Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques
Matt Abrahams, Think Fast Talk Smart
One of the most essential ingredients to success in business and life is effective communication.
Join Matt Abrahams, best-selling author and Strategic Communication lecturer at Stanford Graduate School of Business, as he interviews experts to provide actionable insights that help you communicate with clarity, confidence, and impact. From handling impromptu questions to crafting compelling messages, Matt explores practical strategies for real-world communication challenges.
Whether you’re navigating a high-stakes presentation, perfecting your email tone, or speaking off the cuff, Think Fast, Talk Smart equips you with the tools, techniques, and best practices to express yourself effectively in any situation. Enhance your communication skills to elevate your career and build stronger professional relationships.
Tune in every Tuesday for new episodes. Subscribe now to unlock your potential as a thoughtful, impactful communicator. Learn more and sign up for our eNewsletter at fastersmarter.io.
Join Matt Abrahams, best-selling author and Strategic Communication lecturer at Stanford Graduate School of Business, as he interviews experts to provide actionable insights that help you communicate with clarity, confidence, and impact. From handling impromptu questions to crafting compelling messages, Matt explores practical strategies for real-world communication challenges.
Whether you’re navigating a high-stakes presentation, perfecting your email tone, or speaking off the cuff, Think Fast, Talk Smart equips you with the tools, techniques, and best practices to express yourself effectively in any situation. Enhance your communication skills to elevate your career and build stronger professional relationships.
Tune in every Tuesday for new episodes. Subscribe now to unlock your potential as a thoughtful, impactful communicator. Learn more and sign up for our eNewsletter at fastersmarter.io.
Episodes
Mentioned books
17 snips
Jul 2, 2020 • 26min
14. Be Better At Work: How to Communicate Better With Coworkers and Employees
Bob Sutton, a Stanford Professor of Management Science and an expert in organizational behavior, joins the discussion to unravel the complexities of workplace communication. He emphasizes the importance of minimizing "friction" to enhance collaboration. Sutton shares strategies for improving meeting effectiveness and fostering psychological safety, urging leaders to create environments where every voice is heard. He underscores the need for clarity and empathetic communication, especially during challenging times, to boost team cohesion and productivity.
46 snips
Jun 22, 2020 • 29min
13. Make ’Em Laugh: How to Use Humor as a Secret Weapon in Your Communication
Jennifer Aaker and Naomi Bagdonas, experts from Stanford, dive into the art of using humor as a powerful communication tool. They reveal how humor can help build trust, elevate one's status, and connect with audiences more effectively. Aaker shares insights on how humor can transform workplace dynamics, while Bagdonas emphasizes authenticity and positivity in messaging. Personal anecdotes highlight the balance of humor and professionalism, making a case for laughter as a strategic asset in both business and life.
47 snips
Jun 5, 2020 • 22min
12. It's Not What You Say, It’s How You Say It: How To Communicate Power
In this conversation, Deborah Gruenfeld, a Professor at Stanford's Graduate School of Business and author of *Acting with Power*, explores the intricacies of power in communication. She emphasizes how body language can enhance or diminish personal power and shares strategies to project confidence through posture and presence. The discussion delves into the importance of understanding power dynamics in relationships, mastering non-verbal cues, and the art of reassuring communication for effective leadership.
92 snips
May 21, 2020 • 23min
11. The Science of Influence: How to Persuade Others And Hold Their Attention
Zak Tormala, the Lawrence W. Lane Professor of Behavioral Science and Marketing at Stanford GSB, shares insights on the science behind persuasion. He explains that effective communication isn’t about manipulation, but rather understanding how to engage people’s attention. The discussion dives into strategies for overcoming resistance, fostering dialogue, and utilizing cooperative language. Tormala emphasizes the importance of combining confidence with humility to connect with audiences, making persuasion a collaborative effort rather than a confrontation.
40 snips
May 7, 2020 • 20min
10. High-Stakes Communication: How to Manage Anxiety When Speaking in Front of Others
Public speaking anxiety is a common hurdle, but it can be managed with the right techniques. The conversation emphasizes recognizing the roots of nervousness and managing rather than eliminating anxiety. Listeners learn practical strategies like deep breathing, audience engagement, and focusing on the moment to boost confidence. Personal anecdotes and humor highlight the journey of overcoming public speaking fears. The importance of the three Cs—confidence, connection, and compelling delivery—provides essential insights for effective communication.
18 snips
Apr 23, 2020 • 8min
9. Quick Thinks: How Being Present-Oriented Improves Communication
Discover how being present enhances communication skills and deepens audience connections. Experts share insights on improvisation and active listening, revealing techniques to engage effectively. The discussion also highlights the importance of humor in building rapport, emphasizing that fostering connection is more valuable than just making people laugh. Learn to let go of scripts and embrace spontaneity to boost your speaking presence and clarity.
40 snips
Apr 10, 2020 • 16min
8. Don't Get Lost in Translation: How Non-Native Speakers Can Communicate With Confidence
In this discussion, Ken Romeo, Associate Director for the Stanford Language Center, shares insights on empowering non-native speakers. He emphasizes strategies to prepare for presentations with confidence and the importance of overcoming perfectionism. Ken encourages engaging in enjoyable activities to improve fluency. He also highlights practical techniques like recording conversations and practicing spontaneous speech to enhance communication. With a focus on clarity and simplicity, Ken inspires listeners to embrace their language journey.
19 snips
Apr 3, 2020 • 6min
7. Quick Thinks: Use This Framework to Speak up in Virtual Meetings
Struggling to share your thoughts in virtual meetings? Discover three effective techniques: paraphrasing your ideas, asking engaging questions, and expressing emotions. Plus, learn the 'What, So What, Now What' framework to structure your communication for maximum impact. These strategies will help you contribute confidently and connect with your audience more effectively!
41 snips
Mar 27, 2020 • 9min
6. Quick Thinks: Communicating and Leading Virtually
Learn how to lead successful virtual meetings with ease. Discover essential strategies for engaging presentations, including the importance of your environment and the tools you use. Enhance your communication skills with tips on lighting, eye contact, and vocal variation. Unlock the secrets to capturing and maintaining audience engagement, ensuring your message resonates even through a screen.
61 snips
Mar 12, 2020 • 19min
5. From Monologue to Dialogue: How to Handle a Skeptical Audience
In this engaging discussion, Burt Alper, a Stanford GSB lecturer with expertise in communication, shares vital strategies for addressing audience skepticism. He emphasizes the importance of acknowledging concerns and using reframing techniques to foster constructive dialogue. Alper also delves into the differences between emotional and logical objections, highlighting the need for empathy to truly understand the audience's perspective. Ultimately, he reveals how passion and preparation can transform challenging interactions into collaborative opportunities.
