Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques

“I’m not saying necessarily fight more, I’m saying fight better.”

Conflict doesn’t have to mean avoidance or escalation. Priya Parker, expert facilitator, strategic advisor and author of The Art of Fighting: The Transformative Power of Conflict, argues there’s a third option: “healthy heat,” where disagreement is handled with enough care, curiosity, and even humor to become productive rather than destructive. In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Parker joins Matt Abrahams to rethink how we approach disagreement. She explains why practicing low-stakes conflict can prepare us for harder conversations, how teams can build better systems for working through tension, and why the goal isn’t to fight more, but to fight better.

Takeaways:

Conflict can be productive when you learn to hold the heat. Rather than avoiding disagreement or letting it escalate, adding care, humor, and curiosity can turn tension into something clarifying and constructive.Don’t fight more, fight better. Preparing for difficult conversations, clarifying your purpose, and creating structures for disagreement can help teams address the issues that matter instead of avoiding them.

Activity:

Start a grapple. Identify one issue your team keeps avoiding or turning into a logistical discussion. Give it a dedicated meeting where the explicit purpose is to debate the issue, hear different viewpoints, make a decision, and commit to what happens next.

Printable Expanded Takeaways & Activities

Episode Reference Links:

Priya ParkerPriya’s Books: The Art of Gathering / The Art of FightingEp.174 Fix Meetings: Transform Gatherings Into Meaningful Moments  

Connect:

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 Chapters:

(00:00) - Introduction (00:55) - Healthy Heat (01:54) - Practicing Disagreement (07:29) - Conflict in the Moment (10:19) - Normalizing Conflict (14:47) - Conflict as a Signal (17:29) - Starting the Conversation (20:25) - The Final Three Questions (23:51) - Conclusion

“What you think is not gospel.”

Can arguing with yourself make you happier? Martin Seligman, positive psychology pioneer and author of Agency: The Psychological History of Human Progress, says our negative thoughts don’t have to dictate how we feel. By recognizing our internal narratives and challenging them with evidence, we can change our outlook and build a greater sense of agency. In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Seligman and Matt Abrahams discuss flourishing, optimism, and the power of self-talk. They also examine why celebrating other people’s successes takes more than saying “congratulations,” and how active, constructive communication can deepen our relationships.

Takeaways:

Your thoughts aren’t facts. Negative self-talk can shape your emotions and actions, but learning to challenge those thoughts with realistic evidence can help you develop a more optimistic outlook.Celebrate success with curiosity, not just congratulations. Asking thoughtful questions about someone’s good news helps them relive the experience and can deepen your relationship.

Activity:

Argue with yourself. Catch one negative thought you have about yourself this week and write it down as an argument rather than a fact. Then build the opposing case by listing three pieces of real evidence that challenge it.

To listen to the extended Deep Thinks version of this episode, please visitFasterSmarter.io/premium.

Episode Reference Links:

Martin SeligmanMartin’s Book: AgencyEp.179 Finding Positive in Negative Emotions: Communication, Happiness & WellbeingEp.181 Why Happiness is a Direction, Not a Destination: Communicat…  

Connect:

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 Chapters:

(00:00) - Introduction (01:20) - The Five Pillars of Flourishing (04:51) - Changing Your Inner Dialogue (06:22) - Challenging Negative Self-Talk (07:58) - Overcoming Imposter Syndrome (09:38) - Building a Sense of Agency (11:27) - Learning From Your Critics (13:18) - The Final Three Questions (20:17) - Conclusion

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“Everybody you interact with needs that signal of respect.”

Feeling seen and respected can shape how we communicate and connect with others. For Stanford social psychologist and author ofChurn: The Tension That Divides Us and How to Overcome,Claude Steele, understanding stereotype threat and “churn,” the tension that arises when we worry about being judged based on our identity, can help us build greater trust across differences. In this episode ofThink Fast, Talk Smart, Steele joins Matt Abrahams to discuss how stereotypes influence our interactions and how to reduce their impact. From giving feedback that communicates respect to building trust, Steele shares how seeing people’s full humanity and potential can strengthen our connections.

Takeaways:

Trust grows when people feel seen and respected. Recognizing someone’s abilities, potential, and individuality can reduce uncertainty and help build stronger relationships across differences.Feedback works better when respect is explicit. Pairing high standards with a clear belief in someone’s ability to meet them can make critical feedback feel more trustworthy and motivating.

Activity:

Add a signal of respect. Think of someone you need to give constructive feedback to. Before delivering the critique, add one sentence that communicates both your standards and your confidence in their ability to meet them. Notice whether this changes how the feedback is received.

Episode Reference Links:

Claude SteeleClaude’s Book: ChurnEp.40 Mindset Matters: How to Embrace the Benefits of Stress 

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

 Chapters:

(00:00) - Introduction (00:57) - What is Stereotype Threat? (02:39) - Social Media and Stereotypes (03:44) - Reducing Stereotype Threat (07:18) - Building Personal Connections (08:13) - Understanding Churn (09:46) - Building Trust Through Feedback (13:54) - The Final Three Questions (19:10) - Conclusion

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“The ability to handle yourself in interviews and other high-pressure situations can make the difference in getting the job and achieving your goals.”

A successful interview is more than answering questions well. It’s an opportunity to communicate what sets you apart and demonstrate the value you can bring. Preparation, structure, and storytelling can help you do that with confidence. In this Quick Thinks episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Matt Abrahams and communication teacher Laura Joyce Davis share strategies for preparing for job interviews. From identifying what differentiates you to structuring answers and telling memorable stories, they explain how to present your experience with clarity while staying authentic and human.

Takeaways:

Preparation makes confidence easier. Identifying what sets you apart and stockpiling stories, examples, and evidence helps you answer questions clearly while staying present in the moment.Structure turns experience into a stronger answer. Frameworks like “What? So what? Now what?” help you connect your skills and experiences directly to what matters to the interviewer.

Activity:

Build your interview bank. Create a simple bank of three strengths you want an interviewer to remember. Under each, add one story, piece of evidence, or testimonial that proves it. Use the bank to quickly assemble relevant answers rather than memorizing responses to individual questions.

Episode Reference Links:

Laura Joyce DavisThink Fast Talk Smart Learning Community

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

 Chapters:

(00:00) - Introduction (00:56) - Preparing for Your Interview (03:37) - Structuring Your Answers (05:02) - The ADD Framework (07:51) - Practicing for the Interview (09:16) - Storytelling That Stands Out (10:39) - Conflict, Beats, and Transformation (14:28) - The One-Minute Story Exercise (15:32) - The Importance of Pre-Work (16:45) - Conclusion

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With Hiring Pro, you can hire with confidence, knowing you're getting the best talent for your needs. Get started by posting your job for free at linkedin.com/fast

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“Causality is this foundation that really allows us to anchor what we’re trying to do when we’re telling stories.”

Storytelling doesn’t require a dramatic narrative. For behavioral scientist and former Disney Imagineer Troy Campbell, even everyday information can become a story when we explain the “because” behind it, connecting what happened to why it matters. In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Campbell joins Matt Abrahams to unpack the psychology behind storytelling and persuasion. From structuring ideas around goals, insights, and actions to creating “portals” that prepare audiences for what comes next, he shares practical ways to make communication more relevant, persuasive, and memorable.

Takeaways:

Stories are built on cause and change. Connecting information through the “because” behind it turns isolated facts into a narrative that helps audiences understand why something happened and why it matters.Start by preparing your audience for what comes next. Effective “portals” create anticipation, shift people into the right mindset, and provide just enough context to help them engage with your message.

Activity:

Create a portal. Choose an upcoming meeting or presentation and redesign the first minute to prepare your audience for what follows. Build an opening that creates anticipation, shifts their mindset, and previews where you’re taking them before diving into the main content.

To listen to the extended Deep Thinks version of this episode, please visitFasterSmarter.io/premium.

Episode Reference Links:

Troy CampbellEp.156 Creative Communication: How Our Design Choices Illustrate O… 

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

 Chapters:

(00:00) - Introduction (00:56) - The Power of “Because” (01:58) - Stories in Everyday Jobs (03:03) - Goal, Insight, Action (06:32) - Overcoming Change Resistance (11:34) - Creating Powerful Portals (17:54) - The Final Three Questions (23:35) - Conclusion

“We are now competing in conversation with someone’s feed.”

Connecting with others requires more than knowing what to say. The signals we send through our body language, the questions we ask, and even where we position ourselves can shape how others experience a conversation. In this Quick Thinks episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, behavioral researcher and author of Cues and Captivate, Vanessa Van Edwards joins Matt Abrahams to explore the subtle cues that make communication more engaging. She shares strategies for navigating networking events, sparking more meaningful conversations, and signaling the warmth and competence that shape charisma and connection.

Takeaways:

Connection starts before you speak. Visible palms, eye contact, positioning, and other nonverbal cues can signal warmth and openness, shaping how others experience an interaction from the start.Better conversations spark curiosity. Moving beyond routine small talk with engaging questions, surprising stories, and genuine enthusiasm can make interactions more memorable and meaningful.

Activity:

Create a conversational feed. Start a note on your phone and collect three things from your week—a surprising moment, an interesting observation, or a small win. Bring one into your next networking event or meeting as “conversational confetti” instead of defaulting to routine small talk.

Printable Expanded Takeaways & Activities

Episode Reference Links:

Vanessa Van EdwardsVanessa’s Books: Cues / CaptivateEp.301 Trust at First Sight: Create More Meaningful Connections 

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

 Chapters:

(00:00) - Introduction (00:37) - Why Your Hands Matter (02:20) - Networking With Confidence (05:34) - Make Small Talk More Engaging (09:03) - The Science of Charisma (13:11) - Conclusion

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Join our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be. 

“We’re all salespeople at the end of the day.”

Whether you’re pitching a movie, an idea, or yourself, persuasion is about more than the story you’re telling—it’s also about the story your audience sees for themselves. For Deadpool and Zombieland screenwriter Rhett Reese, that means keeping communication concise, compelling, and centered on what your audience needs. In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Reese joins Matt Abrahams to share lessons from screenwriting that apply far beyond Hollywood. From cutting unnecessary words to crafting pitches that make your audience the protagonist, he explores how storytelling, collaboration, and clarity can make any message more persuasive.

Takeaways:

Every pitch tells two stories. You’re selling the idea itself, but you’re also showing your audience how saying yes can solve their problem, reduce their risk, and lead to their success.Brevity makes your message stronger. Cutting unnecessary words and choosing them carefully helps your ideas land with greater clarity, impact, and memorability.

Activity:

Tell the second story. Take a pitch you’re currently working on and write one sentence describing the idea you’re selling. Then write a second sentence from your audience’s perspective: “If I say yes, what becomes possible for me?” Use that second story to reshape your pitch around their success, not just your idea.

Printable Expanded Takeaways & Activities

Episode Reference Links:

Rhett ReeseEp.167 Hollywood Lessons For Successful Communication

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

 Chapters:

(00:00) - Introduction (01:18) - Make Every Word Count (03:09) - How to Pitch an Idea (07:38) - Creatively Collaborating (10:35) - Creating Space for Feedback (12:49) - AI & the Future of Hollywood (16:44) - The Final Three Questions (23:15) - 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.

With Hiring Pro, you can hire with confidence, knowing you're getting the best talent for your needs. Get started by posting your job for free at linkedin.com/fast

Join our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be. 

“The tools of communication have changed, the human brain has not.” 

In a world of endless content and shrinking attention spans, getting your message heard means giving people a reason to care. For Carmine Gallo, a communication coach, author of Viral Voices, and CEO of Gallo Communications, that starts with understanding what captures the brain’s attention: emotion, relevance, and a compelling story. In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Gallo joins Matt Abrahams to explore the timeless principles behind persuasive communication. From crafting attention-grabbing hooks to using analogies and storytelling, he shares practical techniques for making your ideas more emotional, clear, and memorable.

Key Takeaways:

Attention starts with making people care. Emotion and relevance help your message cut through the noise, giving your audience a reason to listen before you ask them to absorb your ideas.Great communication follows timeless patterns. Hooks, analogies, and structured storytelling make ideas easier to understand and remember, regardless of the platform or technology used to deliver them.

Activity:

Build the hook. Take a presentation, pitch, or message you’re already working on and write a one-sentence opening that answers your audience’s unspoken question: “Why should I care?” Make it relevant, specific, and compelling enough to earn their attention.

Episode Reference Links:

Carmine GalloCarmine’s Book: Viral VoicesEp.103 Simple Is a Superpower: How to Communicate Any Idea to Any 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

 Chapters:

(00:00) - Introduction (00:56) - Capturing Attention (03:30) - Timeless Communication Patterns (06:46) - The Persuasion Toolkit (10:49) - The Three-Act Structure (15:30) - The Final Three Questions (19:54) - 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.

With Hiring Pro, you can hire with confidence, knowing you're getting the best talent for your needs. Get started by posting your job for free at linkedin.com/fast

Join our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be. 

“Over time, what works is truly showing up in a way where you actually care, you're actually trying to give value.” 

In a culture that rewards boldness and visibility, quieter voices can be easy to overlook. But Susan Cain, a former Wall Street lawyer, negotiation consultant, and bestselling author of Quiet and Bittersweet, argues that introverts bring powerful strengths to communication and leadership, from deep listening to thoughtful reflection. In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Cain joins Matt Abrahams to explore how introverts can communicate with confidence without pretending to be extroverts. From overcoming speaking anxiety to embracing quiet leadership, she shares how sincerity and self-awareness can help us show up at our best.

Key Takeaways:

Introversion is a strength, not a limitation. Deep listening, thoughtful reflection, and strong one-on-one relationships can make quieter communicators highly effective leaders, even when those qualities are less visible.Confidence doesn’t require changing who you are. By gradually building comfort in challenging situations and communicating with sincerity, you can become more confident while staying true to your natural communication style.

Activity:

Redesign a meeting. Choose one recurring meeting and change one element to make space for quieter voices. Try sending questions in advance, adding silent thinking time, or using Susan’s think-pair-share approach before opening the discussion to the group.

To listen to the extended Deep Thinks version of this episode, please visitFasterSmarter.io/premium.

Episode Reference Links:

Susan CainSusan’s Books: Quiet/ BittersweetEp.69 Feeling Nervous? How Anxiety Can Fuel Better Communication 

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

 Chapters:

(00:00) - Introduction (01:01) - The Extrovert Ideal (04:28) - Introversion vs. Anxiety (06:16) - Building Confidence (09:00) - Quiet Leadership (10:11) - Introvert-Friendly Workplaces (13:29) - Vulnerability and Trust (16:40) - The Final Three Questions (21:47) - Conclusion

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With Hiring Pro, you can hire with confidence, knowing you're getting the best talent for your needs. Get started by posting your job for free at linkedin.com/fast

Join our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be. 

"The first negotiation is actually a negotiation I have with myself about my own story."

Before you can have hard conversations with others, you need to have an honest conversation with yourself. That's the counterintuitive advice from Sheila Heen, a Harvard Law School lecturer and co-author of Difficult Conversations: How to Discuss What Matters Most, who says our own internal narratives often derail our attempts at negotiation and conflict resolution. In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Heen joins Matt Abrahams to explore effective communication in high-stakes situations. From giving and receiving feedback with her “ACE” framework (Appreciation, Coaching, and Evaluation) to recognizing the "degrees of difficulty" in disagreements, she offers practical strategies for having productive conversations even when emotions run high.

Key Takeaways:

Difficult conversations start with understanding yourself. Before trying to change someone else's mind, examine your own assumptions, emotions, and goals to create space for a more productive dialogue.Curiosity turns conflict into collaboration. Replacing blame with genuine questions and focusing on understanding rather than convincing helps build trust, reduce defensiveness, and move conversations forward.

Activity:

Decode feedback. The next time someone asks for feedback, don't answer immediately. Implement the ACE framework. First ask: "Are you looking for appreciation, coaching, or evaluation?"Then tailor your response to match what they actually need

Episode Reference Links:

Sheila HeenSheila’s Book:Difficult ConversationsEp. 204 Tough Talks: Turn Tension Into Trust 

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

 Chapters:

(00:00) - Introduction (01:40) - Facing Difficult Conversations (03:53) - The Feelings Beneath Conflict (07:02) - The Stories We Tell Ourselves (08:19) - Start with the Third Story (09:59) - The Power of Questions (12:36) - Breaking an Impasse (16:15) - The Language of Curiosity (17:12) - Feedback That Lands (20:18) - Asking for Better Feedback (22:38) - Looking Beneath the Surface (24:15) - The Final Three Questions (31:30) - 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.

With Hiring Pro, you can hire with confidence, knowing you're getting the best talent for your needs. Get started by posting your job for free at linkedin.com/fast

Join our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be. 

"The dumbest thing you can be is a know-it-all."

Curiosity isn't about having all the answers—it's about asking better questions. Journalist and podcast host Nayeema Raza believes the strongest communicators balance confidence with openness, using curiosity to better understand people, ideas, and the world around them. In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Raza joins Matt Abrahams to explore how to make complex ideas accessible, ask questions that spark meaningful conversations, and communicate with both confidence and humility. From writing punchier questions to embracing uncertainty, she shares practical strategies for becoming a more thoughtful and engaging communicator.

Key Takeaways:

Confidence grows through curiosity. The strongest communicators stay open to new ideas, ask thoughtful questions, and leave room to learn rather than assuming they have all the answers.Simple questions create meaningful conversations. Clear, concise questions—and a focus on what matters most—help make complex ideas more accessible and engaging.

Activity:

Write better questions. Take an upcoming meeting, interview, or one-on-one and rewrite three of your questions so each is nine words or fewer. Focus on making them clear, direct, and curiosity-driven.

Episode Reference Links:

Nayeema RazaNayeema’s Ted TalkSmart Girl, Dumb Questions

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

 Chapters:

(00:00) - Introduction (00:57) - Simplifying Complexity (02:11) - Better Questions (06:03) - Confidence vs. Certainty (07:24) - Interview Nerves (10:14) - Prepare to Improvise (11:02) - Going Independent (13:59) - Curiosity in the Digital Age (16:59) - Staying Relevant (21:01) - The Final Three Questions (25:57) - 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.

With Hiring Pro, you can hire with confidence, knowing you're getting the best talent for your needs. Get started by posting your job for free at linkedin.com/fast

Join our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be. 

"You want to make sure you have the energy at the end of your communication as well as at the beginning."
Why do some people command a room without raising their voice? Being heard isn't about speaking louder—it's about using your voice with intention. Breath, posture, and preparation all play a role in helping your message reach the people who need to hear it. In this Quick Thinks episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Matt Abrahams shares practical techniques for projecting your voice with confidence, building vocal stamina, and using microphones effectively. From breathing with more control to making the most of your physical presence, you'll learn simple strategies to ensure your message is heard when it matters most

Key Takeaways:

Strong voices start with strong breathing. Your breath is the foundation of vocal projection, helping you speak with greater volume, clarity, and confidence without straining your voice.Preparation helps your voice go the distance. Building vocal stamina, improving your posture, and using microphones effectively ensures your message stays strong from your first word to your last.

Activity:

Build a vocal warm-up. Before your next presentation or important meeting, spend five minutes reading aloud while focusing on slow, deep breathing. Then identify one physical reminder—such as standing taller or relaxing your shoulders—to help support your voice before you begin.

Episode Reference Links:

Ep.262 Own the Room: How Voice, Breath, and Body Work Together 

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

 Chapters:

(00:00) - Introduction (00:58) - Breathing for Better Projection (02:29) - Place Your Voice (04:05) - Building Vocal Stamina (05:41) - Using a Lavalier Mic (07:07) - Using a Handheld Mic (08:29) - Conclusion

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With Hiring Pro, you can hire with confidence, knowing you're getting the best talent for your needs. Get started by posting your job for free at linkedin.com/fast

Join our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be. 

"Know your stuff, practice, and then just do it and be there."
How do you explain complex ideas without losing your audience? The challenge isn't knowing more—it's helping others understand. For Marketplace host Kai Ryssdal, great communication comes from making difficult topics accessible while holding people's attention. In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Ryssdal joins Matt Abrahams to discuss how to simplify complex information without oversimplifying it, conduct interviews that feel like genuine conversations, and communicate with confidence under pressure. From asking better questions to earning your audience's trust, Ryssdal shares practical techniques for staying present when the stakes are high.

Key Takeaways:

Complex ideas become powerful when they're easy to understand. Great communicators don't just share information—they translate it into clear, engaging messages that help others learn without sacrificing nuance.Preparation gives you the freedom to be present. The more thoroughly you prepare, the easier it becomes to listen, adapt, and communicate with confidence when the conversation takes an unexpected turn.

Activity:

Rewrite for clarity. Take an email, presentation, or document you've already written and revise it for someone with no background in the topic. Remove jargon, simplify explanations, and make sure every sentence helps your audience understand your message.

Episode Reference Links:

Kai RyssdalEp.220 Prep Like a Pro: Communication Confidence, Clarity, and Comedy 

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

 Chapters:

(00:00) - Introduction (00:59) - Making Complex Ideas Clear (02:24) - Find Your Communication Rhythm (03:30) - Keeping People Listening (04:38) - Better Introductions (05:50) - More Conversational Interviews (08:49) - Getting Conversations Back on Track (10:23) - Communicating Through Uncertainty (12:23) - Managing Speaking Anxiety (14:22) - Recovering from Mistakes (15:39) - Staying Curious (16:42) - When Your Mind Goes Blank (18:05) - The Final Three Questions (21:35) - 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.

With Hiring Pro, you can hire with confidence, knowing you're getting the best talent for your needs. Get started by posting your job for free at linkedin.com/fast

Join our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be. 

"Meaning is about being mindful of the effect you have on other people."
What makes a life meaningful?We often think purpose and meaning are the same thing, but according to Stanford professor Brian Lowery, they're fundamentally different. Purpose is what drives us. Meaning comes from the impact we have on others. In this live episode of Think Fast, Talk Smartfrom Stanford’s LEAD Me2We event, Lowery and Matt Abrahams examine how our relationships shape who we become, why sincerity matters more than authenticity, and how leaders influence others through every interaction. Along the way, they share practical insights on giving better feedback, building stronger connections, and creating workplaces where people can thrive.

Key Takeaways:

Meaning comes from your impact on others. Purpose is what drives your actions, but meaning grows when your work positively influences the people around you and continues beyond your own involvement.The way you show up shapes the people around you. Leaders create better teams by practicing self-awareness, communicating with sincerity, and giving feedback that recognizes people's intentions while helping them grow.

Activity:

Notice your influence. At the end of each workday, write down one interaction that may have shaped someone else's experience—positively or negatively. Reflect on what you communicated beyond your words and what you want to do differently tomorrow.

Episode Reference Links:

Brian LoweryEp.23 Look Within: How to Lead with Self Awareness and VulnerabilityEp.84 Quick Thinks: How Others Define Us  Ep.142 Power and Persuasion: Live Insights from Stanford Experts 

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

 Chapters:

(00:00) - Introduction (00:39) - Purpose vs. Meaning (02:12) - The Ripple Effect of Meaning (04:06) - How Others Shape Who We Are (05:20) - The Leader's Role in Shaping Others (08:58) - Self-Awareness & Psychological Safety (11:48) - Sincerity vs. "True Self" (12:53) - Feedback For Grow (17:13) - Becoming Better Humans (18:46) - 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.

With Hiring Pro, you can hire with confidence, knowing you're getting the best talent for your needs. Get started by posting your job for free at linkedin.com/fast

Join our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be. 

"When there's a gap between our intention and our impact, we diminish others and our communication."
The best leaders don't succeed because they have all the answers—they succeed because they bring out the best thinking in others. Liz Wiseman, executive advisor, CEO of the Wiseman Group, and author of the million-copy bestseller Multipliers:How the Best Leaders Make Everyone Smarter, has spent years studying why some leaders amplify the intelligence around them while others unintentionally hold people back. In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Wiseman joins Matt Abrahams to explore the habits of multiplier leaders, the subtle ways well-intentioned managers accidentally diminish their teams, and how curiosity, trust, and thoughtful communication create environments where people can do their best work. Together, they share practical strategies for leading with greater impact by aligning your intentions with the experience you create for others.

Key Takeaways:

Great leaders multiply, not diminish. Create trust, ask more than you tell, and challenge people to do their best thinking instead of stepping in with the answers.Good intentions aren't enough. The most effective communicators pay attention to the impact of their actions, ensuring their support empowers others rather than unintentionally holding them back.

Activity:

Ask the multiplier question. At the end of your next one-on-one or team meeting, ask: "What do you need from me to do your best work?" Listen without jumping in to solve the problem. Focus on understanding what will help others think, contribute, and perform at their highest level.

To listen to the extended Deep Thinks version of this episode, please visitFasterSmarter.io/premium.

Episode Reference Links:

Liz WisemanLiz’s Book: Multipliers147. Disrupt Yourself: How to Innovate Who You Are and Become Who You Can Be212. Break It to Make It: Disrupt Your Way to the Perfect Job Fit

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

 Chapters:

(00:00) - Introduction (00:55) - Multipliers vs. Diminishers (02:26) - The Habits That Hold Teams Back (03:54) - Safety, Stretch, & Trust (05:12) - Curiosity Over Control (06:56) - The Most Important Leadership Question (09:14) - Becoming an Impact Player (12:20) - When Good Intentions Backfire (15:54) - Accidental Diminishing (19:47) - The Final Three Questions (25:07) - Conclusion

“Managing emotions—yours and your audience's—is hard enough, but it's even harder when you're under pressure to respond."
High-pressure communication doesn't have to derail your message. In this Think Fast, Talk Smart Ask Matt Anything episode, Matt Abrahams answers real-world questions from members of the Think Fast, Talk Smart Learning Community, sharing practical advice for communicating with confidence when the stakes are high. From managing cognitive load and regulating anxiety to leading uncertain conversations and running more engaging meetings, Matt offers actionable strategies for staying focused, connecting with your audience, and communicating with clarity under pressure

Key Takeaways:

Manage your emotions to manage your message. Reducing cognitive load through preparation and emotional regulation helps you think and communicate more clearly under pressure.Lead with your audience in mind. Whether navigating uncertainty or running meetings, acknowledging emotions, setting clear expectations, and tailoring your message helps people stay engaged and take action.

Activity:

Stress-test your message. Before your next high-stakes conversation or presentation, rehearse it once under mild pressure—set a timer, record yourself, or practice with a colleague. Notice where you lose clarity, then refine those moments before the real conversation.

Episode Reference Links:

Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community 

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

Chapters:

(00:00) - Introduction (01:07) - Speaking Under Pressure (04:01) - Calming an Anxious Audience (07:45) - More Engaging Meetings (12:33) - Communicating Change Without Fear (16:30) - 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.

With Hiring Pro, you can hire with confidence, knowing you're getting the best talent for your needs. Get started by posting your job for free at linkedin.com/fast

Join our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be. 

Understanding the accent you didn’t know you had.
Whether communicating in our mother tongue or practicing a new language, we all speak with an accent. But that’s not all, says Valerie Fridland — we hear with an accent as well.

Fridland is a professor of sociolinguistics at the University of Nevada, Reno, and author of Why We Talk Funny: The Real Story Behind Our Accents. According to her, we don’t just sound a certain way, we hear a certain way too, affecting how we understand others. “We’re hearing with an accent — a bias shaped by our own language and experience,” she says. But instead of expecting others’ communication to fit our preconceptions, Fridland says to meet people halfway. “If we want to make communication successful, it’s not just their job as a speaker, it’s my job as a listener.”

In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Fridland and host Matt Abrahams discuss how empathetic listening opens the door to understanding. Whether you’re communicating in a context of mutual intelligibility or attempting to bridge cultural and linguistic divides, Fridland’s insights show how connection is a collaboration — shaped by accents on both sides of the conversation.

To listen to the extended Deep Thinks version of this episode, please visitFasterSmarter.io/premium.

Episode Reference Links:

Valerie FridlandValerie’s Book: Why We Talk FunnyEp.91 Um, Like, So: How Filler Words Can Create More Connected, Effective Communication 

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

Chapters:

(00:00) - Introduction (01:00) - The Role of Filled Pauses (03:24) - When Fillers Become a Problem (04:46) - Why We Don’t Hear Our Own Accent (06:11) - Language Rhythm & Intonation (11:01) - Listening with an Accent (15:59) - The Final Three Questions (20:51) - Conclusion

********
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With Hiring Pro, you can hire with confidence, knowing you're getting the best talent for your needs. Get started by posting your job for free at linkedin.com/fast

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"It's not an accent, it's an identity."

The way we speak shapes more than how we're understood—it shapes how we're perceived. Peter Novakbelieves the goal of communication isn't to eliminate an accent, but to communicate with greater clarity, confidence, and authenticity. As a linguist, communication coach, and expert in accent bias, Novak helps multilingual professionals communicate more effectively while embracing the identity their voice represents. In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, he joins Matt Abrahams to explore how accent bias influences the workplace, why clarity matters more than sounding "native," and the practical techniques anyone can use to communicate with greater confidence and impact.

Key Takeaways:

Clarity matters more than sounding native. Effective communication comes from making your message easy to understand, not eliminating your accent.Your accent is part of your identity. Multilingual communicators bring unique perspectives and strengths that should be embraced, not hidden.

Activity:

Focus on clarity. Record yourself explaining a familiar topic for one minute. Listen back and identify three words or phrases to emphasize and two places to pause. Record it again, focusing on clarity rather than sounding perfect, and compare the difference.

Printable Expanded Takeaways & Activities

Episode Reference Links:

Peter Novak82. It’s Not About You: Why Effective Communicators Put Others F… 

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

Chapters:

(00:00) - Introduction (00:52) - Accent Bias (03:55) - Accent and Identity (05:55) - Processing Fluency (08:25) - Clarity Over Perfection (10:26) - The Power of Prosody (15:33) - Speaking with Confidence (17:56) - The Final Three Questions (22:13) - 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.

With Hiring Pro, you can hire with confidence, knowing you're getting the best talent for your needs. Get started by posting your job for free at linkedin.com/fast

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"The assumption of swift trust is really useful."
Teams don't always need years to build trust—they need the right conditions to build it quickly. As a Stanford professor and expert in organizational design, Melissa Valentinestudies how communication, team structure, and emerging technologies help people collaborate more effectively. In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Valentine joins Matt Abrahams to explore how leaders can foster swift trust, adapt communication as teams move from brainstorming to execution, and use storytelling to drive meaningful change. Together, they share practical strategies for building stronger teams and navigating collaboration in an AI-enabled workplace.

Key Takeaways:

Build trust from the start. High-performing teams assume competence, communicate openly, and address miscommunication quickly.Adapt your communication to the task. Encourage diverse thinking during brainstorming, then align your language as the team moves toward execution.

Activity:

Practice swift trust. In your next project with a new colleague or team, begin by assuming competence and shared intent. Delegate one meaningful responsibility early, communicate clear expectations, and reflect afterward on how starting from trust influenced the team's collaboration and results.

Printable Expanded Takeaways & Activities

Episode Reference Links:

Melissa ValentineMelissa’s Book: Flash TeamsEp.241 Team Spirit: How to Make Group Work WorkEp.268 Going Viral: How To Balance Authenticity and Spectacle 

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

Chapters:

(00:00) - Introduction (00:57) - What Makes a Flash Team? (03:01) - Building Swift Trust (04:54) - When Teams Need to Converge (07:17) - Repairing Miscommunication (09:18) - Stories That Drive Change (12:01) - Lessons for Every Team (13:47) - The Final Three Questions (16:41) - 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.

With Hiring Pro, you can hire with confidence, knowing you're getting the best talent for your needs. Get started by posting your job for free at linkedin.com/fast

Join our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be. 

"People aren't inside of our heads, so you have to give them that emotional information as well as the factual information."

Humor is more than entertainment—it's a powerful way to create connection. As a comedian, writer, and former teacher, Chris Duffy has learned that laughter, curiosity, and emotion can transform even ordinary conversations into memorable experiences. In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Duffy joins Matt Abrahams to explore how humor can strengthen communication, build deeper connections, and make ideas more memorable. Together, they discuss how to engage an audience, bring authenticity to repeated messages, and create conversations that invite others to participate rather than simply listen.

Key Takeaways:

Connection comes before comedy. Humor is most effective when it invites others into the conversation, rather than putting the spotlight on yourself.Emotion makes ideas memorable. Combining facts with curiosity, emotion, and storytelling helps audiences understand, remember, and engage with your message.

Activity:

Create a conversational doorknob. In your next conversation, replace one routine response with an observation, opinion, or question that invites discussion. Notice how offering a "doorknob" changes the depth and energy of the conversation.

Printable Expanded Takeaways & Activities

Episode Reference Links:

Chris DuffyChris’s Book: Humor MeEp.13 Make ’Em Laugh: How to Use Humor as a Secret Weapon in Your … 

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

Chapters:

(00:00) - Introduction (01:03) - Lessons from the Classroom (01:52) - Curiosity Captures Attention (04:48) - Facts Need Emotion (05:49) - Sounding Authentic (09:29) - Calming Performance Nerves (11:01) - Jamming vs. Joking (14:36) - Becoming Funnier (19:01) - Better Conversations (22:53) - The Final Three Questions (26:48) - Conclusion

"If all you're trying to do is inform, you're not going to pull it off. You have to entertain your audience."

Great presentations don't just share information—they create connection. As Apple's former Chief Evangelist and Canva's co-founder, Guy Kawasaki has spent decades helping people communicate ideas that inspire action. In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Kawasaki joins Matt Abrahams to share practical strategies for crafting compelling presentations, building better slide decks, and using storytelling to keep audiences engaged. From investor pitches to keynote speeches, he explains why the best communicators don't just inform—they captivate.

Key Takeaways:

Pitch to keep the conversation going. The goal of a pitch isn't to close the deal—it's to earn the next conversation.Keep it simple and audience-focused. Engage people with clear stories, concise visuals, and a message built around what they care about.

Activity:

Choose an idea, project, or product you frequently explain. Challenge yourself to describe it in 30 seconds, focusing only on the problem you solve and why it matters to your audience. Then ask someone if they can clearly explain it back to you. Revise your pitch until they can.

Printable Expanded Takeaways & Activities

Episode Reference Links:

Guy KawasakiGuy’s Book: Think RemarkableEp.82 It’s Not About You: Why Effective Communicators Put Others FirstEp.47 Quick Thinks: How to Use Storytelling to Be a Better Founder

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

Chapters:

(00:00) - Introduction (01:29) - Being a Great Evangelist (02:51) - Why Stories Move People (04:15) - Entertain Before You Inform (06:36) - The Goal of a Pitch (09:56) - Evolve Every Pitch (12:42) - The 10-20-30 Rule (15:57) - Better Slides, Better Presentations (16:39) - Lessons from Podcasting (18:09) - The Final Three Questions (22:20) - 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.

With Hiring Pro, you can hire with confidence, knowing you're getting the best talent for your needs. Get started by posting your job for free at linkedin.com/fast

Join our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be. 

"You want to own the message and your narrative."

Strong communication is about more than delivering a message—it’s about building trust over time. As Zoom’s Chief Marketing Officer, Kim Storin has helped shape communication at one of the world’s most recognizable brands, balancing empathy, transparency, and consistency in an era of rapid technological change. In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Storin joins Matt Abrahams to discuss how leaders can communicate with authenticity, navigate crises with clarity, and build cultures rooted in transparency. They explore the art and science of shaping perception, maintaining connection in hybrid workplaces, and creating messages that solve problems—not just capture attention.

Key Takeaways:

Lead with authenticity and transparency. Clear, honest communication builds trust—especially during periods of change or crisis.Own your narrative. Consistent messaging and a clear story shape how others understand your brand, team, or ideas.

Activity:

Before your next team update or difficult conversation, ask yourself: "What information can I share that will build trust?" Include one additional point of context or reasoning that helps your audience better understand the decision.

Printable Expanded Takeaways & Activities

Episode Reference Links:

Kim StorinEp.82 It’s Not About You: Why Effective Communicators Put Others First

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

Chapters:

(00:00) - Introduction (01:37) - Leading Through a Global Crisis (03:36) - Changing Brand Perception (06:50) - Building Culture at Scale (09:00) - Virtual Communication Gains & Losses (11:24) - Creating Meaningful Moments (12:34) - Communicating Through Difficulty (16:03) - The Final Three Questions (21:33) - 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.

With Hiring Pro, you can hire with confidence, knowing you're getting the best talent for your needs. Get started by posting your job for free at linkedin.com/fast

Join our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be. 

"If these masters are still continually trying to improve their own craft, I don't have any excuses."

The world's best don't reach the top and stop learning—they keep refining their craft. David Rogier, founder and CEO of MasterClass, has spent years sitting across from elite performers, athletes, artists, and entrepreneurs—and he’s discovered that excellence is less about talent than a relentless commitment to growth. In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, he joins Matt Abrahams to share lessons from building a company around learning, persuasion, and communication. From earning the trust of high-profile talent to leading creative and technical teams, Rogier reveals why curiosity, adaptability, and authentic relationship-building are essential communication skills.

Takeaways:

Lead with curiosity. Build trust by asking thoughtful questions and focusing on the other person's needs, not your own. Never stop improving. The world's top performers continuously seek feedback, refine their skills, and embrace lifelong learning.

Activity:

Study an expert. Watch a communicator you admire—a speaker, leader, or interviewer—and identify three techniques they use to engage their audience. Try incorporating one of those techniques into your next presentation or meeting.

Printable Extended Takeaways & Activities

Episode Reference Links:

David RogierMatt’s MasterClass

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

Chapters:

(00:00) - Introduction (00:39) - The Power of Learning (01:28) - Building Trust (04:21) - Creating Great Content (07:23) - Leading Different Teams (09:45) - Learning from Masters (10:54) - Communicating with a Stutter (14:00) - The Final Three Questions (17:39) - 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.

With Hiring Pro, you can hire with confidence, knowing you're getting the best talent for your needs. Get started by posting your job for free at linkedin.com/fast

Join our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be. 

“Communication is the number one way to remove friction.”

If communication is the key to connection, then removing friction is what makes every interaction work. According to Vanessa Van Edwards, the most effective communicators aren’t just skilled with words—they know how to align their gestures, body language, and presence to make others feel at ease. A behavioral researcher and bestselling author of Captivate and Cues, Van Edwards studies the subtle signals that shape how we are perceived. In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, she joins Matt Abrahams to explore the hidden factors that influence communication, from purposeful gestures and expressive body language to the words, images, and visual cues that build trust and credibility.

Takeaways:

Great communication goes beyond words. Gestures, facial expressions, visual cues, and even the language we use in emails and meetings can either create friction or build trust, clarity, and connection.Focus on the other person, not yourself. By applying the Platinum Rule—treating others as they want to be treated—and intentionally putting people at ease, communicators can foster stronger relationships, deeper conversations, and greater influence.

Activity:

Practice the Platinum Rule. Before your next important conversation, meeting, or email, take one minute to answer: “What does this person need from me right now?” Then tailor your communication to their priorities, concerns, and preferred style—not your own. Afterward, reflect on how that shift changed the quality of the interaction.

Printable PDF of Takeaways & Activity

Episode Reference Links:

Vanessa Van EdwardsVanessa’s Books: Cues / CaptivateEp.137 When Words Aren't Enough: How to Excel at Nonverbal Communication 

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

Chapters:

(00:00) - Introduction (01:01) - The Importance of Strategic Communication (01:45) - The Power of Gestures (04:10) - A Readiness Check for Speakers (05:56) - Over-Signaling vs. Under-Signaling (08:18) - Dangerous Words in Communication (12:27) - Imagery Cues & First Impressions (15:03) - Virtual Backgrounds Matter (17:33) - The Platinum Rule (19:01) - The Final Three Questions (23:59) - Conclusion

Celebrating 300 episodes with listener questions from around the world. 

In this special 300th episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, host Matt Abrahams celebrates a major milestone with a live Ask Matt Anything session featuring questions from listeners around the world—and a few from the team behind the show. He introduces a new communication framework, PREP (Point, Reason, Example, Point), before tackling topics ranging from word recall and public speaking nerves to storytelling, AI’s impact on communication, giving difficult feedback, and using gestures more effectively. Along the way, he shares practical strategies, favorite communication techniques, and lessons learned from 300 episodes dedicated to helping people communicate with confidence, clarity, and connection.

To listen to the extended Deep Thinks version of this episode, please visitFasterSmarter.io/premium.

Episode Reference Links:

Ep.250 How to Navigate Conflict: Tools For Productive Communication

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

 Chapters:

(00:00) - Introduction (01:13) - PREP Framework (04:13) - Improving Word Recall (07:10) - Public Speaking Nerves (11:35) - Concise vs. Detailed Communication (13:39) - AI & Communication Skills (16:12) - Storytelling Fundamentals (18:51) - Lingo vs. Jargon (20:22) - Difficult Feedback Conversations (22:36) - The Power of Paraphrasing (25:07) - Effective Gestures (29:28) - 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.

With Hiring Pro, you can hire with confidence, knowing you're getting the best talent for your needs. Get started by posting your job for free at linkedin.com/fast

Join our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be. 

How to communicate with impact when the stakes are high.

Communication isn't about getting information out. It's about making sure it gets through. In an era of fragmented attention and endless platforms, the challenge isn't finding ways to speak—it's finding ways to connect.

According to Farnaz Khadem, Vice President of University Communications at Stanford, great communicators start with three questions: What's the goal? Who's the audience? And what does the data tell us? Whether guiding a university through a crisis, helping experts share their ideas with broader audiences, or deciding where a story should be told, she believes effective communication centers around understanding people. "People want to know what's actually happening," she says. "And if what is happening is you don't know what is happening, you have to tell people you don't know."

In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Khadem joins host Matt Abrahams to discuss the importance of preparation, transparency, and active listening when communicating during uncertainty. From navigating the opportunities and risks of AI to crafting stories that create genuine connection, she shares practical lessons for building trust, adapting to changing audiences, and communicating effectively when the stakes are highest.

Episode Reference Links:

Farnaz KhademEp.22 Under Pressure: How to Communicate Clearly and Timely During a Crisis 

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

 Chapters:

(00:00) - Introduction (01:01) - Communication Fundamentals (02:21) - Choosing the Right Channel (04:01) - Building Communication Networks (05:13) - Coaching Better Communicators (07:07) - Crisis Preparation (09:10) - Crisis Response (11:03) - The Power of Storytelling (12:51) - AI in Communications (15:52) - The Final Three Questions (21:06) - 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.

With Hiring Pro, you can hire with confidence, knowing you're getting the best talent for your needs. Get started by posting your job for free at linkedin.com/fast

Join our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be. 

The nonverbal habits that make you look confident, composed, and authentic before you even speak.

How you carry yourself can shape how others perceive your confidence, credibility, and authenticity—often before you say a word. In this Quick Thinks episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Matt Abrahams shares practical, research-backed techniques for strengthening your presence through body language, posture, gestures, and eye contact. Learn how to stand and sit with confidence, move with purpose, use your hands effectively, and avoid common nonverbal habits that can distract from your message. Whether you're presenting to an audience, leading a meeting, or navigating everyday conversations, these simple strategies can help you communicate with greater composure and impact.

Episode Reference Links:

Ep.12 It's Not What You Say, It’s How You Say It: How To Communica…Ep.137 When Words Aren't Enough: How to Excel at Nonverbal Communication  

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

 Chapters:

(00:00) - Introduction (00:37) - Be Big, Balanced, and Still (01:31) - The Right Speaking Stance (02:16) - Moving with Purpose (03:07) - Presence While Seated (03:53) - What to Do with Your Hands (04:38) - Gesturing Beyond Your Shoulders (05:27) - Effective Eye Contact (06:12) - Thinking While Speaking (06:57) - Bringing It All Together (07:44) - Practice Through Recording (08:30) - 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.

With Hiring Pro, you can hire with confidence, knowing you're getting the best talent for your needs. Get started by posting your job for free at linkedin.com/fast

Join our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be. 

Why the most effective communicators help people see not just what's changing, but why it matters to them.

For Sinéad Bovell, effective communication isn’t just about explaining what’s coming next—it’s about giving people the confidence and agency to engage with it.
Bovell is a futurist, founder of the tech education company WAYE, and an expert advisor to the United Nations AI Advisory Body. Known for making complex topics accessible to broad audiences, she has spent years helping leaders, organizations, and young people understand the implications of artificial intelligence and other transformative technologies. Her approach starts with a simple principle: meet people where they are and connect big ideas to what matters in their lives. “If you scare people too much, if you disempower them, they do unsubscribe from the very activities you need them to lean into.”
In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Bovell joins host Matt Abrahams to discuss how to communicate complexity without overwhelming people and why skills like adaptability and judgment are becoming more valuable in the age of AI. From making emerging technologies more accessible to building trust through relevance and empathy, they discuss what it takes to help audiences engage with change rather than fear it.

To listen to the extended Deep Thinks version of this episode, please visitFasterSmarter.io/premium.

Episode Reference Links:

Sinéad Bovell

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

 Chapters:

(00:00) - Introduction (01:00) - Explaining Complex Ideas (03:48) - The Future of Soft Skills (06:52) - Talking About AI Without Fear (10:33) - Storytelling for Young Audiences (12:46) - Reaching Young Audiences (15:01) - Career Pivots & Reinvention (16:53) - Becoming a Better Communicator (18:59) - The Final Three Questions (25:09) - Conclusion

Practical communication strategies you can use immediately at work and beyond.

How do you speak up when a conversation is moving faster than you can think? What should you do when emotions threaten to derail your listening? And how can you give honest feedback to a boss who doesn’t seem interested in hearing it?

In this Ask Matt Anything episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, host Matt Abrahams answers listener questions from the Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community on some of the most challenging workplace communication scenarios. From practical techniques for inserting your ideas into fast-paced meetings to strategies for managing emotions and delivering feedback upward, Matt shares actionable advice to help you communicate with greater confidence, clarity, and impact.

Episode Reference Links:

Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community 

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

 Chapters:

(00:00) - Introduction (00:34) - Speaking Up in Meetings (03:14) - Listening Through Emotion (06:30) - Giving Feedback Upward (10:07) - 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.

With Hiring Pro, you can hire with confidence, knowing you're getting the best talent for your needs. Get started by posting your job for free at linkedin.com/fast

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Why the best leaders treat uncertainty as a chance to learn, not a failure to avoid.

Most companies are built to grow. Far fewer are built to stay true to their purpose as they do.

Eric Riesis an entrepreneur, creator of the Lean Startup movement, and author of Incorruptible: Why Good Companies Go Bad and How Great Companies Stay Great. For Ries, innovation starts with a simple reality: nobody can predict the future. “If you're going to do something fundamentally new,” he says, “how are we supposed to forecast” what success will look like? Instead of relying on certainty, leaders should focus on learning. “If you cannot fail, you cannot learn.”

In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Ries and host Matt Abrahams explore how leaders can communicate through uncertainty, turn setbacks into valuable insights, and build cultures rooted in trust. From the power of the build-measure-learn feedback loop to the importance of making “deposits” in a company’s culture bank, Ries shares practical strategies for creating organizations that innovate, adapt, and stay true to their values as they grow.

To listen to the extended Deep Thinks version of this episode, please visitFasterSmarter.io/premium.

Episode Reference Links:

Eric RiesEric’s Book: IncorruptibleEp.56 Lean Messaging: How Simple Messages Really StickEp.54 Leadership and Ethics: How to Communicate Your Core Values  

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

 Chapters:

(00:00) - Introduction (00:53) - Lean Startup Fundamentals (02:35) - Business Plans vs. Reality (05:03) - Learning from Failure (06:43) - Why Companies Go Bad (09:21) - The Culture Bank (12:23) - The Final Three Questions (18:43) - Conclusion

********
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With Hiring Pro, you can hire with confidence, knowing you're getting the best talent for your needs. Get started by posting your job for free at linkedin.com/fast

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Do you really win the negotiation if it means losing the relationship?

You might think that successful negotiation means getting what you want here and now. But Stan Christensen says this short-sighted view is selling many negotiators short.

Christensen is a professional negotiator, host of the All Things Negotiation podcast, and instructor of one of Stanford's most popular courses on the subject. His core insight: most negotiations happen with people you’ll see again — which means success isn’t about claiming victory, it’s about building long-term, mutually beneficial relationships. “Most people think of negotiation statically,” he says. “It's you and I. There's a fixed pie. We're trying to get more for ourself and less for the other party. In reality, 95% of negotiations are gonna be with people you see again, so I define success as contributing to the value of the long-term relationship.”

In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Christensen and host Matt Abrahams explore what it takes to negotiate well — from the power of listening and asking questions to managing emotions and communicating for collaboration. Whether you're negotiating a business deal or just deciding where to go to dinner, Christensen shows why every negotiation is an opportunity to strengthen the relationship.

Episode Reference Links:

Stan ChristensenAll Things Negotiation PodcastEp.15 The Art of Negotiation: How to Get More of What You WantEp.204 Tough Talks: Turn Tension Into Trust 

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

 Chapters:

(00:00) - Introduction (00:43) - What Is Negotiation? (01:22) - Negotiating Every Day (02:24) - The Power of Listening (03:57) - Asking Better Questions (05:58) - Handling Emotions (06:56) - Authentic Emotion (07:54) - Body Language Matters (08:45) - Collaboration in Negotiation (10:23) - Framing Conversations (11:48) - Setting the Agenda (13:10) - Co-Creating Structure (14:46) - A Common Negotiation Mistake (15:25) - Why Start a Podcast (16:29) - Learning from Guests (17:26) - The Final Three Questions (22:53) - Conclusion

********
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What it takes to lead as a communicator and communicate as a leader.

Leadership isn’t just about making decisions — it’s about how you communicate them. As Matt Abrahams puts it, “Communication is operationalized leadership.”

At a recent Me2We event, in connection with Stanford GSB's Executive Education LEAD program, Abrahams held a live discussion with four of the podcast’s most popular guests: Celine Teoh, facilitator of the GSB’s famous Interpersonal Dynamics course; Huggy Rao, organizational behavior professor and co-author of The Friction Project; legendary Stanford basketball coach Tara VanDerveer; and Dave Dodson, lecturer and author of The Manager's Handbook.

In this special live episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, the panel shares frameworks and lessons for leading and communicating more effectively. From Teoh’s five A’s for inviting dissent to Rao’s warning against “jargon monoxide,” from VanDerveer’s relationship-first approach to Dodson’s case for leading like a teacher, this conversation explores what it takes to communicate as a leader — and lead as a communicator.

Episode Reference Links:

Celine TeohTara VanDerveerHuggy RaoHuggy’s Book: The Friction ProjectDavid DodsonDavid’s Book: The Manager’s HandbookEp.194 Live Lessons in Levity and Leadership: Me2We 2025 Part 1 

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

 Chapters:

The hidden habits behind calm, confident communicators.

What does it really take to become a more confident communicator? In this special collaboration between Think Fast, Talk Smartand Headspace, host Matt Abrahams shares practical, mindful strategies for speaking with clarity, managing anxiety, listening more deeply, and connecting more authentically with others.

Across five short lessons, Matt outlines how to calm speaking nerves, become a better listener, structure your ideas clearly, engage any audience, and strengthen your presence — whether you’re leading a meeting, giving a presentation, or navigating everyday conversations.

Whether you’re speaking to a crowd or having a one-on-one conversation, these tools can help you communicate with more confidence, calm, and connection.

Episode Reference Links:

Headspace 

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

Chapters:

(00:00) - Introduction (00:46) - Speaking Anxiety (05:52) - Mindful Communication (11:01) - Clarity & Structure (14:38) - Creating Engagement (20:14) - Building Presence (25:16) - Conclusion

********
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What keeps us from being more social? Nick Epley calls it a “mind-reading mistake.”

We all think about what others think, particularly what they think about us. The problem, says Nick Epley, is that we’re almost always wrong.

Epley is a professor of behavioral science at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and author of A Little More Social: How Small Choices Create Unexpected Happiness, Health, and Connection.What keeps people from engaging authentically, connecting deeply, and enjoying a meaningful social life? It comes down to an error of social cognition, “A mind-reading mistake,” Epley says. “If I don't think you want to talk to me, I won't try. And I'll never find out that I'm wrong about that.”

In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Epley and host Matt Abrahams explore why we hold ourselves back from meaningful conversation, and what happens when we don’t. From taking an interest in others to sharing more freely about ourselves, Epley shares strategies for being a little more social — and making your life considerably better as a result.

To listen to the extended Deep Thinks version of this episode, please visitFasterSmarter.io/premium.

Episode Reference Links:

Nick EpleyNick’s Book: A Little More SocialEp.133 From Good to Super: How Supercommunicators Unlock the Language of Connection

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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This episode is brought to you by Babbel. Think Fast Talk Smart listeners can get started on your language learning journey today- visitBabbel.com/Thinkfastand get up to 55% off yourBabbelsubscription.

Join our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be.

Chapters:

(00:00) - Introduction (01:31) - Problems with Body Language (04:15) - Perspective Getting (07:14) - Asking Better Questions (08:41) - Moving Beyond Small Talk (10:13) - Why We Hold Back (11:33) - Advice For Introverts (15:17) - A Little More Social (18:34) - The Final Three Questions (24:45) - Conclusion

How can we approach aging with more joy, empathy, and meaningful connection?

We often talk about lifespan, or how long we live, but Kerry Burnight believes the more important question is how fully we live along the way.

Burnight is a gerontologist, former professor of geriatric medicine, and author of Joyspan: The Art and Science of Thriving in Life's Second Half. Drawing from decades of experience working with older adults, she discusses why adopting a “growth aging mindset” can change the way we think about getting older, and why autonomy matters just as much as safety in conversations with aging loved ones. As she puts it, “it’s not just the big moments, it’s the little moments, too.”

In this Quick Thinks episode of Think Fast Talk Smart, Burnight and host Matt Abrahams explore the role of listening, storytelling, and empathy in effective communication across generations. Through memorable examples and actionable advice, Burnight offers a compassionate framework for talking about — and thinking about — aging differently.

Episode Reference Links:

Dr. Kerry BurnightKerry’s Book: JoyspanEp.176 From Stereotypes to Synergy: Communicating Across Generations 

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

Chapters:

(00:00) - Introduction (00:37) - Aging Mindsets (03:05) - Give of the Day (06:33) - Difficult Aging Conversations (14:00) - Explaining Complex Ideas (15:29) - 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.

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A full life isn’t about the quantity of time, but the quality.

Our lifespan might describe how long we live, but it doesn’t say anything about how well we live. For that, Kerry Burnightsays, we need a different measure: joyspan.

Burnight is a gerontologist, former professor of geriatric medicine, and author of Joyspan: The Art and Science of Thriving in Life's Second Half. In her decades working with older adults, she noticed a gap: “I would have a lot of people who lived long lives and were in pretty darn good physical health. They were miserable.” That observation led her to dig into the research on well-being — and to find what it takes to enjoy a long life, not just endure one.

In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Burnight joins host Matt Abrahams to explore her joyspan framework, explaining how growth, connection, adapting, and giving contribute to a full life. From changing the conversation around aging to communicating more effectively across generations, Burnight offers practical wisdom for living better at any age.

Episode Reference Links:

Dr. Kerry BurnightKerry’s Book: JoyspanEp.176 From Stereotypes to Synergy: Communicating Across Generations 

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

Chapters:

(00:00) - Introduction (01:05) - Defining Joyspan (03:12) - The Joyspan Matrix (08:48) - Learning to Adjust (09:42) - The Power of Stories (13:23) - Internalized Ageism (16:25) - The Final Three Questions (21:49) - 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.

With Hiring Pro, you can hire with confidence, knowing you're getting the best talent for your needs. Get started by posting your job for free at linkedin.com/fast

Join our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be. 

The Tiger Sisters share the keys to collaborative communication.

Good marketing communication doesn’t just go one way. As the Tiger Sisters know, building a brand is about bringing your audience into the conversation.

Cherie and Jean Luo are sisters, tech and finance experts, and co-hosts of the Tiger Sisters Podcast, a show about money, power, and love. Their approach to content creation mirrors how they think about communication: know your audience, stay curious, and embrace feedback. “We often think about our community as the co-producers of our episodes,” Cherie says. “Each episode we put out is like a mini product. Once we put it out, we can get feedback on whether or not people are resonating.”

In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, the Tiger Sisters join host Matt Abrahams, sharing how they’ve built a thriving brand through collaboration — with each other and with their audience. From simplifying complex topics to crafting messages that resonate, the Luo’s insights show why the best communication is about healthy back and forth.

Episode Reference Links:

Jean LuoCherie Brooke LuoTiger Sisters Podcast

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

Chapters:

(00:00) - Introduction (00:52) - The Tiger Sisters Mission (02:28) - Going Viral on TikTok (04:18) - Explaining Complex Topics (06:14) - Learning from the Audience (08:23) - Working as Sisters & Co-Founders (11:23) - Reinventing Careers (12:49) - Family Expectations (14:38) - Personal Branding (17:15) - Teaching Through Storytelling (19:20) - The Final Three Questions (22:47) - 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.

With Hiring Pro, you can hire with confidence, knowing you're getting the best talent for your needs. Get started by posting your job for free at linkedin.com/fast

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If you want to do your best, you’d better get your rest.

The quality of your sleep fundamentally affects the quality of your communication. Communicating well, Dr. Cheri Mah says, starts with being well-rested.

“Sleep impacts nearly every aspect of how you function,” says Mah, a sleep physician, adjunct lecturer at Stanford Sleep Medicine Center, and internationally recognized expert on sleep and human performance. In her research and work, particularly with elite athletes and professional sports teams, she explores the link between getting rest and doing our best. “If you are getting quality sleep, you can think more clearly, react under pressure, make good judgment calls, have more patience, be more empathetic,” she says.

In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Mah and host Matt Abrahams explore strategies for better sleep, from bedtime routines to paying off “sleep debt” to the “nappuccino” — a caffeine-fueled power nap. Whether you struggle to sleep or can nod off at any time or place, Mah’s insights reveal why doing our best requires getting our rest.

To listen to the extended Deep Thinks version of this episode, please visitFasterSmarter.io/premium.

Episode Reference Links:

Dr. Cheri MahEp.183 Rethinks: How Anxiety Can Fuel Better Communication 

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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Strawberry.me.Get 50% off your first coaching session today atStrawberry.me/smart

Join our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be.

Chapters:

(00:00) - Introduction (01:15) - Sleep & Performance (02:29) - Better Sleep Habits (04:34) - Quieting a Racing Mind (06:07) - Dr. Mah’s Night Routine (07:37) - Sleep Extension (09:10) - Preparing for Big Events (10:02) - The Nappuccino (11:39) - Managing Jet Lag (14:14) - Chronotypes Explained (16:18) - Starting the Day with Sleep (17:58) - The Final Three Question (22:15) - Conclusion

Confidence, clarity, and speaking when it matters.

Confident communication isn’t about being the loudest in the room. For Susie Wolff, it’s about displaying assurance before you even open your mouth.

Wolff is a former professional race car driver, managing director of F1 Academy, and author of Driven. Throughout her career in one of the world's most male-dominated industries, she’s learned that confidence starts within. “If you want others to believe in you, you need to at least have confidence in your own abilities,” she says. By letting her capabilities speak for themselves, Wolff felt she didn’t have to. “I was never the loudest voice in the room. But I made sure when I did speak that I really had something to say.”

In this special episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, co-hosted by Matt Abrahams and Tiggy Valen, Wolff shares how inner drive creates outer clarity. From delivering hard truths with empathy to achieving buy-in for a bold vision, Wolff offers lessons on communicating with confidence, even in the face of stiff competition.

Episode Reference Links:

Susie WolffSusie’s Book: DrivenTiggy ValenPaddock ProjectEp.235 Refine, Reframe, Repeat: Make Your Communication a Slam Dunk  

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

Chapters:

(00:00) - Introduction (01:06) - Early Motorsport Passion (02:01) - Finding Your Voice (03:33) - Building Confidence (04:28) - Becoming a Leader (06:48) - Cross-Cultural Communication (07:57) - Building F1 Academy (12:20) - Giving Tough Feedback (15:32) - Embracing Discomfort (18:01) - The Final Three Questions (23:03) - 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.

With Hiring Pro, you can hire with confidence, knowing you're getting the best talent for your needs. Get started by posting your job for free at linkedin.com/fast

Join our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be. 

The secret to better communication isn’t adding more—it’s knowing what to leave out.
Communication isn’t clearer when you say more — it’s clearer when you say less. As David Epstein puts it, we’re wired to keep adding, even when “the better solution is often what you take away.” The challenge isn’t having ideas; it’s choosing which one actually matters.

Epstein is an author and investigative journalist known for his New York Times bestseller Range.In his latest book, Inside the Box, he explores how constraints can sharpen creativity and elevate thinking, a theme that reflects his broader work at the intersection of psychology, performance, and innovation. “If you assume someone will only remember one thing,” he explains, “decide what that is before you start talking.” That simple constraint forces clarity — and changes how we communicate entirely.

In this episode of Think Fast Talk Smart, Epstein and host Matt Abrahams unpack why limits make us better communicators and thinkers. From the dangers of “featuritis” to the creative breakthroughs sparked by restriction, they explore how blocking familiar paths leads to more original ideas and communication.

To listen to the extended Deep Thinks version of this episode, please visitFasterSmarter.io/premium.

Episode Reference Links:

David EpsteinDavid’s Book: Inside the BoxEp.108 All In: How Improv Helps You Show Up and Communicate Well 

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

Chapters:

(00:00) - Introduction (00:46) - Featuritis & Overload (02:25) - Constraints & Creativity (06:35) - Chunking Information (07:56) - Familiarity & Innovation (08:58) - Clarifying Through Feedback (11:29) - Defining the Problem (12:51) - Precluding Default Approaches (14:31) - The Final Three Questions (20:25) - 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.

With Hiring Pro, you can hire with confidence, knowing you're getting the best talent for your needs. Get started by posting your job for free at linkedin.com/fast

Join our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be. 

What stops you from speaking up when it matters most?

This week on Think Fast Talk Smart, we’re featuring a special episode from TED Business. Healthcare leader Sarah Crawford-Bohl offers a practical, compassionate framework to have difficult conversations with clarity and heart — and shows how it can lead to stronger teams and real impact.

TED Business is a podcast from TED that offers you a new idea and perspective for any business conundrum — whether you want to learn how to land that promotion, set smart goals, undo injustice at work, or unlock the next big innovation. Every Monday, host Modupe Akinola of Columbia Business School presents the most powerful and surprising ideas that illuminate the business world. After the talk, you'll get a mini-lesson from Modupe on how to apply the ideas in your own life — because business evolves every day, and our ideas about it should, too. Listen wherever you get your podcasts or here.

Episode Reference Links:

TED Business 

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

Chapters:

(00:00) - Introduction (00:59) - If Not You, Then Who? (02:14) - The Cost of Silence (03:38) - Avoiding Conflict at Work (04:33) - Why Speaking Up Matters (05:43) - Building Courage Through Practice (06:53) - A Moral Compass for Conversations (10:14) - Handling Tough Feedback (14:04) - QORC Apology Framework (15:54) - 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.

With Hiring Pro, you can hire with confidence, knowing you're getting the best talent for your needs. Get started by posting your job for free at linkedin.com/fast

Join our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be. 

Simple strategies to think faster, stay authentic, and communicate with confidence. 

How do you stay genuine without sounding rehearsed? What helps when your thoughts are moving faster than your words? And how can you handle high-pressure moments with more ease?

Strong communication isn’t about having the right lines ready—it’s about being present enough to respond with clarity. In the moment, it’s easy to rush, overthink, or lose your structure. But with the right tools, you can slow down, connect, and communicate with intention.

In this Ask Matt Anything episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Matt Abrahams shares insights from a live session with the Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community. Through real audience questions, he outlines practical ways to manage nerves, adapt to different situations, and build communication habits that last.

Episode Reference Links:

Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community  

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

Chapters:

(00:00) - Introduction (00:53) - Email Small Talk (03:30) - Slowing Down Your Thinking (05:40) - Controlling Speaking Pace (07:47) - Authenticity vs. Adapting (10:59) - Scripted Talks (13:51) - Handling No Questions (17:26) - 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.

With Hiring Pro, you can hire with confidence, knowing you're getting the best talent for your needs. Get started by posting your job for free at linkedin.com/fast

Join our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be. 

If you can make conversation, you can make your own luck.

Good communication isn’t passive. And good luck, says Tina Seelig, is the same. There’s “what the world gives us,” and then there’s “how we respond to it.”

Seelig is executive director of the Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program at Stanford University and author of What I Wish I Knew About Luck. For her, good fortune doesn’t find us, we find it. “Opportunities for lucky things to happen are ubiquitous. But they're invisible and most people don't see them,” she says. In the same way that communication requires active listening, making our own luck requires presence to the people and possibilities that come our way.

In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Seelig and host Matt Abrahams explore how communication creates luck. From curious listening to resolving the conflicts that block opportunity, Seelig offers practical ways to respond to what life offers — and turn everyday interactions into the foundation for good fortune.

To listen to the extended Deep Thinks version of this episode, please visitFasterSmarter.io/premium.

Episode Reference Links:

Tina SeeligTina’s Book: What I Wish I Knew About LuckEp.111 Rethinks: How to Spark Creativity in Your CommunicationEp.159 Earn Your Audience: You Can’t Lead If No One’s Listening 

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

Chapters:

(00:00) - Introduction (01:00) - Luck vs. Fortune (02:09) - The Idea of Making Luck (02:54) - Building Your Luck Framework (04:03) - Listening Creates Opportunity (05:10) - Focus on Others (08:11) - Staying Connected to Others (09:23) - Appreciation as a Habit (10:18) - How Conflict Blocks Luck (11:49) - Apologies Create Opportunity (12:47) - Ask, Don’t Assume (14:40) - Communicating for Your Audience (16:27) - Prepare Your Stories (18:10) - The Final Three Questions (22:40) - 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.

With Hiring Pro, you can hire with confidence, knowing you're getting the best talent for your needs. Get started by posting your job for free at linkedin.com/fast

Join our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be. 

Great communication isn’t about saying more—it’s about making what you say matter.

If we want to communicate more effectively, we need to treat communication less like a habit—and more like a series of intentional choices. In this special feed drop, we’re featuring a conversation from the ⁠Masters of Scale⁠ podcast, where host ⁠Jeff Berman⁠ sits down with Stanford lecturer and ⁠Think Fast, Talk Smart ⁠host Matt Abrahams to explore what it really takes to communicate with intention.

Most of us default to what feels natural—long-winded openings, generic pitches, or focusing on what we want to say. But as Matt explains, effective communication starts with the audience. Get to the point quickly. Focus on what’s relevant. “Tell the time, don’t build the clock.”

From high-stakes presentations to job interviews and everyday interactions, Matt shares practical, science-backed strategies for showing up with clarity and confidence. Communication is something we all do every day—but doing it well, especially when it counts, takes intention. As this conversation makes clear, small shifts in how we prepare, structure, and deliver our message can make all the difference.

Episode Reference Links:

Jeff BermanMasters of Scale

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

Chapters:

(00:00) - Introduction (02:31) - Communication as a Skill (03:01) - The Impact of Communication (03:39) - Prevalence of Speaking Anxiety (05:40) - Techniques for Reducing Anxiety (08:15) - Core Principles: Repetition, Reflection, Feedback (09:22) - Communication in Education (10:32) - Opportunities to Improve Communication (12:55) - Presenting & Pitching Ideas (15:10) - Setting Clear Expectations (18:27) - Characteristics of Productive Meetings (20:53) - The Role of Repetition in Leadership (21:43) - Structured Preparation for Interviews (23:09) - The ADD Framework for Responses (24:37) - Asking Insightful Questions (25:57) - Defining Communication Objectives (29:03) - Adapting Messages to Different Formats (30:18) - Building Confidence in New Mediums (31:28) - Recovering from Cognitive Lapses (32:54) - The Pace, Space, Grace Framework (34:49) - Navigating Differing Perspectives (36:41) - Conclusion

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Work is changing, not ending—what it takes to stay relevant in an AI-driven world.

Careers aren’t ladders anymore — they’re climbing walls. As Aneesh Raman puts it, “work is changing, not ending,” and success today depends on how well you can navigate change and explain your path along the way.

Raman is the Chief Economic Opportunity Officer at LinkedIn and a former presidential speechwriter for Barack Obama. His work focuses on the future of work and how individuals can adapt in an AI-driven world. In his book Open to Work, he argues that the most valuable skills today aren’t technical — they’re human. “We now have this technology that's gonna do more, better, faster… It will out efficiency us,” he explains. But that shift creates opportunity: “When you recognize that humans aren't meant to be machine-like, and that machines will eventually out machine us, that isn't the end state. It's going to be a more entrepreneurial era where we're going to rely on our unique ability to imagine, to invent, to create.”

In this episode of Think Fast Talk Smart, Raman and host Matt Abrahams explore what it takes to navigate a rapidly changing workplace. From the “Five C’s” to practical ways to redesign your role around human strengths, Raman shares how to stay relevant as work evolves, the power of audience-first communication, and why great storytelling starts with understanding yourself.

To listen to the extended Deep Thinks version of this episode, please visitFasterSmarter.io/premium.

Episode Reference Links:

Aneesh RamanAneesh’s Book: Open to Work226. Reinvent Yourself: Turning Uncertainty Into Opportunity 

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

Chapters:

(00:00) - Introduction (01:05) - Storytelling & Career Lessons (03:30) - Obama’s Communication Style (06:22) - Careers as Climbing Walls (10:28) - The Rise of Human Skills (14:04) - The Three Work Buckets (17:57) - The Final Three Questions (23:42) - 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.

With Hiring Pro, you can hire with confidence, knowing you're getting the best talent for your needs. Get started by posting your job for free at linkedin.com/fast

Join our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be. 

How to turn latent motivation into fuel for change.

If you want to be a changemaker, you’ll have to convince others to join your cause. But according to Dan Heath, persuading your audience isn’t about creating new motivation — it’s about leveraging the motivation that’s already there.

“The most important fuel for any change effort is motivation,” says Heath, the number-one New York Times bestselling author of Reset: How to Change What's Not Working. Instead of struggling to persuade people to want what you want, Heath suggests finding where your goals overlap with the things they already desire. "Before you even get to persuasion, if you can just tap and unleash the energy that's already there, you've already catapulted yourself toward success,” he says.

In this Rethinks episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Heath and host Matt Abrahams explore how to create more compelling communication using “leverage points,” or as Heath says, “where a little bit of effort yields a disproportionate return.” Whether getting buy-in from one teammate or achieving change across an entire organization, Heath shares practical tips for turning latent motivation into an engine for change.

Episode Reference Links:

Dan HeathDan’s Books: Reset: How to Change What's Not WorkingDan's Podcast: What It’s Like To Be Ep.190 Motivation Matters: How to Leverage What People Already WantEp.49 Make Numbers Count: How to Communicate Data Effectively  

Connect:

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Chapters:

(00:00) - Introduction (01:46) - The Power of Storytelling (04:56) - Crafting Powerful Stories (09:55) - Finding Great Stories (13:14) - Leverage Points For Change (16:26) - Wasted Resources & Motivation (19:39) - Latent Desire in Systems (21:48) - The Role of Systems in Communication (25:37) - Communicating Progress (28:59) - Lessons from Hosting a Podcast (31:31) - The Final Three Questions (38:19) - 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.

With Hiring Pro, you can hire with confidence, knowing you're getting the best talent for your needs. Get started by posting your job for free at linkedin.com/fast

Join our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be. 

Whatever your message, the manner in which you deliver it is just as important.

You found the right words. You picked the right time to say them. You even tailored them to your audience. Why did your message fall flat? “It's your tone,” says Jefferson Fisher.

Fisher is a trial attorney, New York Times bestselling author, podcast host, and one of the most-followed experts in communication today. From handling high-stakes communication in the courtroom to navigating everyday conversations, he says successful messaging isn’t just about what you say, but how you say it. “It’s not your words, it’s your tone,” he says, “The words might be right, but the way you [say them] — that's what ends up controlling the day. Tone controls everything.”

In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Fisher and host Matt Abrahams explore how to set the right tone in all kinds of communication. Whether you're navigating conflict, giving and receiving feedback, or just trying to connect, Fisher offers practical techniques for ensuring the manner of your communication matches what you mean.

Episode Reference Links:

Jefferson FisherJefferson’s Book: The Next Conversation WorkbookJefferson's Podcast: The Jefferson Fisher PodcastEp.228 Negotiate Your Way to Success: Empathy, Mirroring, and Labeling 

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

Chapters:

(00:00) - Introduction (01:00) - Stop Winning Arguments (02:34) - Ask, Don’t Persuade (03:05) - Defuse Tension Fast (04:12) - Read the Room (06:08) - Observing vs. Absorbing (07:40) - Framing Conversations (09:53) - Fix Digital Communication (11:33) - Improve Your Tone (14:25) - Break People-Pleasing (15:50) - Setting Clear Boundaries (18:13) - The Final Three Questions (21:14) - 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.

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Join our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be. 

Real change isn’t about knowing what to do — it’s about actually doing it, one small choice at a time.

Change doesn’t come from one big breakthrough. It comes from the small choices we make over and over — often in moments we barely notice.

Eric Zimmer, behavior coach, host of The One You Feedpodcast, and author of How A Little Becomes A Lot, says the real challenge isn’t figuring out what to do — it’s closing the gap between knowing and doing. “We all have areas where we know exactly what would help,” he says. “But somehow, we still don’t follow through.” His approach focuses on something simpler and more effective: small, low-resistance actions done consistently over time. “It’s not about doing everything,” Zimmer explains. “It’s about doing something — again and again — in the same direction.”

In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Zimmer joins host Matt Abrahams to unpack how lasting change actually happens. From building awareness in the middle of everyday life to designing habits that are easier to stick with, he shares practical strategies for turning intention into action. “You don’t need to wait until you feel ready,” he says. “You can act even when it’s uncomfortable.”

Episode Reference Links:

Eric ZimmerEric’s Book: How a Little Becomes a LotEric’s Podcast: The One You FeedEp.86 Building Habits: The Key to Lasting Behavior Change 

Connect:

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Chapters:

(00:00) - Introduction (00:56) - From Addiction to Transformation (02:06) - The “Two Wolves” Parable (03:51) - Awareness in Communication (05:25) - Building Awareness Through Small Habits (07:19) - The Knowing–Doing Gap (08:43) - The SPAR Framework (12:18) - Motivation vs. Action (15:55) - The Final Three Questions (21:22) - Conclusion

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Join our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be. 

The goals we set often lead us away from the meaning we ultimately seek.

Meaning in life isn’t a concrete point we can route toward. That’s why we need what Arthur Brooks calls “proxy goals” — and much better ones than we typically choose.

Brooks, a professor at Harvard Business School and author of The Meaning of Your Life: Finding Purpose in an Age of Emptiness, says that meaning can't be pursued directly, but rather through proxy goals — markers that lead us to what we're really seeking. “The big, complex, meaning-filled things in life, you can't see them directly,” he says. “If you want to find meaning, you have to have proxy goals.” The problem is that many of us have chosen terrible proxies. “Money, power, pleasure, fame, prestige; those are really bad proxy goals for the meaning of life,” Brooks says. “You're never gonna find it.”

In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Brooks returns to the show, and with host Matt Abrahams, he explores how we can move from searching for meaning to actually finding it. From understanding the three components of meaning to transcending the “me self,” Brooks offers practical guidance for those who strive and strive, yet still feel like something’s missing.

To listen to the extended Deep Thinks version of this episode, please visitFasterSmarter.io/premium.

Episode Reference Links:

Arthur BrooksArthur’s Book: The Meaning of LifeArthur’s Podcast: Office Hours179. Finding Positive in Negative Emotions: Communication, Happiness & Wellbeing180. Unlocking Your Future Self: Communication, Happiness & Well…181. Why Happiness is a Direction, Not a Destination: Communicat…182. Stop Chasing Time and Start Owning It: Communication, Happiness & Wellbeing  

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

Chapters:

(00:00) - Introduction (00:58) - The Striver Mindset (02:32) - Three Parts of Meaning (06:22) - Me Self vs. I Self (08:31) - Transcendence Explained (10:36) - Proxy Goals (13:16) - Meaning vs. Achievement (16:20) - Daily Protocols (18:10) - This or That (19:44) - 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.

With Hiring Pro, you can hire with confidence, knowing you're getting the best talent for your needs. Get started by posting your job for free at linkedin.com/fast

Join our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be. 

Why mastering unspoken workplace communication is essential to long-term career success.

Succeeding at work doesn’t just depend on how hard you work or how smart you are. According to Erin McGoff, it often comes down to whether you understand the “secret language” everyone else seems to be speaking.

McGoff is a career creator, Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, and author of The Secret Language of Work: Hyper Helpful Scripts for Every Situation. Known for her wildly popular AdviceWithErin platform, she helps millions of professionals phrase things more effectively — without sounding stiff or robotic. “It’s this hidden curriculum to the workforce,” she explains, describing the unwritten rules of interviews, negotiations, and professional etiquette. “It’s not written down anywhere. It’s not equally distributed.” Her mission is to make those invisible rules visible — and usable.

In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, McGoff and host Matt Abrahams explore how to communicate with confidence, advocate for yourself strategically, and build a professional brand with intention. Confidence, she says, isn’t fixed: “Confidence isn’t binary. Confidence is a spectrum.” It starts internally, with how we speak to ourselves, and strengthens when we “get really good at what you do.”

Episode Reference Links:

Erin McGoffErin’s Book: The Secret Language of Work202. Own Your Brand: How to Communicate with Presence and Impact

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

Chapters:

(00:00) - Introduction (03:08) - The Secret Language of Work (04:44) - Building Confidence (06:51) - Creating Your Professional Brand (08:12) - Setting Expectations at Work (10:43) - Advocate Strategically (12:46) - Mastering First Impressions (14:02) - Professional vs. Personal (16:31) - Interview Before, During, After (20:20) - Nonverbal Presence (20:44) - The Final Three Questions (24:43) - 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.

With Hiring Pro, you can hire with confidence, knowing you're getting the best talent for your needs. Get started by posting your job for free at linkedin.com/fast

Join our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be. 

How to communicate for deeper connection—and greater happiness.

Happiness isn’t just a feeling—it’s something you can actively shape through how you think, connect, and communicate.

Sonja Lyubomirsky, a distinguished professor of psychology at the University of California, Riverside and co-author of How to Feel Loved: The Five Mindsets That Get You More of What Matters Most,defines happiness as two key components: “being happy in your life and being happy with your life.” And while many people separate happiness from meaning or purpose, she explains that “they almost always go together.” Her research shows how the small habits we practice—like gratitude—can have a powerful effect, helping to “neutralize negative emotions” and shift how we see our lives. 

In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Lyubomirsky and host Matt Abrahams explore the science of wellbeing and the habits that help us feel more fulfilled. From gratitude practices to breaking free from the comparison trap, they share practical strategies for boosting happiness and explain why connection isn’t just about being loved, but truly “feeling loved.”

Episode Reference Links:

Sonja LyubomirskySonja’s Book: How To Feel Loved179. Finding Positive in Negative Emotions: Communication, Happiness & Wellbeing180. Unlocking Your Future Self: Communication, Happiness & Well…181. Why Happiness is a Direction, Not a Destination: Communicat…182. Stop Chasing Time and Start Owning It: Communication, Happiness & Wellbeing  

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

Chapters:

(00:00) - Introduction (02:44) - Defining Happiness (04:56) - Gratitude in Practice (05:39) - Acting Extroverted (07:36) - The Comparison Trap (09:34) - Reflection vs. Rumination (10:21) - Best Self Exercise (11:45) - Building Positive Psychology (13:10) - Happiness Drives Success (14:38) - Relationships as a Seesaw (16:58) - Being Known vs. Impressive (18:29) - The Final Three Questions (23:02) - 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.

With Hiring Pro, you can hire with confidence, knowing you're getting the best talent for your needs. Get started by posting your job for free at linkedin.com/fast

Join our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be. 

Memorable communication isn’t about saying more—it’s making the right idea stick. 

No matter how compelling a presentation feels in the moment, most of what you say won’t last in your audience’s memory. The key isn’t trying to make people remember everything — it’s ensuring they remember what matters most.

Carmen Simon is a cognitive neuroscientist, author, and expert on how the brain pays attention and forms memories. Her research explores how communication can move beyond passive listening and become an experience the brain actually holds onto. “The way we come to know the world is through the interaction of brain, body, and environment,” she explains. “The more you invite your audiences to interact with anything, especially physically, the more you impact cognition.”

In this Quick Thinks episode of Think Fast Talk Smart, Simon and host Matt Abrahams explore practical, research-backed ways to make communication more memorable. They discuss why handwriting notes can deepen understanding, how curiosity and tension capture attention, and why communicators should avoid overwhelming audiences with too much information. Instead, Simon encourages speakers to structure ideas so audiences can recognize patterns and return to a clear core message.

Episode Reference Links:

Carmen SimonCarmen’s Book: Impossible to IgnoreEp.39 Brains Love Stories: How Leveraging Neuroscience Can Capture People's Emotions 

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

Chapters:

(00:00) - Introduction (00:34) - Embodied Cognition Explained (02:47) - The Impact of Environment on Attention (04:11) - Sparking Curiosity in Your Audience (08:27) - Avoiding Cognitive Overload (11:41) - Using Visuals to Improve Recall (15:36) - 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.

With Hiring Pro, you can hire with confidence, knowing you're getting the best talent for your needs. Get started by posting your job for free at linkedin.com/fast

Join our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be. 

People are forgetful. Here’s how to make your messages more memorable.

After any presentation, your audience will forget about 90% of what you said. That’s okay, says Carmen Simon — just make sure they remember the right 10%.

Simon is a cognitive neuroscientist, speaker, author, and expert on how the brain processes and retains information. Her research reveals a humbling truth: “We forget our lives almost as quickly as we live them,” she says. But instead of fighting our forgetfulness, Simon believes we can work with it — by getting intentional about what we want people to remember. “So many people aspire at attention and memory, but very few really know what they want to be memorable for,” she says. “Ask the question: what is my 10% message?”

In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Simon and host Matt Abrahams discuss how to distill your communication for maximum memorability. Whether you're pitching an idea or presenting to a team, Simon’s practical techniques will help you ensure your 10% message is the one your audience takes away.

Episode Reference Links:

Carmen SimonCarmen’s Book: Impossible to IgnoreEp.39 Brains Love Stories: How Leveraging Neuroscience Can Capture People's Emotions 

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

Chapters:

(00:00) - Introduction (00:54) - Attention vs. Memory (03:30) - Novelty & Surprise (04:51) - Why Attention Isn’t Enough (06:19) - The Power of Priming (07:52) - Priming in Business Communication (08:36) - Why Audiences Forget (11:47) - Smart Repetition (13:23) - The Final Three Questions (18:50) - 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.

With Hiring Pro, you can hire with confidence, knowing you're getting the best talent for your needs. Get started by posting your job for free at linkedin.com/fast

Join our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be. 

The secret to building habits that stick.

Whether you want to read more books or exercise more regularly, BJ Fogg has good news. “Habits are easier to form than most people think,” he says, “If you do it in the right way.”

As the founder and director of Stanford's Behavior Design Lab, Fogg has devoted much of his career to researching human psychology, motivation, and behavior. According to him, habit formation isn’t a product of simply doing something over and over again. “It's not a function of repetition,” he says, “it's a function of emotion.”

As Fogg discusses with host Matt Abrahams in this Rethinks episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, bringing our behavior in line with our goals is easier than we think — we just have to know the emotional levers to pull.

Episode Reference Links:

BJ Fogg Fogg's Book: Tiny Habits

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

Chapters:

(00:00) - Introduction (00:58) - The Information-Action Fallacy (02:41) - The Behavior Model: Motivation, Ability, Prompt (04:21) - Designing a Reading Habit (05:59) - What Is a Habit? (09:08) - Making Paraphrasing a Habit (11:45) - Specificity vs. Repetition (14:04) - Choosing Habits You Enjoy (15:02) - The Final Three Questions (18:55) - 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.

With Hiring Pro, you can hire with confidence, knowing you're getting the best talent for your needs. Get started by posting your job for free at linkedin.com/fast

Join our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be. 

Why beliefs can either cap our potential or push us toward possibility.

What you believe about yourself could be holding you back. Fortunately, Nir Eyalsays beliefs aren’t truths — and you can choose new ones.

Eyal is a former lecturer at Stanford Graduate School of Business and the Stanford d.school, a celebrated author, and a renowned expert on human behavior and potential. His latest book, Beyond Belief, reveals how limiting beliefs — like “I’m a bad communicator” — quietly shape what we see, feel, and do. “A belief doesn't have to be true” to limit our potential, he says. But the same holds in reverse: a belief doesn't have to be true to expand who and what we can become. “Beliefs are tools, not truths. It just has to be useful.”

In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Eyal and host Matt Abrahams explore how to identify the beliefs that hold us back — and how to replace them with ones that propel us forward. From keeping a belief journal to practicing perspective-shifting “turnarounds,” Eyal offers practical tips for rewriting the stories we tell ourselves and becoming the people we want to be.

To listen to the extended Deep Thinks version of this episode, please visitFasterSmarter.io/premium.

Episode Reference Links:

Nir EyalNir’s Book: Beyond Belief104. How to Change: Building Better Habits and Behaviors (And Getting Out of Your Own Way)115. Rethinks: How We Set and Achieve Goals  

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

Chapters:

(00:00) - Introduction (01:00) - The Power of Attention (02:45) - The Hook Model & Surprise (05:10) - Structure vs. Novelty (07:05) - Identity & Limiting Beliefs (10:07) - Beliefs Vs. Facts (13:32) - The Four-Question Test (18:09) - The Final Three Questions (21:20) - 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.

With Hiring Pro, you can hire with confidence, knowing you're getting the best talent for your needs. Get started by posting your job for free at linkedin.com/fast

Join our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be. 

Practical insights to help you communicate with more intention in everyday moments.

What’s the difference between reacting and responding? How do you move from memorizing your words to truly conversing in the moment? And how do you keep growing as a communicator in everyday moments?

Communication isn’t about having the perfect script. It’s about staying present enough to respond with intention. In fast-moving conversations, emotions rise, thoughts race, and structure can disappear. Yet it’s in the pause — the breath before we speak — that clarity begins.

In this Ask Matt Anything episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Matt Abrahams shares highlights from a recent live AMA inside the Think Fast, Talk Smart Learning Community. Listener questions open the door to practical strategies for navigating emotional conversations, relying on structure rather than memorization, and building communication habits that actually stick. Because becoming a better communicator isn’t about getting it perfect — it’s about making small, intentional choices every day.

Episode Reference Links:

Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community  

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

Chapters:

(00:00) - Introduction (00:55) - From Reacting to Responding (02:49) - Memorization vs. Spontaneous Speaking (07:59) - Growing Vocabulary (11:58) - Asking for Better Feedback (14:27) - Value of the Learning Community (18:50) - 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.

With Hiring Pro, you can hire with confidence, knowing you're getting the best talent for your needs. Get started by posting your job for free at linkedin.com/fast

Join our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be. 

How to communicate who you are online.

You may not think of yourself as a content creator, but in the creator economy, Angèle Christinsays we all have to learn how to communicate who we are online.

Christin is an associate professor of communications at Stanford University and a senior fellow at the Stanford Institute for Human-Centered AI. According to her, “we are all content creators now.” We may not all be influencers or podcast hosts, but “We are all putting content out there and creating a public persona,” says Christin. In the digital age, “that plays an increasingly important role in hiring, promotions, and of course, getting laid off.”

In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Christin and host Matt Abrahams explore how to navigate the creator economy — whether as a full-time influencer or a professional managing your online presence. From building on your area of expertise to understanding the trade-offs between short-term hype and long-term trust, Christin explains what it takes to show up online without losing yourself in the algorithm.

Episode Reference Links:

Angèle ChristinEp.225 Speaking Fluent Internet: How Algorithms Are Changing the Way We Speak

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

Chapters:

(00:00) - Introduction (00:45) - Why Metrics Reward Drama (04:12) - Building A Professional Online Presence (08:29) - What Makes A Good Story? (12:18) - The Reality Of Creator Work (15:22) - The Final Three Question (18:32) - 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.

With Hiring Pro, you can hire with confidence, knowing you're getting the best talent for your needs. Get started by posting your job for free at linkedin.com/fast

Join our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be. 

Why being true to yourself enables you to show up better for others.

From the way you communicate, to the way you 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.”

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 Rethinks 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

Connect:

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Chapters:

(00:00) - Introduction (02:29) - Direct Communication & Limiting Beliefs (05:39) - The Internal Game (06:44) - An Asymmetrical Life (11:56) - Taylor Swift & Grit (14:50) - Pursuing Enlightenment (17:54) - The Final Three Questions (24:51) - Conclusion

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How to turn down the chatter of negative self-talk.

If you want to have better conversations with others, Ethan Kross says you first have to quiet down the chatter in your own head.

A professor, researcher, and author, Kross defines chatter as a “negative thought loop” that hijacks our attention and undermines our ability to perform. “We have a limited capacity to focus our attention,” he says. “Attentional resources are a limited commodity, and chatter acts like a sponge that consumes that capacity. It leaves very little leftover that allows us to do the things that we want or need to do.” 

In his work researching, teaching, and writing about emotional regulation and the conscious mind, Kross has explored how to manage the negative self-talk that sabotages our concentration. “Here's the good news,” he says. “You can get out of it. Managing your chatter [is] a lot like becoming physically fit” — and he’s developed tools and frameworks for building the muscles to turn down the noise.

In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Kross joins host Matt Abrahams to share methods for quieting chatter and reclaiming precious mental resources. From distanced self-talk to mental time travel, his tools offer a way to tune out the static and tune into clarity and connection.

To listen to the extended Deep Thinks version of this episode, please visitFasterSmarter.io/premium.

Episode Reference Links:

Ethan KrossEthan’s Books: Chatter / ShiftEp.179 Finding Positive in Negative Emotions: Communication, Happiness & Wellbeing 

Connect:

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Chapters:

(00:00) - Introduction (01:00) - Defining Chatter (03:30) - Breaking the Loop (08:27) - Technology & Emotional Sharing (11:53) - Why “Get Over It” Fails (17:13) - Emotions as Data (19:44) - The Final Three Questions (22:24) - Conclusion

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How to turn complexity into connection through clear communication.

Communication in high-stakes moments isn’t about saying more — it’s about connecting better. For Jonathan Berek and Phil Polakoff, the most effective communicators don’t rely on jargon or performance. They rely on empathy, listening, and stories that resonate.

Both longtime Stanford Medicine leaders, Berek and Polakoff have spent their careers translating complex, emotional, and often urgent health issues for patients, colleagues, and the public. And they’ve learned that the message only lands when it’s delivered at the right level, with the right intention. “Know your audience,” Berek says, describing the importance of “leveling” — communicating in language that meets people where they are, without talking down or over their heads.

For both Berek and Polakoff, listening is the foundation. “The two most important skills in communication are empathy and listening,” Berek explains — not as soft skills, but as the core mechanics of trust. Polakoff agrees, pushing for directness and clarity: “I like a yes or a no. I don’t like ambivalence or ambiguity.” And when it comes to being memorable, he’s relentless about simplicity: “Think bold, start small.”

In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Berek and Polakoff join host Matt Abrahams to examine what great communicators actually do: prepare deeply, speak concisely, listen with intention, and use storytelling to bring others along. Because as Berek puts it, “People feel the emotion when they see a story,” and emotion — paired with clarity — is what turns information into impact.

Episode Reference Links:

Phil PolakoffJonathan Berek

Connect:

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Chapters:

(00:00) - Introduction (01:23) - Raising Awareness For Women’s Cancer (02:20) - Redefining Health Beyond Disease (03:42) - Why Storytelling is Essential (05:42) - What Makes a Story Memorable (07:19) - Advice for Better Communication (08:20) - Making Complex Ideas Accessible (09:08) - Speaking at Your Audience’s Level (10:31) - Listening & Empathy (11:13) - Improving Communication with Improv (12:42) - Communication for Collective Change (15:21) - Mentorship & The Big Picture (16:32) - The Final Three Questions (19:09) - Conclusion

********
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Why curiosity is the best way to start a conversation.

No matter how wide political, cultural, and generational divides seem to grow, Fareed Zakaria is convinced: communication has the power to connect.

Zakaria is the host of CNN's Fareed Zakaria GPS, a Washington Post columnist, and author of Age of Revolutions, a book about the seismic societal shifts that define modern history. In his decades of translating complex geopolitical issues for broad audiences, he’s found the key to navigating change and conflict. “The most important thing is being genuinely curious,” he says, “genuinely believing that everybody has a story to tell. Everybody has something to teach you. Everybody has a lesson you can learn.”

In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Zakaria and host Matt Abrahams explore how curiosity opens the door to conversation. Whether we’re communicating across ideological divides or bridging gaps between our past, present, and future, Zakaria shows why maintaining connection starts with a willingness to learn.

Episode Reference Links:

Fareed ZakariaFareed’s Book: Age of RevolutionsEp.161 Do Your Homework: Know What to Say by Knowing Who You're Talking To 

Connect:

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Chapters:

(00:00) - Introduction (00:51) - The “Age of Revolutions” (02:57) - Do Facts Still Matter? (04:28) - How To Persuade (06:32) - On-Camera Communication (09:00) - Making Radical Ideas Mainstream (10:29) - When To Change Your Mind (11:56) - Helping Adolescents Communicate (16:25) - The Final Three Questions (20:12) - Conclusion

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Why clarity and authenticity matter more than ever in modern communication.

Clear communication in the age of likes, LLMs, and constant noise isn’t about talking more. For Nick Thompson, it’s about being unmistakably clear and unmistakably yourself.

Thompson, CEO of The Atlantic and former editor-in-chief of Wired, has spent his career shaping stories that hold attention. “Clear beats clever,” he says, stressing that authenticity and specificity are what make messages land. “If you can get across what you're really trying to say— if you can say it honestly, specifically, and ideally briefly—that's good. And if you can say it in a way that feels like you, that's great.”

Beyond journalism, Thompson is an elite marathon runner, ranking among the top competitive runners in the world, an identity that, for him, isn’t separate from writing or leadership but deeply connected to it. “[Running] has taught me all kinds of habits of mind and discipline and pacing,” he says, “There are all kinds of lessons from the sport that apply to my business life.”

In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Thompson joins host Matt Abrahams to share how great communicators craft “sticky” ideas without chasing soundbites. From practical editorial tests to the importance of editing, structure, and authenticity, Thompson offers a roadmap for communication that doesn’t just get noticed but lasts.

Episode Reference Links:

Nick ThompsonNick’s Book: The Running GroundEp.183 Rethinks: How Anxiety Can Fuel Better Communication 

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

Chapters:

(00:00) - Introduction (02:28) - Good Communication in the Modern Day (03:10) - Finding Your Authentic Voice (04:17) - The Power of Editing (06:01) - Reading Your Writing Out Loud (07:54) - How to Create “Sticky” Content (09:16) - AI’s Role in Journalism & Communication (11:19) - Using AI in Daily Life (12:03) - Running As Meditation (14:32) - What Running Teaches About Simplicity (16:07) - The Final Three Questions (20:25) - Conclusion

********
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With Hiring Pro, you can hire with confidence, knowing you're getting the best talent for your needs. Get started by posting your job for free at linkedin.com/fast

Join our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be. 

How to tap the full power of your voice.

Being present in communication isn’t just mental. It’s about the physical energy you bring into a space — particularly, says Patsy Rodenburg, the presence of your voice.

“The physical presence of the human being is the most important thing we have,” says Rodenburg. As a world-renowned expert in voice, speech, and presentation, she has helped everyone from stage actors to prime ministers hone their speaking and awaken the power and presence of their voice. “The vast majority of people are born with amazing voices, and somewhere along the line, they lose them. My job is to return people to their full power in their body, in their breath, in their voice, in their ability to speak in an exciting way.”

In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Rodenburg joins host Matt Abrahams to discuss embodied communication. From breathing techniques and managing tension to intentionally inhabiting space, Rodenburg’s insights reveal how to communicate with greater power, presence, and the potency of your voice.

To listen to the extended Deep Thinks version of this episode, please visitFasterSmarter.io/premium.

Episode Reference Links:

Patsy RodenburgPatsy’s Books: Presence / Power PresentationEp.137 When Words Aren't Enough: How to Excel at Nonverbal Communication 

Connect:

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Chapters:

(00:00) - Introduction (01:05) - Foundational Voice Principles (04:07) - Activating Breath Through The Body (06:28) - Why Most Voices Just Need Use (09:58) - Defining Presence (14:11) - Using Space To Communicate (17:33) - The Final Three Questions (20:50) - Conclusion

********
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With Hiring Pro, you can hire with confidence, knowing you're getting the best talent for your needs. Get started by posting your job for free at linkedin.com/fast

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How to design meetings with purpose so they actually move work forward.

Meetings are a necessary part of work. But for many people, they’re also a major source of frustration. According to Rebecca Hinds, meetings don’t have to feel like a drain—better meetings start when we stop treating them as a default and start designing them with intention.

Hinds is the author of Your Best Meeting Ever: Seven Principles for Designing Meetings That Get Things Done, and a future-of-work expert who founded the Work Innovation Lab at Asana and the Work AI Institute at Glean. She argues that the problem isn’t meetings themselves, but the sheer number of poorly designed ones, and by being more thoughtful about what actually deserves synchronous time, teams can redesign how they communicate in the workplace “Meetings are the most important product in our entire organization, and yet they’re also the least optimized,” she says. “The first step is recognizing we need to be much more intentional about how we're designing meetings.”

In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Hinds and host Matt Abrahams discuss why meetings so often go wrong—and what it takes to make them work. Whether you’re leading a team, trying to protect focus time, or simply hoping to spend less of your week in calendar invites, Hinds offers practical frameworks for designing meetings with purpose so they become a tool people actually value.

To listen to the extended Deep Thinks version of this episode, please visitFasterSmarter.io/premium.

Episode Reference Links:

Rebecca HindsRebecca’s Book: Your Best Meeting EverEp.124 Making Meetings Meaningful Pt. 1: How to Structure and Organize More Effective GatheringsEp.125 Making Meetings Meaningful Pt. 2: Key Ingredients for Effective Meetings 

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

Chapters:

(00:00) - Introduction (00:43) - Why Meetings Feel Broken (01:58) - The Default-To-Meeting Problem (02:51) - Treat Meetings Like A Product (04:11) - Meeting Doomsday Reset (05:41) - The 4-DCEO Test (07:44) - Designing Better Meetings (09:06) - Creating a Meeting Agenda (11:59) - Context And Meeting Fatigue (13:07) - Memo-First Meetings (15:12) - The Final Three Questions (18:55) - 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.

With Hiring Pro, you can hire with confidence, knowing you're getting the best talent for your needs. Get started by posting your job for free at linkedin.com/fast

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Why your best life isn’t about having the right answers, but about asking the right questions.

Finding meaning and purpose in life isn’t about having all the answers. For Bill Burnett and Dave Evans, it’s about having the courage and curiosity to constantly engage with the questions.

As designers, Burnett and Evans have careers spanning everything from academia to companies like Apple, Electronic Arts, and Hasbro. But beyond fashioning better products and user experiences, they’ve also put their expertise toward the transcendent, writing several books about designing and living lives filled with meaning and purpose.

“Compasses say North, not Seattle,” says Evans, highlighting how many mistakenly think of purpose as a single destination. “We're all a dynamic, flowing, constantly changing thing. So how could a changing thing have one static right answer?” Instead, he and Burnett maintain that meaning is more about “going the right direction, not [finding] the right destination.”

In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Burnett and Evans join host Matt Abrahams to explore their strategies for leading a purposeful life. Rather than “rehearsing [an] answer,” their method involves “living [a] question” — embracing curiosity and designing a life through dialogue with ourselves and with others.

To listen to the extended Deep Thinks version of this episode, please visitFasterSmarter.io/premium.

Episode Reference Links:

Bill BurnettDave EvansBill and Dave’s Book: How to Live a Meaningful LifeEp.181 Why Happiness is a Direction, Not a Destination: Communication, Happiness & WellbeingEp.138 Speak Your Truth: Why Authenticity Leads to Better Communication  

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

Chapters:

(00:00) - Introduction (01:02) - Meaning & Purpose as a Direction (01:42) - Coherence & Living in Alignment (02:23) - Design Thinking for Life Decisions (03:56) - Prototyping Conversations (05:29) - Odyssey Plans: Three Possible Futures (07:33) - The Four Elements of Meaning (09:22) - Wonder Glasses: Shifting Perspective (10:48) - Transactional vs. Flow World (12:36) - How to Build a Formative Community (13:59) - The Practice-to-Production Trap (15:07) - The Final Three Questions (18:35) - Conclusion

********
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How “spaciousness” helps teams move beyond busywork — and build the conditions for honest conversation.

“We’re just so busy right now” is one of the most common reasons cultures don’t change — and it’s exactly what Megan Reitz set out to understand. In her research, she describes two modes of attention at work: doing mode, where focus narrows to tasks, control, and quick progress, and spacious mode, where attention expands, insight emerges, and real connection becomes possible.

Reitz is a leadership researcher whose work explores how people speak up, listen well, and create environments where others can be heard — because, as she puts it, “how you show up affects the voices of the people around you.” When teams are anxious or rushed, attention tightens and listening gets shallow; when there’s more safety and space, people can pause, widen their perspective, and make better choices together.

In this Quick Thinks episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Reitz and host Matt Abrahams discuss why organizations get stuck in doing mode and what it takes to build spacious agility. They share practical ways to name spaciousness, strengthen psychological safety, introduce healthy dissonance (even through assigned roles like devil’s advocate), and respond in ways that keep people speaking up — not shutting down.

Episode Reference Links:

Megan ReitzMegan’s Book: Speak Out, Listen UpEp.132 Lean Into Failure: How to Make Mistakes That WorkEp.148 Conviction and Compassion: How to Have Hard Conversations 

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

Chapters:

(00:00) - Introduction (00:44) - Doing Mode vs. Spacious Mode (00:47) - Building Agility Between Modes (10:17) - Creating Psychological Safety (16:35) - 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.

With Hiring Pro, you can hire with confidence, knowing you're getting the best talent for your needs. Get started by posting your job for free at linkedin.com/fast

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Why it’s critical to say what needs to be said — and listen when others do the same.

Speak out, listen up — these are Megan Reitz’score pillars of workplace communication. According to her, healthy organizations are only possible when everyone can say what they think, and they know they’ll be heard.

Reitz is an academic and author whose work focuses on creating workplaces where all voices are heard and valued. Her latest book, Speak Out, Listen Up, explores the power dynamics that shape our communication at work and beyond. “Conversational habits define organizational success and our capacity to flourish,” she says. “Ethical conduct depends on what we're able to say and what we aren't, and whether we're heard or not. Innovation depends on our capacity to speak up, challenge, and disrupt, and whether that is heard or not. And of course, our engagement and our ability to perform depends on a feeling that our opinion is valued and that we're respected.”

In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Reitz and host Matt Abrahams discuss how to create workplaces where every voice is heard. From her T.R.U.T.H. framework (trust, risk, understanding, titles, and how-to) to the pitfalls of communicational power dynamics, Reitz’s insights reveal why healthy organizations are only possible when we all speak out and listen up.

Episode Reference Links:

Megan ReitzMegan’s Book: Speak Out, Listen UpEp.132 Lean Into Failure: How to Make Mistakes That WorkEp.148 Conviction and Compassion: How to Have Hard Conversations 

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

Chapters:

(00:00) - Introduction (00:51) - The TRUTH Framework (04:02) - Status, Titles, and Voice (07:51) - Power Traps For Leaders (12:36) - Mindful Leadership = Habit Change (17:05) - The Final Three Questions (23:04) - Conclusion

********
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With Hiring Pro, you can hire with confidence, knowing you're getting the best talent for your needs. Get started by posting your job for free at linkedin.com/fast

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Why it’s not about being born a great communicator, but becoming one.

The greatest communicators aren’t always great from the start. As Lerone Martin knows, even the great Martin Luther King Jr. had to practice before he could persuade.

Martin is the Martin Luther King Jr. Centennial Professor at Stanford, and as director of the King Research and Education Institute, he has spent years studying how King developed his brilliant communication that continues to captivate audiences to this day. “This is a skill that Martin developed over years,” Martin says. “There are stories of him practicing in the mirror... And I think it speaks to us about how we can develop this skill over time.”

In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Martin and host Matt Abrahams unpack the techniques behind King's legendary speeches, from the musicality of his voice to his use of repetition and narrative structure. Whether you’re preparing a speech or building conversation skills, Martin highlights King’s example to show that great communication isn’t always born — it’s built.

To listen to the extended Deep Thinks version of this episode, please visitFasterSmarter.io/premium.

Episode Reference Links:

Lerone MartinEp.192 Quick Thinks: How to Supersize Your Stories 

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

Chapters:

(00:00) - Introduction (00:43) - Why MLK Was So Compelling (02:10) - MLK’s Early Speaking Struggles (03:42) - How MLK Practiced and Improved (04:37) - Favorite MLK Speech (05:51) - “I Have A Dream” and Prepared Spontaneity (07:56) - MLK’s Core Techniques (10:54) - Repetition, Rhythm, and Momentum (13:23) - Conviction vs. Performative Messaging (15:42) - The Final Three Questions (20:17) - 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.

With Hiring Pro, you can hire with confidence, knowing you're getting the best talent for your needs. Get started by posting your job for free at linkedin.com/fast

Join our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be. 

Why being kind is the best investment.

Can kindness be a company’s competitive advantage? Bonnie Hayden Cheng says yes — and she’s got a business metric to prove it: return on kindness.

Cheng is a professor of management at City University of Hong Kong who researches how workplace behaviors affect interpersonal dynamics and well-being. In her book, The Return on Kindness, she explores how organizations that foster a culture of kindness see a measurable ROK — one marked by a more committed, more productive, and less expensive workforce. “Organizations that have this kind of culture around acts of civic virtue, helping, or showing support for people, those end up having employees that want to stay, are less likely to call in sick, are more committed, their performance goes up,” she says. “There's also benefits for the company in terms of higher productivity and efficiency, and even lower costs.”

In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Cheng and host Matt Abrahams explore how to build cultures of kindness — from Cheng’s RISE framework for kind leadership to why candor and compassion go hand-in-hand. Whether you're leading a team or simply trying to show up better for your colleagues, Cheng offers a compelling case for measuring what really matters: the return on kindness.

Episode Reference Links:

Bonnie Hayden ChengBonnie’s Book: The Return on KindnessEp.93 All the Feels: The Personal and Professional Power of Emotional AwarenessEp.132 Lean Into Failure: How to Make Mistakes That Work

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

Chapters:

(00:00) - Introduction (00:50) - What Is Kind Leadership? (02:52) - The RISE Framework (05:27) - Everyone Can Be a Leader (06:46) - Kindness vs. Niceness (09:15) - Kindness and Candor (10:47) - Communicating Kindness (12:46) - The Power of Tone and Pause (15:03) - Building a Culture of Kindness (17:15) - Protecting Kindness in Organizations (18:33) - The Final Three Questions (21:14) - 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.

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Join our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be. 

The keys to communicating clarity, not confusion.

What separates communicators who clarify from those who confuse? The ability to “Simplify complexity,” says Adam Bryant. “I don't think you can be an effective leader if you can't do that.”

Bryant is a senior managing director at the ExCo Group and former New York Times journalist who interviewed over 500 CEOs for his renowned Corner Office column. Through those conversations, he identified a pattern: the best communicators turn complexity into clarity. For Bryant, that means checking your own expertise, considering not whether something makes sense to you, but whether it makes sense to someone else. “Empathy [is] a component of communication,” he says, “to be an effective communicator, you have to be able to get in the head of the audience.”

In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Bryant and host Matt Abrahams explore the keys to clear communication, from simplifying (without oversimplifying) to repeating messages until people can recite them back. Whether you’re leading a whole company or just one conversation, Bryant’s insights reveal how to communicate complex ideas in ways anyone can understand.

To listen to the extended Deep Thinks version of this episode, please visitFasterSmarter.io/premium.

Episode Reference Links:

Adam BryantAdam’s Books: Quick and Nimble / The CEO TestEp.98 Give It to Me Straight: How to Give Honest, Constructive Feedback 

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

Chapters:

(00:00) - Introduction (01:10) - Traits of Successful Leaders (03:25) - Communication Mistakes to Avoid (07:22) - Listening as a Leadership Skill (10:42) - Simplifying Complex Ideas (14:18) - How to Capture Attention (16:58) - Leading Life with Curiosity (18:22) - The Final Three Question (22:47) - 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.

With Hiring Pro, you can hire with confidence, knowing you're getting the best talent for your needs. Get started by posting your job for free at linkedin.com/fast

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How to have more open conversations about money.

Talking about money is taboo for many people. But according to Wendy De La Rosa, financial well-being only starts when we break the silence around finance.

De La Rosa is a professor at the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and a co-founder of the Common Cents Lab, an initiative aiming to increase financial well-being for low- to moderate-income people. For many, she says, shame keeps us silent about money. “Shame is paralyzing, and more than any other negative emotion, [it] leads us to ignore,” she says. But when it comes to financial well-being, ignoring our finances is the last thing we should do. Instead, De La Rosa advocates for open discussion. “Talk about finances,” she says. “How did you ask for a raise? What are you getting paid right now? These are important conversations that help everybody.”

In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, De La Rosa and host Matt Abrahams explore how to have more open, productive conversations about finances. Whether you're a manager thinking about employee financial wellness or trying to broach a difficult topic with a partner or friend, De La Rosa offers practical strategies for breaking through the taboo around money.

To listen to the extended Deep Thinks version of this episode, please visitFasterSmarter.io/premium.

Episode Reference Links:

Wendy De La RosaEp.104 How to Change: Building Better Habits and Behaviors (And Getting Out of Your Own Way)Ep.59 From Dreaming to Doing: How We Set and Achieve Goals  

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

Chapters:

(00:00) - Introduction (00:48) - The Fresh Start Effect (03:11) - Pay Timing Shapes Behavior (04:27) - Productivity and Financial Stress (06:53) - Framing Financial Choices (09:26) - Understanding Financial Shame (11:56) - Rebuilding Your Financial Environment (13:21) - Giving Financial Advice With Care (15:53) - Normalizing Money Talk (16:57) - The Final Three Question (20:58) - Conclusion

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Our 10 favorite communication insights from 2025.

The most transformative communication insights are the ones we actually remember to use. That’s why host Matt Abrahams is taking stock of his favorite communication tips from this year, so we can carry them into the next.

In this annual Think Fast, Talk Smart tradition, Abrahams shares his top 10 communication insights from guests over the past year, from facilitating connection through Gina Bianchini's "proactive serendipity” to Jenn Wynn’s use of dialogue as a gateway to synergy. Whether you're looking to build trust, boost productivity, or speak more spontaneously, this year’s top 10 insights offer a reminder of all we’ve learned this year — and a roadmap for better communication in the year ahead.

Episode Reference Links:

Gina Bianchini: 244. Community Creates ChangeMuriel Wilkins: 240. Belief It or NotJenn Wynn: 222. Discussing Through DiscomfortRichard Edelman: 215. The New Media LandscapeAlex Rodriguez: 201. Ballpark to the BoardroomChris Voss / Peter Sagal: 197. Prep or Perish / 198. Pause and Effect / 199. Blunder Pressure / 203. No Script, No Problem Ada Aka: 191. Memorable Messages Matt Lieberman: 188. Mind Reading 101Arthur Brooks: 181. Why Happiness is a Direction, Not a DestinationLaurie Santos: 179. Finding Positive in Negative EmotionsEp.177 Don’t Resolve, Evolve: Top 10 Lessons From 2024Ep.120 A Few of Matt’s Favorite Things: 10 Communication Takeaways from 2023's TFTS Episodes  

Connect:

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Chapters:

(00:00) - Introduction (01:23) - Facilitation and Productive Serendipity (02:58) - Toxic vs. Healthy Productivity (05:21) - Dialogue as the Path to Synergy (07:53) - How Actions Build Trust (09:19) - Communication as an Unselfish Act (11:14) - Be Present and Prepare to Be Spontaneous (13:19) - Why Memorable Words Matter (15:17) - Persuasion and Identity (17:06) - Finding Meaning Through Purpose (19:01) - Listening to Negative Emotions (21:18) - Conclusion

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Presenting complex information for your audience to understand.

As 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 in getting your point across.

Episode Reference Links:

Lauren WeinsteinEp.3 When Knowing Too Much Can Hurt Your Communication: How to Make Complex Ideas AccessibleEp.49 Make Numbers Count: How to Communicate Data EffectivelyEp.91 Um, Like, So: How Filler Words Can Create More Connected, Effective Communication 

Connect:

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Chapters:

(00:00) - Introduction (01:11) - Where Complexity Breaks Down (02:24) - Start With the Audience (03:26) - The Power of Analogy (06:27) - The “Chunking” Technique (08:22) - Make Data Relatable (10:32) - The Final Three Question (12:38) - Conclusion

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Why good communication requires presence, not performance.

Effective communication isn't about perfecting your performance. According to Dr. Kate Mason, it's about being powerfully present.

Mason is a world champion debater, executive communication coach, and author of the book Powerfully Likeable. In her work coaching senior executives to communicate more effectively, she emphasizes that it’s not about creating a performative persona, it’s about uncovering the authentic communicator you already are. “The coaching is just bringing the real parts of you to the fore,” she says, “uncovering rather than totally building from scratch. A lot of people come to me and say, I need to be more warm or more insert adjective here. And I say, I'm not gonna help you be more warm if that's not what's coming naturally to you. I am gonna help you work out the thing you're already doing, the thing you're already saying, how to make that comfortable for people around you.”

In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Mason and host Matt Abrahams discuss strategies for more present communication. From avoiding "imposing syndrome” to reducing “the delta between your real self and that corporate persona,” Mason's insights explore how we can bring more of our true selves to the table.

To listen to the extended Deep Thinks version of this episode, please visitFasterSmarter.io/premium.

Episode Reference Links:

Dr. Kate MasonKate’s Book: Powerfully LikeableEp. 210 First Impression to Lasting Impact: Use Status Strategically 

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

Chapters:

(00:00) - Introduction (00:50) - Why Confidence Is the Wrong Goal (02:13) - Bridging Your Real and Work Selves (03:45) - What Is Imposing Syndrome? (05:19) - Catching Yourself Shrinking (07:16) - Rethinking Imposter Syndrome (08:33) - Assertive vs. Agreeable (10:58) - Naming Your Communication Style (13:56) - What You Say vs. How You Show Up (16:01) - Body Language That Signals Openness (17:22) - Executive Messaging Lessons (20:19) - The Final Three Questions (23:52) - Conclusion

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Join our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be. 

Celebrate our 250th episode with expert strategies that make tough conversations easier — and more meaningful.

Some of the most meaningful shifts in how we communicate come from the moments that challenge us the most. In this special 250th episode of Think Fast Talk Smart, Matt Abrahams reflects on the insights that have shown him how conflict can become a catalyst for clarity, connection, and even compassion.

From Amy Gallo’s reminder that the “right kind of conflict” leads to better outcomes to Jenn Wynn’s framework for calming our nervous system before stepping into a hard conversation and Julia Minson’s HEAR method for signaling genuine curiosity, each tool helps turn tension into understanding for every stage of conflict. And with Joseph Grenny’s guidance on noticing when our motives shift from problem-solving to winning, this episode highlights how self-awareness can reset even the toughest moments.

Whether you’re navigating workplace disagreements or everyday friction at home, this milestone episode offers practical ways to make difficult dialogue feel less daunting — and a real opportunity to communicate better.

Episode Reference Links:

Amy GalloAmy’s Book: Getting Along: How to Work With AnyoneEp.144 Communicating Through Conflict: How to Get Along with AnyoneJenn Wynn  Jenn’s Podcast: The H.I. Note: Healing Inspirations from LifeEp.222 Discussing Through Discomfort: Why the Conversations You Avoid Cost You the MostJulia MinsonEp.136 The Art of Disagreeing Without Conflict: Navigating the NuanceJoseph GrennyJoseph’s Book: Crucial ConversationsEp.207 From Conflict to Connection: Having Crucial Conversations that Count

Music from Blue Dot Sessions:

Etude 3 Chessanta
Etude 1 Cherub

Etude 12 Taminy

Ojufemi

Cloud Cannon

The Caspian Sea 

Doghouse

An Opus in Ab

First Results 

Cach PKL

Tenaway

Connect:

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Timed Links:

(1:45) Getting Along: How to Work With Anyone (18:31) Crucial Conversations

Chapters:

(00:00) - Introduction (01:35) - Why Conflict Is Necessary (02:34) - Transforming Unproductive Conflict (03:22) - Inner Experience of Difficult Conversations (04:18) - Self-Awareness, Pause, Reframe (06:25) - Four Questions For Understanding (09:44) - Acting Curious vs. Feeling Curious (12:00) - The HEAR Framework (15:09) - Humility & Willingness To Be Wrong (16:40) - Practice & Repetition (18:07) - Acknowledging Motives (19:21) - Two Questions to Reset Motives (21:15) - Bringing the Frameworks Together (22:41) - What Really Matters (24:13) - 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.

With Hiring Pro, you can hire with confidence, knowing you're getting the best talent for your needs. Get started by posting your job for free at linkedin.com/fast

Join our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be. 

The right rituals—and the right conversations—can transform how your team collaborates.

Strong collaboration starts with thoughtful practices and clear communication. As Molly Sands, Head of the Teamwork Lab at Atlassian, emphasizes, the teams that thrive are the ones that regularly pause to align on what matters and how they’re progressing. “You want to know if you’re making progress,” she notes, “and you want ways to redirect early—before you’re scrambling at the end.”

Through her research with teams across Atlassian and around the world, Sands has seen how small, consistent habits—monthly goal reviews, transparent updates, shared spaces for spontaneous interaction—build alignment, psychological safety, and momentum. And in hybrid and distributed environments, she highlights how “bursty” collaboration patterns and intentional meeting design help teams move faster without burning out.

In this Quick Thinks episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Sands and host Matt Abrahams break down the rituals that make teamwork work, from OKR check-ins to collaboration hours to the rotating Chief Vibes Officer. No matter where your team sits, Sands shows how intentional communication unlocks connection, speed, and more satisfying ways of working together.

Episode Reference Links:

Molly SandsEp.241 Team Spirit: How to Make Group Work Work

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

Chapters:

(00:00) - Introduction (00:42) - Measuring Collaboration the Right Way (03:34) - Training Leaders & Goal Rituals (05:48) - Creating Space for Spontaneous Work (09:19) - Making In-Person Time Count (09:43) - Three High-Impact Team Gatherings (11:59) - Supporting Diverse Communication Styles (14:07) - 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.

With Hiring Pro, you can hire with confidence, knowing you're getting the best talent for your needs. Get started by posting your job for free at linkedin.com/fast

Join our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be. 

The secret to effective teamwork and collaboration.

To collaborate, we have to communicate. As Molly Sands knows, “The more that we can get on the same page, the more effective we are.”

Sands is a behavioral scientist and the head of the Teamwork Lab at Atlassian, where she researches how teams can collaborate more effectively and efficiently, especially in distributed and hybrid work environments. As she’s seen in her research and within her own team, “People can accomplish a lot more together when they work well together.” The key to unlocking that potential lies in communication that aligns people not just in their activity, but in their deeper goals and vision. “The best work happens when you start by asking why,” she says, “getting people to really understand: why is this a problem, why do we wanna solve it, and how are we uniquely positioned to do that? The more that we can map this out together, the more effective our teams tend to be.”

In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Sands and host Matt Abrahams discuss strategies for effective collaboration, from “page-led” meetings and asynchronous video messages to using AI as a collaborator. Whether your team is working face-to-face or across time zones, Sands’ insights show how better communication is the key to better collaboration.

Episode Reference Links:

Molly SandsEp.241 Team Spirit: How to Make Group Work Work 

On Apple: 

(21:15) 241. Team Spirit: How to Make Group Work Work

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

Chapters:

(00:00) - Introduction (00:50) - How the Teamwork Lab Works (02:21) - Top Challenges for Teams (02:55) - Clarifying Goals & Alignment (05:37) - AI as a Collaborative Partner (07:43) - Atlassian’s AI Onboarding Buddy (11:07) - Rethinking Meetings (14:16) - Three Types of Work Time (15:35) - Replacing Meetings with Asynchronous Video (18:20) - The Final Three Questions (21:12) - 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.

With Hiring Pro, you can hire with confidence, knowing you're getting the best talent for your needs. Get started by posting your job for free at linkedin.com/fast

Join our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be. 

Two 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 addressing a familiar tension: the surge of anxiety that surfaces before high-stakes speaking moments. His approach reframes that nervousness as a form of future-focused energy that can be redirected toward curiosity and clarity. He also introduces the “What–So What–Now What” framework, a simple but powerful method for giving feedback that remains constructive, direct, and grounded in shared purpose.

Chat Matt then steps into the conversation, tackling the challenge of crafting a compelling proposal in just two minutes. Its responses reveal how AI can quickly synthesize communication principles while also highlighting the evolving space where human nuance and digital precision intersect.

By pairing Matt Abrahams with his own digital counterparts, this episode of Think Fast Talk Smarts explores the future of communication learning—one where technology doesn’t replace the coach, but expands the possibilities for insight, clarity, and confident expression.

Episode Reference Links:

Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community 

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

Chapters:

(00:00) - Introduction (01:09) - Introducing Coach Matt and Chat Matt (02:10) - Coach Matt: Speaking Anxiety (04:10) - Reframing Nervousness (05:10) - Constructive Feedback Framework (06:29) - Testing Communication Advice (08:03) - Chat Matt: High-Stakes Presenting (10:42) - Strengthening a Two-Minute Proposal (13:18) - 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.

With Hiring Pro, you can hire with confidence, knowing you're getting the best talent for your needs. Get started by posting your job for free at linkedin.com/fast

Join our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be. 

Why good communication is the key to good communities.

Community and communication go hand-in-hand. For Sandy Pentland, the culture and cohesion of any group “has to do with the stories [people] tell each other.”

Pentland is a professor at MIT, where he helped create and direct the MIT Media Lab. As a pioneer in computational social science, he’s using data to map social networks and decode communication. In his latest book, Shared Wisdom: Cultural Evolution in the Age of AI, he explores the interplay between human culture, technological development, and societal change — arguing that communication is the tool that enables groups to achieve these advancements and to cohere throughout them. “Stories are the stuff of culture,” he says. “Sharing stories educates the community… defining the worldview and culture of that group.”

In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Pentland and host Matt Abrahams explore what our communication patterns reveal about group dynamics and organizational health. From the “honest signals” in our interactions to strategies for strengthening remote work connections, Pentland shares how better communication can fuel more connected communities.

Episode Reference Links:

Sandy PentlandSandy’s Book: Shared WisdomEp.137 When Words Aren’t Enough: How to Excel at Nonverbal Communication Ep.65 Ties That Bind: Why Remote and Hybrid Teams Need the Right Connection 

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

Chapters:

(00:00) - Introduction (00:52) - Honest Signals & Human Behavior (02:45) - The Sociometric Badge Research (04:15) - Human Connection in Remote Work (05:32) - Organizations as Networks (08:04) - How Ideas Spread in Groups (11:15) - Bringing the Right People Together (12:43) - Stories as Cultural DNA (15:26) - The Final Three Questions (19:11) - 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.

With Hiring Pro, you can hire with confidence, knowing you're getting the best talent for your needs. Get started by posting your job for free at linkedin.com/fast

Join our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be. 

Why community is the most powerful tool for transformation.

Community isn't just a feel-good buzzword. According to Gina Bianchini, it's a catalyst for personal and collective transformation.

Bianchini is the CEO and founder of community-building platform, Mighty Networks, and author of the book Purpose: Design a Community and Change Your Life. "Community is when people come together, and every single member has something to give and something to receive," she explains. In contrast to the one-directional dynamic of a speaker and their audience or a creator and their following, Bianchini argues that the power of community lies in two-way exchanges, where each member benefits the group and benefits from it. "Community is the single most effective way to get results and transformation you just can't get on your own," she says.

In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Bianchini joins host Matt Abrahams to discuss how to unlock the potential of purposeful communities. She shares strategies for finding your tribe during times of transition, the "people magic” created when we facilitate deep connections, and how creating community enables us to create the world and lives we imagine.

To listen to the extended Deep Thinks version of this episode, please visitFasterSmarter.io/premium.

Episode Reference Links:

Gina BianchiniGina’s Book: PurposeEp.174 Fix Meetings: Transform Gatherings Into Meaningful Moments 

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

Chapters:

(00:00) - Introduction (00:46) - Defining Community vs. Audience (02:34) - Community as a Catalyst for Transformation (05:10) - Finding the Right Community (08:58) - The Future Story Framework (11:51) - People Magic & Facilitation (16:10) - The Final Three Questions (22:02) - 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.

With Hiring Pro, you can hire with confidence, knowing you're getting the best talent for your needs. Get started by posting your job for free at linkedin.com/fast

Join our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be. 

Reduce speaking anxiety and achieve your communication goals.

“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 Think Fast Talk SmartRethinks episode, we revisit one of our most popular interviews. In it, Huberman, from the wildly popular Huberman Lab Podcast, shares his research on the autonomic continuum, a spectrum between states of high alertness or fear all the way down to deep sleep, and shares how to use the system to your advantage. “If people can conceptualize that the anxiety or stress response is the same as the excitement response, they feel different,” Huberman says.

Episode Reference Links:

Andrew HubermanEp.33 Hacking your Speaking Anxiety: How Lessons from Neuroscience Can Help You Communicate Confidently 

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

Chapters:

(00:00) - Introduction (01:19) - Stress & the Autonomic Continuum (03:27) - Controlling Alertness & Calmness (07:16) - Movement & Audience Perception (09:41) - Eye Movements for Anxiety Reduction (12:01) - Two Approaches to Managing Stress (16:45) - Preparing for Stress in Advance (18:47) - Effective Virtual Communication (20:49) - The Final Three Questions (24:31) - 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.

With Hiring Pro, you can hire with confidence, knowing you're getting the best talent for your needs. Get started by posting your job for free at linkedin.com/fast

Join our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be. 

Transform how you communicate with tools that make your message stick.

Sometimes the best way to explain an idea is to show it. That’s why Loom was built — to make communication more visual, authentic, and efficient. By combining video, screen sharing, and AI-powered editing, Loom helps teams connect and collaborate asynchronously, no matter where they are.

In this episode of the Think Fast, Talk Smart Tech Tools miniseries, host Matt Abrahams talks with Joe Thomas, co-founder and CEO of Loom, now part of Atlassian, about how asynchronous video can make communication clearer, faster, and more personal. They discuss why “show, don’t tell” is such an effective communication principle, how authenticity builds trust, and why recording yourself might be one of the best ways to improve how you communicate.

In addition to insight-packed discussions, this miniseries explores innovative tools that enhance the way we communicate and connect. Whether you want to make your presentations more memorable, craft stories that stick, or connect with your audience on a deeper level, these episodes will help you communicate with greater clarity, confidence, and impact.

Episode Reference Links:

Joe ThomasEp.227 Tech Tools: Move Your Audience By Moving Through Your PresentationEp.230 Tech Tools: Use Visuals to Your AdvantageEp.233 Tech Tools: Write with Confidence and ImpactEp.236 Tech Tools: Zeroing in on Your Email CommunicationEp.239 Tech Tools: How Smarter Scheduling Leads to Stronger Communication 

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

Chapters:

(00:00) - Introduction (01:18) - Loom Elevator Pitch (02:27) - Creation of Loom (03:50) - Show, Don’t Tell: Using Video Effectively (07:21) - Favorite Communicator (08:25) - Communication Hack or Tool (11:28) - Conclusion

 *******
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Try Prezi today and get 25% off exclusively atprezi.com/thinkfast.

How to unlock the power of groups through collective communication.

They say teamwork makes the dream work. But as Colin Fisher knows, unlocking the power of groups requires a specific kind of collective communication.

Fisher is an associate professor of organizations and innovation at University College London School of Management and author of The Collective Edge: Unlocking the Secret Power of Groups. His research reveals the dichotomy of group dynamics: "Groups can be the pinnacle of human accomplishment," he says. "But groups also have these tendencies to restrict us, to take away our individuality, and to sometimes make us the worst versions of ourselves.” The key, he argues, is fostering communication that maximizes the creative synergy of collaboration while minimizing the pressure to conform.

In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Fisher joins host Matt Abrahams to share evidence-based strategies for effective teamwork, from selecting the ideal group size to fostering psychological safety. Whether with our coworkers, our families, or our friends, Fisher’s insights reveal how collective communication can make or break group success.

To listen to the extended Deep Thinks version of this episode, please visitFasterSmarter.io/premium.

Episode Reference Links:

Colin FisherColin’s Book: The Collective EdgeEp.174 Fix Meetings: Transform Gatherings Into Meaningful MomentsEp.124 Making Meetings Meaningful Pt. 1: How to Structure and Organize More Effective Gatherings  
 

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

Chapters:

(00:00) - Introduction (00:57) - Advantages and Disadvantages of Groups (02:31) - What Makes Teams Successful (04:15) - The Ideal Group Size (05:11) - Building Psychological Safety (07:27) - Launching a Team for Success (11:48) - Making Meetings More Effective (15:03) - The Final Three Questions (19:57) - 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.

With Hiring Pro, you can hire with confidence, knowing you're getting the best talent for your needs. Get started by posting your job for free at linkedin.com/fast

Join our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be. 

How to identify and rewrite the limiting beliefs holding you back.

Achieving what you want in life doesn’t just hinge on what you believe about your future. According to Muriel Wilkins, it has just as much to do with what you believe about your past and present.

Wilkins is an executive coach, author, and host of the HBR podcast Coaching Real Leaders. In her new book, Leadership Unblocked: Breakthrough the Beliefs that Limit Your Potential, she explains how our personal and professional blocks often stem from our own limiting beliefs about ourselves. “A belief is a story that you tell yourself,” she says, “It is the operating principle that is driving your behavior and the decisions you make.” Before we can take actions that will lead us to where we want to go, we have to uncover these hidden beliefs. Otherwise, Wilkins says, “We'll come back right to where we started. It's not just about what we do, it's about what we think about what we do that makes all the difference."

In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Wilkins and host Matt Abrahams explore the three-step process of uncover, unpack, and unblock — Wilkins’ method for identifying limiting beliefs, understanding how they might be shaping our behavior, and updating narratives to align with who we actually want to be.

To listen to the extended Deep Thinks version of this episode, please visitFasterSmarter.io/premium.

Episode Reference Links:

Muriel WilkinsMuriel’s Book: Leadership UnblockedEp.102 Create a Presence: How to Communicate in a Way Others Can FeelEp.98 Give It to Me Straight: How to Give Honest, Constructive Feedback 
 

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

Chapters:

(00:00) - Introduction (00:52) - The Seven Limiting Beliefs (03:18) - Three Steps to Becoming Unblocked (06:32) - Rethinking Values and Success (07:47) - Healthy vs. Toxic Productivity (10:31) - The Power of Mindset and Reframing (13:07) - Reverse Engineering Your Goals (16:16) - Managing Emotional Investment (19:56) - The Final Three Question (24:19) - 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.

With Hiring Pro, you can hire with confidence, knowing you're getting the best talent for your needs. Get started by posting your job for free at linkedin.com/fast

Join our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be. 

Transform how you communicate with tools that make your message stick.

Meetings are where collaboration happens — but too often, scheduling them feels like the biggest barrier to meaningful connection. That’s why Calendly was created: to simplify scheduling and make time for what truly matters — the conversation itself.

In this episode of the Think Fast, Talk Smart Tech Tools miniseries, host Matt Abrahams talks with Calendly’s Vice President of Growth, Darren Chait, about how intentional scheduling leads to better communication, stronger relationships, and more productive meetings. They explore how data-driven insights can improve collaboration, reduce burnout, and help teams make every meeting count.

In addition to insight-packed discussions, this miniseries explores innovative tools that enhance the way we communicate and connect. Whether you want to make your presentations more memorable, craft stories that stick, or connect with your audience on a deeper level, these episodes will help you communicate with greater clarity, confidence, and impact.

Episode Reference Links:

Darren ChaitE.227 Tech Tools: Move Your Audience By Moving Through Your Presentation Ep.230 Tech Tools: Use Visuals to Your Advantage Ep.233 Tech Tools: Write with Confidence and Impact Ep.236 Tech Tools: Zeroing in on Your Email Communication 

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

Chapters:

(00:00) - Introduction (01:12) - Calendly Elevator Pitch (02:47) - The Origin of Calendly (04:44) - The Art of Intentional Scheduling (06:33) - Making Meetings More Effective (07:30) - Favorite Communicator (08:19) - Communication Hack or Tool (10:24) - 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.

Try Prezi today and get 25% off exclusively atprezi.com/thinkfast.

When we truly listen, every conversation changes — including the one with ourselves.

Listening isn’t about waiting for your turn to speak — it’s about being present enough to truly hear. In a world full of noise, slowing down to listen can feel like a radical act. Yet it’s in those moments of stillness and attention that real understanding begins.

In this special Ask Matt Anything episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, we explore what it means to “listen up” — to engage with intention, empathy, and curiosity. Along the way, listener questions spark insights on how to slow down fast conversations, apply communication tools in real life, and navigate the nuances of culture and connection. Because better communication doesn’t start with what we say — it starts with what we hear.

To listen to the extended Deep Thinks version of this episode, please visitFasterSmarter.io/premium.

Episode Reference Links:

Ep.17 Think Fast: You Asked, We AnsweredEp.114 Communication Means Paying Attention: The Four Pillars of Active ListeningAsk Matt Anything (AMA) 1: Trust, Paraphrasing, and Nonverbal Cues   

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

Chapters:

(00:00) - Introduction (01:13) - The Three Ps That Block Good Listening (02:10) - Ace Your Listening: Pace, Space, and Grace (04:30) - Listening Beyond Words: Nonverbal Cues That Matter (05:08) - Listening Through Paraphrasing (06:44) - Practicing Better Listening (08:01) - Choosing the Right Structure for Your Audience (11:26) - Applying Communication Skills Effectively (14:33) - Slowing Down Conversations (17:50) - Practicing and Getting Feedback (20:20) - What’s Next for Think Fast Talk Smart (22:12) - 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.

With Hiring Pro, you can hire with confidence, knowing you're getting the best talent for your needs. Get started by posting your job for free at linkedin.com/fast

Join our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be. 

Why we learn the most when we accept that we might be wrong.

Effective communication isn’t about having all the answers. As Astro Teller knows, it’s about finding (and sometimes fumbling) your way through the questions.

Teller is a computer scientist, entrepreneur, and inventor who serves as Captain of Moonshots at X, Alphabet's Moonshot Factory. In his work leading teams toward audacious solutions to seemingly unsolvable problems, he embraces what he calls “a learning journey,” where being wrong isn’t the end, but the beginning. “As scary as it is to be wrong,” he says, it’s a necessary part of the discovery process. Whether experimenting in the lab or testing our thoughts and opinions in conversation with others, it’s about having the humility and curiosity to face the limits of our understanding. “When do you learn something? You learn something when you have a model about the world, and then you get some data that tells you you're wrong,” he says. “You learn nothing when you're right.”

In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Teller and host Matt Abrahams discuss how embracing uncertainty drives innovation, why leaders should reward learning habits over outcomes, and how we learn the most when we’re not afraid to find that we might be wrong.

To listen to the extended Deep Thinks version of this episode, please visitFasterSmarter.io/premium.

Episode Reference Links:

Astro TellerAstro’s Book: Sacred Cows Ep.70 Ideas Fuel Innovation: Why Your First Ideas Aren’t Always the Best Ep.20 Question Your Questions: How to Spark Creativity in Your Communication 

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

Chapters:

(00:00) - Introduction (00:54) - Defining a Moonshot (02:57) - Building a Learning Machine (05:36) - Learning vs. Productivity (07:11) - Capturing and Sharing Learning (09:25) - Rewarding Habits, Not Outcomes (11:53) - Moonshot Success Stories (14:52) - The Power of Storytelling in Innovation (16:22) - Launching The Moonshot Podcast (18:13) - The Final Three Questions (22:50) - 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.

With Hiring Pro, you can hire with confidence, knowing you're getting the best talent for your needs. Get started by posting your job for free at linkedin.com/fast

Join our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be. 

Transform how you communicate with tools that make your message stick.

Staying on top of communication starts with staying in control of your inbox. That’s why Rahul Vohra, founder and CEO of Superhuman, believes that how we manage email directly shapes how we manage our time, focus, and relationships.

For years, Superhuman has helped professionals reach Inbox Zero faster — reducing email overload and reclaiming time for what truly matters. In this episode of the Think Fast, Talk Smart Tech Tools miniseries, host Matt Abrahams talks with Vohra about the philosophy behind Inbox Zero, how better systems lead to clearer communication, and why mindfulness and intentional design can make us more effective communicators.
In addition to insight-packed discussions, this miniseries explores innovative tools that enhance the way we communicate and connect. Whether you want to make your presentations more memorable, craft stories that stick, or connect with your audience on a deeper level, these episodes will help you communicate with greater clarity, confidence, and impact.

Episode Reference Links:

Rahul VohraEp.227 Tech Tools: Move Your Audience By Moving Through Your Presentation Ep.230 Tech Tools: Use Visuals to Your Advantage Ep.233 Tech Tools: Write with Confidence and Impact 

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

Chapters:

(00:00) - Introduction (01:18) - The Philosophy Behind Inbox Zero (04:19) - The Superhuman Elevator Pitch (05:50) - The Origin of Superhuman (07:41) - Favorite Communicator (08:44) - Communication Hack or Tool (10:26) - 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.

Try Prezi today and get 25% off exclusively atprezi.com/thinkfast.

The road to mastery is paved with small improvements every day.

Communicating can feel daunting at times. What does it take to find your voice in the moments that matter most? As Chiney Ogwumike says, “There is freedom on the other side of your fear.”

As a professional basketball player, NBA and WNBA analyst for ESPN, and advocate for gender equality in sports, Ogwumike faces many situations where communication is critical. For her, achieving confidence in communication is the same as honing any other skill—embracing failure and refinement through repetition. “The best things in life are things you work out over long periods of time,” she says. “Great people, great communicators, anyone that's working at something, show up each and every day and just chip away, chip away, chip away, until they turn that weakness into a strength.”

In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Ogwumike and host Matt Abrahams discuss how practice and preparation can equip us for better communication, transforming fear into confidence, perfectionism into authenticity, and weakness into strength.

To listen to the extended Deep Thinks version of this episode, please visitFasterSmarter.io/premium.

Episode Reference Links:

Chiney OgwumikeEp.166 Why Relying on Talent Alone Will Fail You Ep.153 Listen Up, Leaders: A Record-Setting Coach’s Guide to Communication 

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

Chapters:

(00:00) - Introduction (00:50) - Communication on the Court (02:32) - Performing Under Pressure (04:41) - Lessons from Great Coaches (06:51) - Embracing Imperfection and Authenticity (10:13) - Strategies for Effective On-Air Communication (13:33) - The Final Three Questions (16:26) - 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.

With Hiring Pro, you can hire with confidence, knowing you're getting the best talent for your needs. Get started by posting your job for free at linkedin.com/fast

Join our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be. 

When it comes to leading a team, there’s no such thing as too much information.

Good leadership is about good communication. And for General Stanley McChrystal, that means creating a culture of free-flowing information: “The goal is to have everyone know everything all the time,” he says.

McChrystal is a retired four-star general, former commander of US and international forces in Afghanistan, and a renowned leadership expert. In his experience building cohesive teams in complex environments, he’s discovered that successful teams are built on a “shared consciousness [where] all have a common contextual understanding of what the situation is.” The key to creating that kind of culture, he says, is radical transparency — from leaders and subordinates alike. Whatever your position, “You are responsible for informing other people of things that they need to know,” he says.

In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, McChrystal and host Matt Abrahams discuss how to build shared consciousness within teams, how to communicate across cultural divides, and how to lead with clarity, context, and character.

To listen to the extended Deep Thinks version of this episode, please visitFasterSmarter.io/premium.

Episode Reference Links:

General Stanley McChrystalGeneral McChrystal’s Books: On Character / Team of Teams155. Can We Be Candid? How to Communicate Clearly and Directly161. Do Your Homework: Know What to Say by Knowing Who You’re Talking To  

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

Chapters:

(00:00) - Introduction (01:00) - Building Shared Consciousness (05:10) - Leading Across Differences (06:50) - Delivering Difficult News (09:15) - Communicating in a Virtual World (15:14) - Character as an Iterative Practice (17:24) - The Final Three Questions (20:37) - 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.

With Hiring Pro, you can hire with confidence, knowing you're getting the best talent for your needs. Get started by posting your job for free at linkedin.com/fast

Join our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be. 

Transform how you communicate with tools that make your message stick.

Clarity is the cornerstone of great communication—but turning your thoughts into words isn’t always simple. That’s why Grammarly exists: to help you express yourself with confidence and precision, no matter the context.

For over a decade, Grammarly has helped millions of people improve their writing, from everyday emails to high-stakes professional communications. In this episode of the Think Fast, Talk Smart Tech Tools miniseries, host Matt Abrahams talks with Grammarly co-founder Max Lytvyn about the origins of the tool, how AI is shaping the future of writing, and why starting with your goal is the key to effective communication.

In addition to insight-packed discussions, this miniseries explores innovative tools that enhance the way we communicate and connect. Whether you want to make your presentations more memorable, craft stories that stick, or connect with your audience on a deeper level, these episodes will help you communicate with greater clarity, confidence, and impact.

Episode Reference Links:

Max Lytvyn Ep.227 Tech Tools: Move Your Audience By Moving Through Your Presentation Ep.230 Tech Tools: Use Visuals to Your Advantage 

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

Chapters:

(00:00) - Introduction (01:14) - The Origins of Grammarly (02:50) - Grammarly Elevator Structure (04:54) - Lessons on Improving Writing (06:14) - Favorite Communicator (07:11) - Communication Hack or Tool (10:05) - 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.

Try Prezi today and get 25% off exclusively atprezi.com/thinkfast.

To connect with others, you have to get out of your own head.

Whether presenting to millions on live television or talking to just one person, Dan Harris knows that the quality of every interaction depends on the presence you bring to it.

Harris is a former national news anchor for ABC News and is now the host of the 10% Happier podcast and author of 10% Happier and Meditation for Fidgety Skeptics. As he knows from experience, there’s power in “Waking up to something fundamental, that the mind is out of control, and you don't want to be owned by it.” How do we break the pattern of being controlled by our thoughts? Mindfulness and self-awareness, he says, put “distance” between us and our “thoughts and urges and emotions,” enabling us to connect with ourselves and others with greater consciousness and clarity.

In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Harris and host Matt Abrahams discuss how mindfulness can transform our communication, sharing strategies for deeper listening, responding versus reacting, and reflecting what others say back to them. “Relationships are the most important aspect of your happiness,” Harris says. The quality of those connections goes up when “you’re “less stuck in your own head.”

Episode Reference Links:

Dan HarrisDan’s Books: 10% Happier / Meditation for Fidgety Skeptics Ep.179 Finding Positive in Negative Emotions: Communication, Happiness & Wellbeing Ep.180 Unlocking Your Future Self: Communication, Happiness & Wellbeing Ep.181 Why Happiness is a Direction, Not a Destination: Communication, Happiness & Wellbeing Ep.182 Stop Chasing Time and Start Owning It: Communication, Happiness & Wellbeing  

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

Chapters:

(00:00) - Introduction (00:42) - On-Air Panic Attack (01:50) - Managing Communication Anxiety (02:52) - Nervousness Before Live Audiences (04:39) - Meditation Misconceptions (08:27) - Responding vs. Reacting (10:58) - Mindfulness & Productivity (14:02) - Lessons from Interviewing (16:10) - The Final Three Question (22:23) - 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.

With Hiring Pro, you can hire with confidence, knowing you're getting the best talent for your needs. Get started by posting your job for free at linkedin.com/fast

Join our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be. 

Why what isn’t said can communicate more than what is spoken.

We often speak in hints and half-truths, not because we can’t be direct, but because subtlety protects our relationships. “An awful lot of the time, we don’t just blurt out what we mean,” says Steven Pinker. “We hint, we wink, we beat around the bush — counting on our listener to read between the lines, connect the dots, catch our drift.”
Pinker is the Johnstone Professor of Psychology at Harvard University, a celebrated linguist and cognitive scientist, and the author of twelve influential books. His latest, When Everyone Knows That Everyone Knows: Common Knowledge and the Mysteries of Money, Power, and Everyday Life, explores how our shared understanding of awareness — what Steven refers to as common knowledge — and the way we signal it, governs everything from friendships to authority to negotiations. “Common knowledge is what ratifies or annuls social relationships, and that's why blurting something out that contradicts the assumptions of the relationship can blow everything up and be deeply awkward.”
In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Pinker joins host Matt Abrahams to discuss why humans lean on innuendo, euphemism, and strategic ambiguity. They examine how culture and context shape what we hear, why our social fabric depends on more than just literal meaning, and offer practical ways to refine our communication by paying attention not just to what we say, but to what others know we know.

To listen to the extended Deep Thinks version of this episode, please visit FasterSmarter.io/premium.

Episode Reference Links:

Steven PinkerSteven’s Book: When Everyone Knows That Everyone KnowsEp.91 Um, Like, So: How Filler Words Can Create More Connected, Effective CommunicationEp.225 Speaking Fluent Internet: How Algorithms Are Changing the Way We Speak  

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

Chapters:

(00:00) - Introduction (00:53) - Why We Speak Indirectly (05:09) - The Role of Context (09:05) - Cross-Cultural Perspectives (10:21) - Hypocrisy as Social Glue (12:13) - Clarity, Conciseness, & Grace (15:37) - Metaphors We Live By (16:52) - The Final Three Questions (20:48) - 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.

With Hiring Pro, you can hire with confidence, knowing you're getting the best talent for your needs. Get started by posting your job for free at linkedin.com/fast

Join our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be. 

Transform how you communicate with tools that make your message stick.

Clear communication isn’t just about sharing information — it’s about making ideas stick. That’s why Yuhki Yamashita, Chief Product Officer at Figma, believes the key to effective collaboration lies in turning complex concepts into simple, memorable visuals.
For years, Figma has been reshaping the way teams brainstorm, design, and build together — making it easier than ever to bring ideas to life in real time. In this episode of the Think Fast, Talk Smart Tech Tools miniseries, host Matt Abrahams talks with Yamashita about how visuals facilitate shared understanding, why frameworks enhance team communication, and how to craft insights that people naturally remember and reuse.
In addition to insight-packed discussions, this miniseries explores innovative tools that enhance the way we communicate and connect. Whether you want to make your presentations more memorable, craft stories that stick, or connect with your audience on a deeper level, these episodes will help you communicate with greater clarity, confidence, and impact.

Episode Reference Links:

Yuhki YamashitaEp.227 Tech Tools: Move Your Audience By Moving Through Your Presentation 

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

Chapters:

(00:00) - Introduction (01:16) - Figma Elevator Structure (02:07) - Joining Figma (03:17) - The Power of Visual Storytelling (04:36) - Creating Shared Meaning with Visuals (05:37) - Favorite Communicator (08:02) - Communication Hack or Tool (09:39) - 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.

Try Prezi today and get 25% off exclusively atprezi.com/thinkfast.

To 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 thoughts on the fly, it’s filled with tools to help you become a more effective communicator.

Episode Reference Links:

Jenny LunaThink Faster Talk Smarter Ep.10 High-Stakes Communication: How to Manage Anxiety When Speaking in Front of OthersEp.112 From Mistakes to "Missed Takes"Ep.107 Think Faster, Talk Smarter: How to Speak Successfully When You're Put on the Spot  

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

Chapters:

(00:00) - Introduction (01:40) - Defining Spontaneous Speaking (02:30) - Origins of Matt’s Interest (03:21) - The Six-Step Methodology (04:06) - Shifting Your Mindset (08:16) - Practical Structures for Speaking (10:31) - The “F-Word” of Spontaneous Speaking (12:04) - Communication Lessons from Martial Arts (13:24) - The Karate Pants Story (15:20) - Hosting 100 Episodes (16:35) - On-the-Spot Challenges (21:51) - 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.

With Hiring Pro, you can hire with confidence, knowing you're getting the best talent for your needs. Get started by posting your job for free at linkedin.com/fast

Join our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be. 

Be ready, stay grounded, and communicate clearly — no matter what’s at stake.

Communicating under pressure isn’t just a useful skill — it can be the difference between escalation and resolution. For Chris Voss, former FBI hostage negotiator and CEO of The Black Swan Group, it’s a daily discipline built on empathy, self-regulation, and intentional listening. In this expanded conversation from our Spontaneous Speaking miniseries, Voss offers a rare window into the mindset and methods that helped him show up calm, focused, and adaptable when the pressure is sky-high.
“Emotional intelligence is an insane accelerator to outcomes,” Voss shares, explaining how empathy, tone, and timing can shift the direction of any conversation. He breaks down techniques like labeling and mirroring, explores how to use silence and word choice strategically, and explains why overthinking can be just as risky as acting too fast. From gut-level pattern recognition to tactical use of voice, Voss shows how communication becomes more impactful when we’re not trying to control — but to connect.
In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Voss and host Matt Abrahams dive into how negotiation techniques developed for life-or-death situations can be applied far beyond them — offering powerful takeaways for anyone who needs to think clearly under pressure, stay agile in the moment, and communicate effectively when it matters most.

Episode Reference Links:

Chris Voss Chris’s Book: Never Split the Difference Ep.197 Prep or Perish: Mastering In-the-Moment Communication (1 of 3)Ep.198 Pause and Effect: Mastering In-the-Moment Communication (2 of 3)Ep.199 Blunder Pressure: Mastering In-the-Moment Communication (3 of 3)Ep.203 No Script, No Problem: Final Secrets to Speaking Under Pressure (Bonus)   

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

Chapters:

(00:00) - Introduction (01:06) - Path to Hostage Negotiation (01:58) - Power of Emotional Intelligence (03:16) - Staying Calm Under Pressure (04:26) - Mental Prep & Mindset (05:34) - Trusting Your Gut (06:14) - Avoiding Overthinking (07:17) - Flexibility in Negotiations (08:31) - Listen More, Talk Less (08:47) - Labeling & Mirroring (11:07) - Tone Shapes Impact (12:22) - The Final Three Questions (16:04) - 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.

With Hiring Pro, you can hire with confidence, knowing you're getting the best talent for your needs. Get started by posting your job for free at linkedin.com/fast

Join our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be. 

Transform how you communicate with tools that make your message stick.

Great communication isn’t just about what you say — it’s about what your audience remembers. That’s why Jim Szafranski, CEO of Prezi, believes that visuals and storytelling are key to making ideas stick.
For more than 15 years, Prezi has been reimagining the way we share information, helping communicators move beyond static slides and into dynamic, memorable experiences. In the first episode of the Think Fast, Talk Smart Tech Tools miniseries, host Matt Abrahams talks with Szafranski about why visuals are so powerful for retention, how non-linear storytelling can make presentations more engaging, and the role AI now plays in shaping the stories we tell.
In addition to insight-packed discussions, this miniseries explores innovative tools that enhance the way we communicate and connect. Whether you want to make your presentations more memorable, craft stories that stick, or connect with your audience on a deeper level, these episodes will help you communicate with greater clarity, confidence, and impact.

Episode Reference Links:

Jim SzafranskiPrezi 

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

Chapters:

(00:00) - Introduction (01:18) - Prezi Elevator Structure (02:09) - The Power of Visuals in Storytelling (04:12) - Making Complex Ideas Simple (06:22) - When to Use Visuals (09:01) - Advantages of Non-Linear Storytelling (11:26) - AI’s Role in Visual Communication (13:25) - Favorite Communicator (14:40) - Communication Hack or Tool (16:31) - 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.

Try Prezi today and get 25% off exclusively atprezi.com/thinkfast.

Reinventing your life or career starts with reflection and conversation.

 Making the leap — to a new career, to the next stage of a relationship, or to a different version of yourself — requires honest communication. For Ilana Golan, being “leap-ready” requires that we answer three questions: Why me? Why this? And why now?

Golan knows all about these leaps, as her career spans corporate executive roles, entrepreneurship, and even F-16 flight instruction. As the founder of Leap Academy and host of the Leap Academy Podcast, she helps equip others to navigate their own personal and professional reinventions. As she says, “It’s really about communicating from the vision,” which starts as an inside job. “Why is this the right thing for me right now? You convince yourself first, because when you're [at] peace with what you're trying to do, it's a lot easier to convince others.”

In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Golan and host Matt Abrahams explore how honest communication shapes every stage of reinvention, whether that’s listening to the signals your mind and body are sending you — like “sleepwalking through life” and imagining something more — or articulating your pivot in ways that create understanding rather than resistance. Wherever you hope to leap, Golan’s insights show how to communicate through change with confidence and clarity.

Episode Reference Links:

Ilana GolanLeap Academy Podcast | Leap AcademyEp.187 Experimenting, Failing, and Finding Your Job Fit - Catalyze Your CareerEp.147 Disrupt Yourself: How to Innovate Who You Are and Become Who You Can Be  

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

Chapters:

(00:00) - Introduction (00:46) - Breaking Barriers & Career Patterns (01:25) - Waking Up to Change (02:49) - Signs It’s Time for a Pivot (05:52) - The Rise of Portfolio Careers (09:24) - Communicating Career Leaps (12:36) - Finding Clarity in Reinvention (16:39) - The Final Three Questions (19:34) - Conclusion

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