How to Lead with Self Awareness and Vulnerability“Effective is being able to achieve your goals, which is important, but there are plenty of people who achieve their goals that most of us would find unworthy. So the question what does it take to be a good leader requires you to reflect on the values that you hold dear.”In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Senior Associate Dean and Professor of Organizational Behavior Brian Lowery sits down with lecturer and host Matt Abrahams to discuss the importance of self inquiry and an examination of one's own values in order to be effectively communicate and...
2020-11-0634 min
Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques22. Under Pressure: How to Communicate Clearly and Timely During a Crisis“Knowing your values gives you a beacon, or a lamppost, that can inform how you’re going to prioritize your actions.” In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Stanford Graduate School of Business lecturer and Stanford University’s former Vice President of Public Affairs David Demarest speaks with host and lecturer Matt Abrahams on why knowing your values and the concerns of your stakeholders lays the foundation for any communication during a time of crisis.Connect:Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart PremiumEmail Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.ioEpisode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart Webs...
2020-10-2229 min
Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques21. Words Matter: How to Make Your Communication InclusiveWhat way can the language we use reinforce existing stereotypes and biases? In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Sarah Soule, Senior Associate Dean and Professor of Organizational Behavior sits down with lecturer and host Matt Abrahams to discuss how even the details of our word choice can shape culture, for better or worse. Connect:Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart PremiumEmail Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.ioEpisode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTubeMatt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn
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2020-10-0925 min
Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques20. Question Your Questions: How to Spark Creativity in Your Communication“Sparking communication starts with asking why or what or how.” On this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Tina Seelig, the Professor of the Practice in Stanford’s department of Management Science and Engineering, sits down with podcast host and lecturer Matt Abrahams to talk about the structures of storytelling that will help become more creative communicators and the importance of asking questions about everything we do. “Having a mindset of curiosity opens the door to great communication,” Seelig says. “The more questions you ask, the more you learn, the more engaged you will be with others.”Connec...
2020-09-2527 min
Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques19. Showing Your Smile From Behind a Mask: How Culture and Emotion Impact Communication“In companies, you’re interacting with other people who come from different cultural contexts, and in order to be effective, you have to understand how much of your own communication and other people’s communication is shaped by their cultural ideas and their cultural values.” On this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, host Matt Abrahams sits down with Jeanne Tsai, an associate professor of Psychology at Stanford and director of the Culture and Emotion Lab. Jeanne’s research focuses on cultural influences on psychological and social processes related to emotion. Jeanne discusses why wearing a mask is more accepted f...
2020-09-1128 min
Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques18. Managing in the Moment: How to Get Comfortable with Being Uncomfortable“The less time you can spend dwelling on your mistakes, the more mental energy you can devote to doing what you need to do in that moment.” On this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Christian Wheeler, the StrataComm Professor of Management and Professor of Marketing at Stanford Graduate School Business, sits down with podcast host and lecturer Matt Abrahams to talk about embracing failure and managing your team in-the-moment. “When we’re confronted with personal failure, it feels bad to us. And we work hard to try to avoid that failure, and that can often be counterpr...
2020-08-2834 min
Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques17. Think Fast: You Asked, We AnsweredWe asked listeners to send in their communication conundrums and ended up with an inbox full of thoughtful, specific questions. In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, host and Stanford GSB lecturer Matt Abrahams is joined by Shawon Jackson, MBA ’21, to share techniques on crafting written responses, dealing with constant interruptions, and confronting the power dynamics present in most communication. Shawon is the founder of Our Voices Matter, a public speaking program for high school students of color and a dual-degree student between Stanford GSB and Harvard Kennedy School. Connect:Premium Signup >>>> Thin...
2020-08-1322 min
Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques16. Quick Thinks: How to Craft Your Body Language When Confronting ObjectionsKnowing what to say to a skeptical audience is paramount, but how can your body language communicate empathy, openness, and power? In this Quick Thinks episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, we revisit Matt Abrahams’s conversation with Stanford GSB lecturer Burt Alper about how to keep body language in mind when it comes to handling objections. Connect:Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart PremiumEmail Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.ioEpisode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTubeMatt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn
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2020-07-3108 min
Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques15. The Art of Negotiation: How to Get More of What You WantWhether 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?In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart Matt Abrahams speaks with Stanford GSB Professor emeritus Maggie Neale (and author of Getting More of What You Want: How the Secrets of Economics and Psychology Can Help You Negotiate Anything, in Business and in Li...
2020-07-1619 min
Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques14. Be Better At Work: How to Communicate Better With Coworkers and EmployeesMost of the work we do requires coordinating and collaborating with others. But how can we ensure the benefits of working with others, while avoiding conflict that’s inherent to communicating within groups?In this episode, Matt Abrahams speaks with Bob Sutton, Professor of Management Science and Engineering at Stanford School of Engineering and GSB Professor of Organizational Behavior (by courtesy) about maximizing productivity while minimizing what he calls “friction.” “So many organizations make the right things too hard to do and the wrong things too easy,” Sutton says. “For communication, to me, a big part of a leader's j...
2020-07-0227 min
Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques13. Make ’Em Laugh: How to Use Humor as a Secret Weapon in Your CommunicationHumor does more than just make people laugh. It allows you to connect with your audience, diffuse tension, elevate status, and compel others to your point of view. Humor can also help you and your message stand out, yet most of us hesitate to use humor, especially in our professional lives.In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Matt Abrahams speaks with Stanford GSB Professor Jennifer Aaker and Lecturer Naomi Bagdonas about when and how humor operates in the work place. “Many believe that humor simply has no place amidst serious work,” Professor Aaker says. “Yet showin...
2020-06-2230 min
Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques12. It's Not What You Say, It’s How You Say It: How To Communicate PowerPower exists in every relationship — whether we like that idea or not — and to be effective in any role, power needs to be understood. In this episode, Matt Abrahams sits down with Professor of Organizational Behavior Deborah Gruenfeld to discuss her new book, Acting with Power: Why We Are More Powerful Than We Believe. Deborah shares how body language can give us power, or take it from us, and advises how we can use power for good. Connect:Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart PremiumEmail Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.ioEpisode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart...
2020-06-0523 min
Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques11. The Science of Influence: How to Persuade Others And Hold Their AttentionWe’re constantly bombarded with competing images, messaging, and bids for our attention. That's why as communicators, it’s increasingly important to know what engages people.In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Matt Abrahams speaks with Stanford GSB Professor Zak Tormala about the subtle ways you can structure your speech to get people to pay attention. “It’s not really about tricking people into doing what you want,” Professor Tormala says. “It’s more about understanding the factors that actually engage people or open them up to your idea and maybe get them to see something a li...
2020-05-2224 min
Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques10. High-Stakes Communication: How to Manage Anxiety When Speaking in Front of OthersMost people feel nervous in situations such as speaking in front of a class, pitching a big idea, or giving a toast, yet research-backed techniques can help manage both the symptoms and sources of our speaking jitters.Matt Abrahams sits in the interviewee chair for this episode and talks with the podcast's producer, Jenny Luna, to share his backstory with public speaking anxiety and how by recognizing the causes of our nervousness, and applying mitigating techniques, we can gain confidence in our communication. Connect:Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart PremiumEmail Questions & Feedback >>> hello...
2020-05-0721 min
Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques9. Quick Thinks: How Being Present-Oriented Improves CommunicationAlthough it may feel counter intuitive, letting go of our prepared notes and focusing on the present can help us communicate more effectively.In this Quick Thinks episode, host Matt Abrahams speaks with Stanford University lecturers and improv theater experts Dan Klein and Adam Tobin on how staying in the moment allows communicators to connect with their audience. Connect:Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart PremiumEmail Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.ioEpisode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTubeMatt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn
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2020-04-2409 min
Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques8. Don't Get Lost in Translation: How Non-Native Speakers Can Communicate With ConfidenceHaving to communicate in a language other than our native tongue can be quite a challenge. In this podcast episode, host Matt Abrahams speaks with Ken Romeo, the Associate Director for the Stanford Language Center, on specific tactics and approaches non-native speakers can use to prepare for speeches or presentations. Ken also shares advice on how to handle in-the-moment challenges, improve fluency, and let go of the need for perfection.Connect:Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart PremiumEmail Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.ioEpisode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast...
2020-04-1017 min
Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques7. Quick Thinks: Use This Framework to Speak up in Virtual MeetingsWe've all been in the situation where you have something important to contribute to a meeting and you don't know how to insert your thoughts. On this Quick Thinks episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, podcast host Matt Abrahams offers the three ways to insert your ideas, either by paraphrasing, asking a question, or stating an emotion. He also outlines the "What, So What, Now What" framework and explains how to use this structure to communicate your ideas more effectively. Connect:Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart PremiumEmail Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.ioEpisode Transcripts >>> Think Fast...
2020-04-0307 min
Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques6. Quick Thinks: Communicating and Leading VirtuallyLeading successful meetings remotely and being a strong speaker on-screen require specific skills. Communicating effectively has to do with your presence, ability to leverage tools, and your audience engagement. In this Quick Thinks episode, Stanford GSB Strategic Communications lecturer Matt Abrahams shares best practices for becoming a more effective and engaging online communicator. Connect:Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart PremiumEmail Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.ioEpisode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTubeMatt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn
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2020-03-2710 min
Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques5. From Monologue to Dialogue: How to Handle a Skeptical AudiencePreparing 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.In this podcast, 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. Connect:Premium Signup >>>> Th...
2020-03-1220 min
Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques4. The Journey to Mastery: How Self Reflection Can Improve CommunicationWhat does it mean to truly master communication? How can we speak and write for the most impact? In this podcast episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Stanford Graduate School of Business lecturers JD Schramm and Matt Abrahams discuss how to use self reflection for self improvement. They also offer methods for preparing for a high stakes situation such as a pitch meeting or an everyday interaction like an email. Connect:Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart PremiumEmail Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.ioEpisode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast...
2020-02-2719 min
Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques3. When Knowing Too Much Can Hurt Your Communication: How to Make Complex Ideas AccessibleAs communicators, we often need to take complex information (e.g., financial, technical, or scientific) and make it more understandable for our audience – we’re experts and they likely aren’t. But having so much knowledge on the topics we discuss can often make the job more difficult: we dive in too quickly, forget about our audience's needs, or use jargon that goes over their heads. In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, strategic communications lecturers Matt Abrahams and Lauren Weinstein explore the “curse of knowledge” and offer specific techniques you can use to be more successful...
2020-02-1217 min
Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques2. Communicating Our Multiple Selves: How to Effectively Manage Your ReputationHow others perceive us in person and via social media can impact our careers and social standing. But we can build the reputation we want through conscious communication. On this podcast episode, strategic communication lecturers Matt Abrahams and Allison Kluger share techniques on effectively improving and managing your reputation.Connect:Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart PremiumEmail Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.ioEpisode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTubeMatt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn
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2020-01-3019 min
Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques1. Speaking Without a Net: How to Master Impromptu CommunicationMost professional communication is spontaneous in nature: it’s providing feedback in the moment, answering questions, introducing people. On this podcast episode, Strategic Communication lecturer Matt Abrahams speaks with Stanford lecturers Adam Tobin and Dan Klein on how to become more comfortable and confident in in-the-moment speaking situations. Connect:Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart PremiumEmail Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.ioEpisode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTubeMatt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn
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2020-01-1526 min
Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication TechniquesIntroducing Think Fast, Talk Smart: The PodcastJoin Matt Abrahams, lecturer in strategic communication at Stanford Graduate School of Business, as he sits down with experts from across the world to discuss public speaking anxiety, speaking off the cuff, nailing a Q&A, and more.Connect:Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart PremiumEmail Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.ioEpisode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTubeMatt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn
2020-01-1001 min