Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques

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 (10:13) - Communication Hack or Tool (12:18) - 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.

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 (02:39) - The Three Ps That Block Good Listening (03:36) - Ace Your Listening: Pace, Space, and Grace (05:56) - Listening Beyond Words: Nonverbal Cues That Matter (06:34) - Listening Through Paraphrasing (08:10) - Practicing Better Listening (09:27) - Choosing the Right Structure for Your Audience (12:52) - Applying Communication Skills Effectively (15:59) - Slowing Down Conversations (21:14) - Practicing and Getting Feedback (23:44) - What’s Next for Think Fast Talk Smart (25:36) - 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.

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.

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 (02:20) - Defining a Moonshot (04:23) - Building a Learning Machine (07:02) - Learning vs. Productivity (08:37) - Capturing and Sharing Learning (10:51) - Rewarding Habits, Not Outcomes (13:19) - Moonshot Success Stories (16:18) - The Power of Storytelling in Innovation (17:48) - Launching The Moonshot Podcast (19:39) - The Final Three Questions (26:11) - 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.

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.

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 (09:35) - Favorite Communicator (10:38) - Communication Hack or Tool (12:20) - 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.

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 (02:16) - Communication on the Court (03:58) - Performing Under Pressure (06:07) - Lessons from Great Coaches (08:17) - Embracing Imperfection and Authenticity (11:39) - Strategies for Effective On-Air Communication (16:57) - The Final Three Questions (19:50) - 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.

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.

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 (02:26) - Building Shared Consciousness (06:36) - Leading Across Differences (08:16) - Delivering Difficult News (10:41) - Communicating in a Virtual World (16:40) - Character as an Iterative Practice (18:50) - The Final Three Questions (24:01) - 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.

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.

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 (07:11) - Favorite Communicator (08:08) - Communication Hack or Tool (11:02) - 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.

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 (02:08) - On-Air Panic Attack (03:16) - Managing Communication Anxiety (04:18) - Nervousness Before Live Audiences (06:05) - Meditation Misconceptions (09:53) - Responding vs. Reacting (12:24) - Mindfulness & Productivity (15:28) - Lessons from Interviewing (17:36) - The Final Three Question (25:47) - 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.

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.

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 (02:19) - Why We Speak Indirectly (06:35) - The Role of Context (10:31) - Cross-Cultural Perspectives (11:47) - Hypocrisy as Social Glue (13:39) - Clarity, Conciseness, & Grace (17:03) - Metaphors We Live By (20:16) - The Final Three Questions (24:12) - 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.

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.

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 (08:59) - Communication Hack or Tool (10:36) - 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.

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 (03:06) - Defining Spontaneous Speaking (03:56) - Origins of Matt’s Interest (04:47) - The Six-Step Methodology (05:32) - Shifting Your Mindset (09:42) - Practical Structures for Speaking (11:57) - The “F-Word” of Spontaneous Speaking (13:30) - Communication Lessons from Martial Arts (14:50) - The Karate Pants Story (16:46) - Hosting 100 Episodes (18:01) - On-the-Spot Challenges (25:15) - 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.

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.

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 (02:32) - Path to Hostage Negotiation (03:24) - Power of Emotional Intelligence (04:42) - Staying Calm Under Pressure (05:52) - Mental Prep & Mindset (07:00) - Trusting Your Gut (07:40) - Avoiding Overthinking (08:43) - Flexibility in Negotiations (09:57) - Listen More, Talk Less (10:13) - Labeling & Mirroring (12:33) - Tone Shapes Impact (13:48) - The Final Three Questions (19:28) - 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.

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.

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 (14:22) - Favorite Communicator (15:37) - Communication Hack or Tool (17:28) - 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.

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 (02:12) - Breaking Barriers & Career Patterns (02:51) - Waking Up to Change (04:15) - Signs It’s Time for a Pivot (07:18) - The Rise of Portfolio Careers (10:50) - Communicating Career Leaps (14:02) - Finding Clarity in Reinvention (20:03) - The Final Three Questions (22:58) - 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.

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.

In the digital age, it’s critical to craft communication that fits the context.

Like it or not, algorithms now decide whose messages get heard. “If you want to communicate effectively,” says Adam Aleksic, “you need to be exactly aware of what that medium is doing.”

Aleksic is a linguist, author, and educational content creator with millions of followers across TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. His latest book, Algospeak: How Social Media Is Transforming the Future of Language, explores how the platforms we use create new contexts that require new ways of communicating. “Every medium uniquely affects how we communicate, and we adapt our speech to these media,” he says. In the same way that we tailor communication for the contexts of the office, the gym, or the bar, digital platforms — and the algorithms that drive them — require the same contextualized communication. “You have to appeal to [the] algorithm,” he says.

In this episode ofThink Fast, Talk Smart, Aleksic and host Matt Abrahams examine how words are born, change meaning, and spread in the digital age. Their conversation highlights practical ways to be more intentional with the words we choose by considering the medium, understanding the context, and adapting communication accordingly.

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

Episode Reference Links:

Adam AleksicAdam’s Book: AlgospeakEp.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 (02:16) - Language, Labels, & Identity (04:35) - What Is Algospeak? (05:41) - Generational Language Gaps (07:58) - Communicating for Multiple Mediums (10:40) - Mastering Virality & Engagement (12:07) - Semiotics & Going Viral (13:53) - The Evolution of “Like” (15:04) - Hedging, Ambiguity, & Power Dynamics (17:42) - Actionable Takeaways on Communication (18:53) - Grammar: Rules, Context, & Changing Norms (20:56) - The Final Three Questions (26:59) - 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.

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.

Why modern communication still relies on ancient words and narratives.

All communication and connection depend on one thing: language. That’s why Laura Spinney says understanding language — where it comes from and how it evolves over time — can help us use it more effectively.

“Language is incredibly powerful,” says Spinney, an author and journalist published in the Atlantic, National Geographic, Nature, and New Scientist. As “humanity’s oldest tool,” language has evolved as we have, which Spinney explores in her latest book, Proto: How One Ancient Language Went Global. In addition to the words themselves, there are also the stories that humans have carried with them for millennia. “Some stories that we still tell today,” Spinney notes, have remained stable for tens of thousands of years — providing more than just entertainment — shaping how we understand the world, share knowledge, and build community.

In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Spinney and host Matt Abrahams discuss why language and storytelling are fundamental to being human, what makes a story compelling, and how our ever-evolving language continues to be our best tool for communication and connection.

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

Episode Reference Links:

Laura Spinney Laura’s Books: Proto / Pale RiderEp.168 How Story Can Change Everything in Your CareerEp.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 (02:23) - Power & Limits of Language (02:54) - Detecting Lies (04:45) - Origins of Storytelling (07:41) - What Makes a Great Story (10:30) - Proto-Indo-European Language (12:51) - Language Families & Connections (15:05) - Language Clues in History (17:16) - The Final Three Questions (22:35) - 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.

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.

By lightening up your communication, you can build serious connections.

Humor in communication isn’t all fun and games. According to Alison Wood Brooks and Naomi Bagdonas, levity is one of the most serious tools we have in building successful connections.

Wood Brooks and Bagdonas, both teachers, authors, and experts in the field of communication, recognize how crucial levity is to our professional and personal interactions. “It’s easy to think of [humor] as this extra bonus thing,” says Wood Brooks. “What we find is it’s incredibly core to how people are relating to each other.” Bagdonas agrees: “When there's the presence of laughter in team meetings, those teams are more successful and more creative. Leaders with a sense of humor—not even a good sense of humor—are seen as more motivating, more admired, [and] their teams report being more engaged.”

In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Wood Brooks and Bagdonas join host Matt Abrahams to explore levity as a mindset, or as Bagdonas puts it, “Navigating life on the precipice of a smile.” Together, they share how lightness and humor can break barriers, bridge connections, and unlock the door to better communication.

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

Episode Reference Links:

Alison Wood Brooks Alison’s Book: TalkNaomi Bagdonas Naomi’s Book: Humor, SeriouslyEp.13 Make ’Em Laugh: How to Use Humor as a Secret Weapon in Your CommunicationEp.73 Listen Up: Why It’s Better to Be Interested Than InterestingEp.89 Listen, Listen, Listen: How to Build Deep ConnectionsEp.169 Don't Be a ZQ: Make Your Conversations Count   

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 (03:21) - Talk Tour Insights (04:41) - Top Advice on Asking Questions (06:51) - Guiding Principles for Leaders (09:25) - Importance of Levity (11:25) - Why Humor Matters (13:14) - Letting Go of Comfort (16:47) - Overthinking Levity (18:53) - Creating Space for Levity (22:25) - 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.

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.

Some conversations are uncomfortable, but avoiding them comes with a cost.

You want a more successful career, a more fulfilling relationship, a more meaningful life? What if all that’s standing in your way — are the conversations that you’re avoiding?

“Most things that we want in life are on the other side of a difficult conversation,” says Jenn Wynn, a professor at NYU Stern School of Business and previously the director of education at the Obama Foundation. For nearly 10 years, she has taught a course on difficult conversations that equips people to communicate through discomfort in pursuit of what they want. “Sometimes it's a difficult conversation with a loved one, a colleague, a boss… sometimes it's a difficult conversation with myself,” she says. “Are you going to give up on your biggest dreams because you weren't willing to step out of your comfort zone?”

In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Wynn and host Matt Abrahams discuss how to build the “hard but worth-it skills” necessary for difficult communication. Whether it's asking for a raise, setting boundaries, or addressing conflict, Wynn’s insights show that the conversations you’re avoiding aren’t just holding you back — they’re keeping you from the life you really want.

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

Episode Reference Links:

Jenn WynnThe H.I. Note: Healing Inspirations from LifeEp.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 (02:18) - Understanding Difficult Conversations (04:35) - Developing Emotional Intelligence (05:35) - Self-Awareness, Pause, Reframe (07:50) - Common Communication Barriers (09:46) - Listening for Understanding (12:23) - Using AI for Communication (14:15) - Creating Psychological Safety (16:51) - The Final Three Questions (24:03) - 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.

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.

How do you stay clear, calm, and precise when every word counts and there’s no room for error?

Staying calm and focused while translating high-stakes conversations in real time isn’t just a language skill — it’s a masterclass in communication under pressure. And for Giampaolo Bianchi, simultaneous interpreter for the United Nations and World Health Organization, it’s a challenge he meets with presence, precision, and a whole lot of preparation. In this expanded conversation from our Spontaneous Speaking series, Bianchi offers a behind-the-scenes look at how he prepares for — and performs in — moments where being calm, in control, and adaptable are essential.

“We don’t translate words — we translate ideas,” Bianchi explains, highlighting the mindset shift that allows interpreters to go beyond language and convey meaning with clarity and nuance. He shares the role of rigorous preparation, physical grounding, and mental focus in his work, and explains how tools like note systems, pre-session rituals, and active listening help manage cognitive load during live interpretation.

In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Bianchi and host Matt Abrahams explore how the principles of simultaneous interpretation apply far beyond the booth — offering valuable strategies for anyone who needs to communicate effectively under pressure, adapt in the moment, and ensure their smartest communication happens without a script.

Episode Reference Links:

Giampaolo BianchiEp.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 (02:35) - Becoming a UN Interpreter (03:43) - Staying Calm Under Pressure (04:56) - Translating Emotion, Not Just Words (06:03) - Memory and Focus Techniques (07:44) - The Power of Preparation (09:10) - Pre-Meeting Rituals and Readiness (10:27) - Handling Mistakes in Real Time (11:37) - Interpreter Habits in Daily Life (12:38) - The Final Three Questions (18:16) - 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.

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.

Master the art of thinking on your feet and turning unpredictability into powerful communication.

Being quick on your feet isn’t just a performance skill — it’s a communication necessity. And for Peter Sagal, longtime host of NPR’s Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me, it’s a craft he’s honed over more than two decades in front of a live audience. In this expanded conversation from our Spontaneous Speaking series, Sagal shares what it really takes to communicate with presence, flexibility, and confidence when the script goes out the window.

“My job was no longer to be funny — my job was to make funny possible,” Sagal explains, reflecting on the shift from performer to facilitator. He opens up about how structure and ritual prepare him to embrace chaos, why listening matters more than cleverness, and how he defines success not by what he says, but by what others are able to say because of him. “Preparation is key,” he notes, “but being willing to let go of that preparation and follow what’s happening in the moment is really important.”

In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Sagal and host Matt Abrahams discuss how to navigate speaking on the spot—whether you're managing meetings, leading teams, or handling high-stakes conversations—and offer a powerful reminder: the best spontaneous communicators don’t control the moment—they connect through it.

Episode Reference Links:

Peter D Sagal 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 (02:44) - Making Funny Possible (03:53) - Ditching the Script (07:08) - Pre-Show Rituals (09:23) - How to Introduce People Well (12:26) - Being Funny in the Moment (14:20) - Staying Present On Stage (16:40) - Gracious Communication (21:18) - The Final Three Questions (24:54) - 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.

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.

When communicating with their employees, most firms have no idea who they’re talking to.

Good communication is about knowing your audience. But if your organization is only focused on knowing your customers, James Root says you're forgetting a whole other cohort: your employees.

Root is a senior partner at Bain & Company, Chair of Bain Futures, and author of The Archetype Effect, in which he reveals a simple but overlooked truth: people want different things from their jobs. Despite this, most companies’ approach to employee motivation and reward is one-size-fits-all. “Every aspect of the standard organization model is built around this idea of the average worker,” he says. The problem? No average worker exists. “What people want from work is highly varied,” he says, and while many organizations spend millions to learn what drives their customers, “The mystery is why haven't we applied that same thinking to our workers?"

In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Root and host Matt Abrahams explore how firms can transform organizational success by understanding their internal audience. Whether you're trying to attract new talent or encourage better performance from the team you already have, Root's research shows why it’s about knowing your audience — recognizing that different people are motivated by fundamentally different things at work.

Episode Reference Links:

James RootJames’ Book: The Archetype EffectThe Archetype QuizEp.176 From Stereotypes to Synergy: Communicating Across GenerationsEp.104 How to Change: Building Better Habits and Behaviors (And Getting Out of Your Own Way) 

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 (02:12) - The Evolving Nature of Work (05:12) - Leading Multigenerational Teams (08:41) - The Six Archetypes Explained (13:46) - The Archetypes Evolution (20:48) - The Final Three Question (24:06) - 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.

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.

Real connection means understanding your audience, staying true to yourself, and creating space for others.

How do you communicate who you are, what you stand for, and leave space for others to do the same? At the Stanford Seed Summit in Cape Town, South Africa, three GSB professors explored why real connection is built through authentic communication.

For Jesper Sørensen, authentic organizational communication means talking about a business in ways customers or investors can understand, like using analogies to relate a new business model to one that people already know. For incoming GSB Dean Sarah Soule, authentic communication is about truth, not trends. Her research on "corporate confession" shows that companies build trust when they admit their shortcomings — but only if those admissions connect authentically to their core business. And for Christian Wheeler, authentic communication means suspending judgment of ourselves and others. “We have a tendency to rush to categorization, to assume that we understand things before we really do,” he says. “Get used to postponing judgment.”

In this special live episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, host Matt Abrahams and his panel of guests explore communication challenges for budding entrepreneurs. From the risks of comparing yourself to competitors to how your phone might undermine genuine connection, they reveal how authentic communication — whether organizational or personal — requires understanding your audience, staying true to your values, and creating space for others to be heard.

Episode Reference Links:

Jesper SørensenChristian WheelerSarah SouleEp.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:

(00:00) - Introduction (02:12) - Jesper Sørensen on Strategic Analogies (04:22) - Sarah Soule on Corporate Confessions (09:02) - Christian Wheeler on Spontaneity & Presence (12:22) - Panel Discussion: AI’s Role in Research, Teaching, & Life (18:08) - Professors Share Current Projects (23:11) - Live Audience Q&A (33:56) - 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.

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.

How to be a skilled conversationalist in work, love, and life.

Whether you’re trying to build a romantic or professional connection,Rachel Greenwald’s advice is exactly the same. “Focus on how you make someone feel more than you focus on the words that you're saying,” she says. 

As a professional coach, Greenwald helps people develop better communication skills, from executives in the business world to singles in the dating world. Building deep connections may at times be challenging, but as Greenwald says, it’s ultimately not complicated. “You're demonstrating that you're interested in someone and that you like them,” she says.

In this episode ofThink Fast, Talk Smart, Greenwald and host Matt Abrahams discuss relationship-building tactics like small talk, active listening, communication blindspots, and more.

Episode Reference Links:

Rachel Greenwald
 

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 (03:18) - Don’t Be a Data Collector (06:44) - How to Start and End Small Talk (11:31) - Romance vs. Work Communication (14:52) - The Role of Humor and Light Banter (17:38) - Conversation Pitfalls (22:36) - The Final Three Question (28:22) - 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.

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.

Understanding your audience's psychology is the key to crafting communication that resonates.

Persuading others isn't about magic spells or mind-reading tricks. According to Emily Falk, the real secret is simpler: know what your audience finds relevant, and you’ll be able to craft a message that resonates.

Falk is a professor of communication, psychology, and marketing at the University of Pennsylvania, Vice Dean of the Annenberg School of Communication, and director of the Communication Neuroscience Lab. In her book What We Value: The Neuroscience of Choice and Change, she reveals that our brains have what she calls a "social relevance system" — our ability to understand what other people are thinking and feeling. "I use social relevance as this kind of catchall for these thoughts about what other people are thinking and feeling, which also helps us predict what they're gonna do and how we might communicate successfully with them," she explains.

In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Falk and host Matt Abrahams explore how to put this insight into practice, from the power of storytelling to leveraging "neural synchrony" to create shared understanding. Whether you’re motivating a team or influencing a customer, Falk offers science-backed strategies for tapping into your audience’s psychology and communicating with relevance.

Episode Reference Links:

Emily FalkEmily’s Book: What We ValueEp.39 Brains Love Stories: How Leveraging Neuroscience Can Capture People's EmotionsEp.188 Mind Reading 101: To Know What Your Audience Thinks, Just Ask 
 

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 (02:15) - Neuroscience & Behavior Prediction (03:33) - Brain Systems in Persuasion (04:56) - Tailoring Messages for Impact (07:34) - Psychological Closeness & Relevance (10:02) - Power of Storytelling (13:16) - Neural Synchrony & Shared Meaning (15:01) - Better Conversations Through Sync (19:05) - Rapid-Fire Q&A with Emily Falk (25:15) - 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.

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.

For your communication to be credible, you can’t just say it — you have to do it.

Want people to believe what you say? According to Richard Edelman, the words you choose only get you halfway there. To build real trust, he says, you have to practice what you preach.

“Action builds trust,” says Edelman. “If you don't do something, you can't talk about it.” As the president and CEO of Edelman, a leading global communications marketing firm, Edelman is widely recognized for his thought leadership in marketing and PR, especially on issues related to corporate trust, brand reputation, and social responsibility. His annual Edelman Trust Barometer reveals a sobering reality: "Two-thirds of people believe leaders lie to them now, business leaders, government leaders, even journalists." For people and organizations that want to rebuild trust, whether in a one-on-one relationship or with a customer base of millions, Edelman’s advice is simple: "Decide, do, communicate."

In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Edelman and host Matt Abrahams explore strategies for winning trust when traditional authority no longer guarantees it. In an age of skepticism, Edelman's insights show that sustainable trust comes not from perfect messaging, but from consistently aligning your actions with your words.

Episode Reference Links:

Richard Edelman158. Hope for Cynics: Building Trusting Relationships through 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 (02:29) - The Evolution of Trust (03:40) - Rebuilding Trust After a Breach (04:33) - Leaders as Influencers (05:45) - New Media Ecosystems (07:29) - The Role of AI in Communication (08:49) - Key Qualities for Future Leaders (09:49) - The Final Three Questions (17:33) - Conclusion

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Thank you to our sponsors. These partnerships support the ongoing production of the podcast, allowing us to bring it to you at no cost.

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.

How to communicate clearly in any context, from newsrooms to the world stage.

All good communication, whether spoken or written, is built on the same foundation. In everything from police reporting for a newspaper to serving as spokesman for the Pope, Greg Burke has found the key: "Keep it as simple as possible."

Burke has worked as a journalist for Time Magazine and Fox News, as Director of Communications at IESE Business School in Barcelona and Madrid, and even as a communications advisor and spokesman for the Vatican. Across his varied experiences, he’s found that the biggest communication challenges often require the simplest solutions. From expressing “curiosity and real interest” in those we’re speaking with to ensuring our messages are “clear, consistent, and timely,” he advocates for core principles that apply in all types of communication.

In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Burke and host Matt Abrahams discuss communication strategies that work whether you’re presenting to a team of five or millions of parishioners worldwide. As Burke shares, it’s all very simple: “Know your audience, practice, and have fun.”

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

Episode Reference Links:

Greg BurkeEp.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 (02:26) - Asking Good Questions (03:26) - Writing Clearly and Concretely (05:05) - Editing and AI’s Role in Writing (06:21) - Three Keys to Great Communication (08:10) - The Importance of Feedback (09:50) - Communication at the Vatican (12:34) - Crisis Communication: Lessons from the Vatican (15:36) - 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.

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.

How to turn doubt and suspicion into hopefulness and trust.

There’s a lot in the world to make us cynical about other people and their motives and intentions. But by “trusting loudly,” Professor Jamil Zaki believes we can renew our faith in one another.

Zaki is a professor of psychology at Stanford, director of the Stanford Social Neuroscience lab, and author of several books, including his most recent, Hope for Cynics: The Surprising Science of Human Goodness. While many people feel suspicious of others and are reluctant to trust them, Zaki finds that relying on other people is a necessary part of forming relationships.

“Acts of trust are the bedrock on which relationships are formed,” Zaki says. “The only way that strangers become friends and friends become best friends, the only way that we can build partnerships is through a willingness to count on one another.”

In this Rethinks episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Zaki joins host Matt Abrahams to discuss practical strategies for fostering trust and challenging our cynical assumptions, offering a hopeful perspective on human nature, backed by surprising scientific insights.

Episode Reference Links:

Jamil ZakiJamil’s Lab: Stanford Social Neuroscience Lab Jamil’s Book: Hope for CynicsEp.158 Hope for Cynics: Building Trusting Relationships through Communication Ep.84 Quick Thinks: How Others Define UsEp.129 Connect Deeply: How to Communicate So People Feel Seen and Heard

 

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 (03:04) - Defining Trust and Its Importance (03:55) - Building Better Trust (05:26) - Understanding Cynicism (07:48) - The Cynicism Spectrum (10:08) - Fostering Hopeful Skepticism (12:22) - Challenges of Overcoming Cynicism (14:14) - Positive Gossip and Positive Noticing (17:12) - Self-Fulfilling Prophecies (20:08) - The Final Three Questions (29:01) - 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.

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.

Career growth starts with stepping outside your comfort zone.

Building a successful career isn’t about following a set path—it’s about knowing when to evolve and embracing change. Whitney Johnson believes that success comes from disrupting yourself—challenging routines, stepping into discomfort, and continuously evolving. “People think staying in their comfort zone is the safe choice,” she explains, “but real growth happens when we take intentional risks.”

As a bestselling author and leadership expert, Johnson has spent years helping individuals and organizations navigate change. She breaks down the S-curve of learning, a framework that helps professionals recognize when it’s time to move on, pivot, or double down on their current path. From identifying signs of stagnation to developing strategies for career reinvention, she shares practical tools for making bold moves with confidence.

In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Johnson joins host Matt Abrahams to explore why mastery can be a sign that it’s time for a change, how to manage the discomfort that comes with growth, and why personal disruption isn’t just a challenge—it’s the key to long-term success.

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

Episode Reference Links:

Whitney JohnsonWhitney’s Books: Disrupt Yourself / Smart GrowthEp.147 Disrupt Yourself: How to Innovate Who You Are and Become Who You Can Be 
 

Connect:

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Chapters:

(00:00) - Introduction (02:39) - What Is Personal Disruption? (04:47) - Signs It’s Time to Disrupt Yourself (07:09) - Getting Comfortable with Discomfort (12:06) - Finding Your Next Career Move (15:55) - Ensuring Fulfillment After Disruption (22:28) - Best Career Advice Received (24:01) - Career Regrets & Lessons (25:32) - 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.

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.

In the age of virtual communication, here’s how to ensure your messages convey what you mean.

Texts. Emails. Slacks. Zooms. We’re communicating in more ways than ever, but Andrew Brodsky has a word of warning: Your virtual communication might be sending messages you’re not aware of.

Brodsky is the author of PING: The Secrets of Successful Virtual Communication. And as a professor of management at the University of Texas McCombs School of Business, he researches the impact of technology on workplace communication. “In virtual communication, there's often missing information,” he says. “As recipients of it, we're searching to fill in the gaps. The problem [is] that the recipient who's making these guesses is often guessing incorrectly.” As his research reveals, variables like typos, the time you schedule a meeting, and even your choice of email signature affect how your messages are received — and how you’re perceived.

In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, host Matt Abrahams and Brodsky explore his PING framework (perspective-taking, initiative, nonverbal awareness, and goals) for mastering digital communication. From understanding when to choose email over a phone call to navigating cameras-on versus cameras-off meetings, he offers practical strategies for ensuring your virtual messages communicate exactly what you intend.

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

Episode Reference Links:

Andrew BrodskyAndrew’s Book: PingEp.31 Quick Thinks: How to Shine Online and Excel at Virtual Communication Ep.53 Step Up and Stand Out: How to Create the Right Environment for 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 (02:35) - What Is Virtual Communication? (03:21) - Choosing the Right Channel for Your Goal (06:06) - The Ping Framework: Secrets to Virtual Communication (10:02) - Understanding Communication Richness (13:04) - Nonverbals in Virtual Communication (16:48) - The Final Three Question (25:56) - 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.

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.

Career success takes a status boost, not a power grab.

How do you chart the career course you’ve always imagined? According to Alison Fragale, it’s about gaining influence through status, power, and ultimately, being “a likeable badass.”

As a research psychologist, professor, speaker, and author, Fragale is on a mission to help women take control of their careers. In her book Likeable Badass: How Women Get the Success They Deserve, she argues that most people have it backwards when pursuing career advancement. "We have talked for a long time [about] getting more power," she explains. However, by focusing first on achieving status (how respected we are), power will often come as a natural byproduct. "If you pursue status before, or at least alongside power, everything is going to fall into place," she says. “Status makes power a lot easier to achieve, and it makes power a lot easier to use.”

In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, hosted by executive producer Jenny Luna, Fragale explores the communication strategies of a likeable badass, from building warmth and assertiveness to authentically connecting with colleagues. Whether you're building relationships in a new company or have been leading one for years, Fragale’s insights will help you command respect while communicating with kindness.

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

Episode Reference Links:

Alison FragaleAlison’s Book:Likeable BadassJenny LunaEp.12 It's Not What You Say, It’s How You Say It: How To Communicate PowerEp.15 The Art of Negotiation: How to Get More of What You Want  

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 (02:30) - Defining Power and Status (05:35) - Why Status Comes Before Power (06:28) - Communication Techniques to Build Status (09:36) - Evaluating Your Habits: Nonverbal and Verbal Cues (11:30) - Mentorship in Developing Communication (13:22) - Adapting to a New Work Culture (18:50) - Representing Difference Without Distance (19:58) - Overcoming Bad First Impressions (23:54) - The Final Three Question (27:39) - 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.

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.

How to turn curiosity, clarity, and AI into your most powerful job search tools.

Job search isn’t just about landing your next role—it’s about understanding who you are and how you want to show up in the world. According to Andrew Seaman, Senior Managing Editor for Jobs and Career Development at LinkedIn, that process begins with curiosity, not certainty. “People assume they need to apply to dozens of jobs with a perfect résumé,” he explains. “But the best applications are rooted in self-awareness and strategy—not spray-and-pray.”

Instead of rushing to the next opportunity, Seaman encourages job seekers to slow down, ask better questions, and prioritize conversations over checklists. From informational interviews to profile updates, clarity is key—knowing what you want and telling a story that shows why you’re the right fit. With tools like LinkedIn’s Job Match and natural-language job search, candidates can now assess how they align with a role—and where they can grow. “It’s not just about being qualified,” Seaman says. “It’s about showing the value you bring.”

In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Seaman joins host Matt Abrahams for our Catalyze Your Career miniseries to share how to job search with intention. Using Matt’s “Four I’s” framework—identifying, investigating, initiating contact, and interviewing—they explore how strategic storytelling, thoughtful networking, and AI tools can help you stand out in a crowded market.

Episode Reference Links:

Andrew SeamanEp.184 Fit or Quit? Find the Job That is Right For You—Catalyze Your CareerEp.187 Experimenting, Failing, and Finding Your Job Fit - Catalyze Your Career  Ep.151 Get Hired: How the Right Communication Can Advance Your Career  

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 (02:26) - What’s Changing in Job Search (03:46) - Identifying Roles with Curiosity (06:46) - Investigating Companies & Roles (08:10) - Initiating Contact Effectively (11:26) - Crafting a Strong Narrative (12:38) - How Job Match Can Help (15:58) - Strategic vs. Shotgun Approach (20:57) - Best Career Advice Received (23:51) - Career Regrets & Lessons (25:20) - 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.

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.

Amidst constant change, clear communication is the key to navigating uncertainty.

How do you communicate with others when you’re confused yourself? For Rob Siegel, leadership isn’t about avoiding uncertainty, it’s about embracing the clarity that ambiguity can bring.

"What if ambiguity is the new normal?" asks Siegel, a venture investor and lecturer at Stanford Graduate School of Business. From rapidly evolving AI to ratcheting geopolitical tensions, every day brings a “crisis du jour,” he says. “I may like it, I may not like it. That doesn't really matter, but I've gotta get my team through it."

In his latest book, The Systems Leader: Mastering the Cross Pressures That Make or Break Today's Companies, Siegel explores how leaders today are “living in dualities,” caught between managing existing processes and adapting to emerging disruptions. “The sooner we get comfortable with [change] in the sense of ‘I don't have to like it, but I can deal with it,’ then [we can] lead our teams and give them the calm to know they can get through this.”

In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Siegel and host Matt Abrahams explore how to communicate effectively amidst constant change. From preparation strategies for spontaneous speaking to building trust through candid conversations, Siegel offers practical tips for communicating with clarity when nothing is certain but change.

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

Episode Reference Links:

Robert SiegelRob’s Book: The Systems LeaderEp.35 Leading From The Hot Seat: How To Communicate Under PressureEp.37 Be Better: How Communication Catalyzes Business Transformation  

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 (02:23) - Adapting Leadership for Uncertainty (03:28) - Systems Leadership and Cross Pressures (04:50) - Communication and Context (05:36) - Framing Complex Ideas (06:31) - Innovation vs. Execution (08:21) - Leading Through Ambiguity (09:43) - Short-Term vs. Long-Term Focus (12:54) - Balancing Strength and Empathy (15:36) - Leadership with Humanity (16:52) - Engaging Students Effectively (20:10) - The Final Three Questions (25:49) - Conclusion

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Thank you to our sponsors. These partnerships support the ongoing production of the podcast, allowing us to bring it to you at no cost.

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.

How victim, villain, and helpless stories sabotage our most important conversations.

The hardest conversations aren’t just about what you say to the other person. According to Joseph Grenny, critical conversations begin with the stories that you tell yourself.

As a leading expert on business performance and communication, and a New York Times bestselling co-author of Crucial Conversations, Grenny explains that navigating high-stakes communication starts by examining the internal narratives we bring into these situations. “You and I use three consistent types of stories in these moments that don't serve us well,” he says: Victim stories (emphasizing our innocence), villain stories (demonizing the other person), and helpless stories (justifying our poor responses). "Those three kinds of stories are what amp up our emotions and justify us in our unhealthy responses," he says.

In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Grenny joins Matt Abrahams to share practical strategies for mastering difficult conversations through what he calls "TLC" — truth, love, and competence. From recognizing your motives during conflict to accepting your role in creating it, he offers tools for staying focused on what you really want rather than getting hijacked by short-term emotional impulses.

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

Episode Reference Links:

Joseph GrennyJoseph’s Book: Crucial Conversations  Ep.105 Radical Candor: The Communication Shift That Can Transform Your CareerEp.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 (02:26) - Influence & Why It Matters (04:25) - Truth & Love: The Foundation of Accountability (06:45) - Showing You Care & Respect Others (08:29) - Recognizing Motives in High-Stakes Moment (14:23) - Managing Emotions in Crucial Conversations (20:18) - The Final Three Questions (27:32) - 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.

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.

Great strategy starts with a question—and a story worth believing in.

A good strategy isn’t just built—it’s told. For Martin Reeves, chairman of the BCG Henderson Institute and author of The Imagination Machine and Like: The Button That Changed the World, strategy and imagination are both deeply communicative processes, rooted in storytelling, curiosity, and the courage to reframe assumptions.

“A strategy is really just a special kind of story,” Reeves explains. “It begins with the present and aspires to a different future—it’s fiction made actionable.” To bring that fiction to life, leaders must involve their teams in a co-creative journey and use thoughtful questions to shape not just ideas, but belief and action.

In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Reeves joins Matt Abrahams to explore how communication fuels strategic thinking, innovation, and organizational reinvention. He outlines his six-step framework for imagination—from embracing anomalies to codifying and continuing ideas—and underscores the role of reframing, deep listening, and even levity in solving complex problems. Together, they unpack how a single “like” button changed our digital behaviors—and what it teaches us about influence and attention today.

Episode Reference Links:

Martin Reeves Martin’s Books: Like / The Imagination Machine Ep.71 Strategy Success: How to Communicate Your Gameplan

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 (02:23) - Using Story in Strategy (05:04) - Questions as a Communication Technology (06:19) - The Six Steps to Harnessing Imagination (10:40) - The “7 Cs” of Imagination and Communication (12:12) - Reframing as a Creative Tool (14:15) - The Like Button: Origin and Evolution (16:18) - Brain Chemistry Behind Digital Liking (18:16) - The Final Three Questions (25:01) - 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.

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.

A live SXSW panel on how employee complaints illuminate the path to organizational innovation.

Wrong question: How can AI revolutionize productivity in my organization?

Right question: What do my employees hate most about their jobs?

For the Portland Trail Blazers, a winning game plan for AI implementation didn’t begin with a tech-first approach — it began with a talk-first one. “The whole concept was to talk about pain points," explains David Long, VP of Digital Innovation, describing the "Lunch and Launch" sessions where employees could openly share frustrations about their daily work. “People really enjoy talking about what they hate about their jobs,” says Christa Stout, Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy & Innovation Officer, and as they did, they illuminated opportunities for optimization. “By getting this insight across the whole company, it is already opening our eyes [to how] we can potentially transform the business more broadly,” Stout says.

In this special live episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, recorded at SXSW, host Matt Abrahams leads a panel with Long, Stout, and Stanford colleague Jeremy Utley, exploring how "catharsis catalyzes change.” For any team wanting to implement new technology or rethink workflows, these experts reveal how creating space for complaints can catalyze meaningful innovation throughout an organization.

Episode Reference Links:

Jeremy UtleyDavid LongChrista StoutEp.77 Quick Thinks: AI Has Entered The Chat – A "Conversation" with ChatGPTEp.134 How to Chat with Bots: The Secrets to Getting the Information You Need from AI  

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 (04:34) - The Business Behind Basketball (06:05) - Why AI and Why Now? (07:13) - Collaborating with the Team (08:31) - The Lunch & Launch Method (11:03) - Branding AI Initiatives (12:21) - David Detractor & Kelly Kindness (15:52) - Human Connection through AI (16:37) - Auditing for Brand Consistency (18:45) - AI in National Parks (21:28) - Making AI Personal (22:50) - Using AI to Learn AI (27:19) - Encouraging AI in the Workplace (30:13) - Change Management: Iteration Over Perfection (33:59) - Start with Curiosity and Empower Action (37:42) - Communication Ingredients (41:12) - 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.

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.

How to have the conversations that are most difficult — and most important.

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, who says our own internal narratives often derail our attempts at negotiation and conflict resolution.

"The first negotiation is actually a negotiation I have with myself about my own story," explains Heen, a Harvard Law School lecturer and co-author of Difficult Conversations: How to Discuss What Matters Most. When entering challenging interactions, she recommends a powerful shift where we consider that our perspective is only one side of the story. "If I can shift my purpose from convincing you of something to just understanding how you see it and why we might see it differently, that actually is more likely to generate a good conversation with less defensiveness for both of us."

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.

Episode Reference Links:

Sheila Heen Sheila’s Books: Difficult Conversations / Thanks for the Feedback  Ep.144 Communicating Through Conflict: How to Get Along with AnyoneEp.136 The Art of Disagreeing Without Conflict: Navigating the Nuance  

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 (02:09) - Managing Anxiety in Tough Conversations (04:23) - Why Emotions Matter (07:31) - Shifting the Story We Tell Ourselves (08:49) - Starting with the Real Issue (10:28) - Getting Unstuck in Conflict (13:26) - ACE: The Three Types of Feedback (16:28) - Making Feedback Actionable (18:48) - Finding Common Ground (20:25) - The Final Three Questions (29:38) - 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.

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.

Stay sharp, sound confident, and speak with impact — even when you're put on the spot.

Communicating clearly is challenging enough when there’s time to prepare. But in most situations — whether in meetings, casual conversations, or high-stakes moments — we rarely have the luxury of scripting our words. We must think and speak in real time.

Spontaneous communication is a daily challenge, yet few of us receive formal training in how to handle it with poise and confidence. So how can we stay composed and communicate effectively when put on the spot? Drawing on years of experience, our expert coaches — including a sports broadcaster, FBI negotiator, UN interpreter, game show host, NFL referee, and Sotheby’s auctioneer — share their final pieces of advice to help answer that question.

In this special episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, the Spontaneous Speaking miniseries concludes with powerful tools, frameworks, and tips for staying calm, organizing your thoughts, and speaking with clarity under pressure. Matt Abrahams shares practical strategies and exercises designed to help you build lasting habits and sharpen your impromptu speaking skills.
Whether you tend to freeze when caught off guard or simply want to express your ideas more effectively on the fly, this final installment will equip you to not only think fast — but speak smart.

Episode Reference Links:

Chris Voss - Former FBI Negotiator, Keynote SpeakerChris Voss's Book: Empathy and Understanding In Business  Annabelle Williams - Paralympic Champion, Sports BroadcasterGiampaolo Bianchi - United Nations InterpreterBrad Rogers - NFL Referee, ProfessorPhyllis Kao - Sotheby's AuctioneerPeter D Sagal - Game Show Host, Author

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 (02:11) - The Power of Structure (06:03) - Expert Tip: Trust Yourself (06:24) - Expert Tip: Project Confidence & Provide Value (08:03) - Expert Tip: Ask for What You Need & Visualization (10:30) - Expert Tip: Review & Reflect (14:28) - Expert Tip: Use an Encouraging Tone (14:49) - Expert Tip: Turn Observation into Storytelling (16:42) - 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.

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.

The power of creating the reputation you want to have.

Whether you know it or not, you have a brand. What that brand is, says Lorraine Lee, doesn’t happen by accident. “You can either form and create it, or you can let people define it for you.”

A teacher, content creator, speaker, and author of Unforgettable Presence: Get Seen, Gain Influence and Catapult Your Career, Lee helps people improve their communication presence and define their personal and professional brands. “Your brand is essentially your reputation,” she says. And while she acknowledges that “it can feel intimidating” to actively steer how we’re perceived, her EPIC framework helps navigate this challenge by examining our Experiences, Personality, Identity, and Community.

In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Lee and host Matt Abrahams explore strategies for showing up memorably in both virtual and in-person settings. From crafting "unique and powerful introductions" to honing your online presence, Lee’s practical advice shows how to communicate your brand in today's digital workplace.

Episode Reference Links:

Lorraine K. LeeLorraine’s Book:  Unforgettable Presence Ep.6 Quick Thinks: Communicating and Leading VirtuallyEp.7 Quick Thinks: Use This Framework to Speak up in Virtual Meetings  Ep.31 Quick Thinks: How to Shine Online and Excel at Virtual 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 (02:18) - Tips for Virtual Presence (03:51) - Public Speaking Insights (06:36) - The Importance of Mentors & Sponsors (07:51) - Personal Branding on Social Media (10:26) - EPIC Career Brand Framework (12:51) - Unique & Powerful Introductions (15:06) - Conversational Threading (16:15) - Avoiding Resting Business Face (20:05) - The Final Three Question (24:06) - 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.

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.

Alex Rodriguez shares why in sports and business, striking out is just a part of the game.

From the baseball field to the boardroom, great communication is critical for success. But as Alex Rodriguez knows, we don’t always hit it out of the park. For this sports superstar turned entrepreneur, striking out is never the end of the story.

“I'm fifth all-time in the history of strikeouts,” says Rodriguez. “That means there's only four people in the history of mankind that have failed more than me.” For the 14-time Major League Baseball All-Star and World Series champion, failures aren’t endings, but opportunities to learn and grow. "The key is how you get back up with the same energy and enthusiasm," explains Rodriguez, who is now chairman and CEO of A-Rod Corp, leading a team of experts in building high-growth businesses.

In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, co-hosted by Matt Abrahams and Stanford GSB colleague Jeffrey Pfeffer, Rodriguez shares lessons on resilience, authenticity, and effective communication. From maintaining a "slow heartbeat" in high-pressure moments to his approach of "intentional listening," he offers insights on leadership, giving feedback, and viewing communication as "an unselfish act." Whether you're stepping up to the plate or stepping up to present, these strategies can help you turn strikeouts into home runs.

Episode Reference Links:

Alex RodriguezJeffrey Pfeffer  Ep.166 Why Relying on Talent Alone Will Fail YouEp.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 (02:58) - Teaching at Stanford: Strategic Pivoting (04:33) - Preparing for Life After Baseball (06:56) - Performing Under Pressure (08:21) - Finding Balance Post-Pandemic (09:19) - Building a Media Presence (11:10) - Creating Great Teams (12:20) - The Role of Ego and Intentional Listening (14:31) - Giving and Receiving Feedback (17:11) - Setbacks, Resilience, and Redemption (20:14) - Developing Authenticity (21:44) - The Final Three Questions (27:34) - 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.

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.

This live Q&A with host Matt Abrahams celebrates 200 episodes of Think Fast, Talk Smart.

In an age of endless content and information, how do we ensure our communication cuts through the noise? Across 200 episodes of Think Fast, Talk Smart, host Matt Abrahams has discovered four essential ingredients that help messages rise above the chatter: concision, relevance, accessibility, and precision.

“Attention is our most precious commodity in the world today, and we need to make sure that we engage our audience so we get their attention,” says Abrahams in this special 200th episode. How do we capture and keep that attention? As he’s explored with guests throughout the show, effective and engaging communication — from all kinds of people and in all kinds of places — is concise, relevant, accessible, and precise.

In this special 200th episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, host Matt Abrahams shares insights gleaned from hundreds of conversations with communication experts, followed by a live Q&A with listeners from around the world. From crafting compelling elevator pitches to managing speaking anxiety, this celebration episode offers practical advice for focused communication that is sure to be the focus of your audience’s attention.

Episode Reference Links:

Jenny Luna Ep.78 Three Guiding Principles 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 (04:56) - Concision in Effective Messaging (08:08) - Make Your Message Relevant (14:00) - Ensuring Accessibility (18:12) - The Importance of Precision (26:09) - Craft an Impactful Elevator Pitch (29:57) - Build a Stronger Vocabulary (31:53) - Communicating Numbers and Data (34:22) - Responding When Caught Off Guard (36:21) - Confidence for Speaking and Presenting (39:19) - Steering Conversations Back on Track (41:52) - Dream Podcast Guest (42:53) - What’s Coming Next (44:33) - Conclusion

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Thank you to our sponsors. These partnerships support the ongoing production of the podcast, allowing us to bring it to you at no cost.

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.

This three-part miniseries is all about keeping your cool when speaking on the spot.

Communicating effectively can be challenging enough, even with plenty of time to prepare what we want to say. But for most of our communication, there’s no time to plan, practice, or perfect — we have to respond in the moment.

Spontaneous communication is a part of our everyday lives, but few of us have been trained to handle these impromptu situations with confidence. What does it take to flow, not freeze, when put on the spot? This special three-part series turns to experts for guidance, from a sports commentator, FBI hostage negotiator, and UN translator to a game show host, NFL referee and Sotheby’s auctioneer.

Part 1: Preparation and Mindset

Discover how to prepare for the unpredictable, manage anxiety, and find the right headspace for success.

Part 2: Mastering the Moment

Learn to stay present, read the room, and use techniques like mirroring and pacing to connect with your audience.

Part 3: When Things Go Wrong

Find out how to recover from inevitable mishaps and keep moving forward with confidence, turning mistakes into gold.

In addition to insight-packed discussions, this Think Fast, Talk Smart miniseries offers practical exercises and homework assignments to help you implement what you've learned. Whether you draw blanks when put on the spot or simply want to articulate your thoughts more clearly in the moment, these episodes will transform how you think — and speak — on your feet.

Episode Reference Links:

Chris Voss - Former FBI Negotiator, Keynote SpeakerChris Voss's Book: Empathy and Understanding In Business  Annabelle Williams - Paralympic Champion, Sports BroadcasterGiampaolo Bianchi - United Nations InterpreterBrad Rogers - NFL Referee, ProfessorPhyllis Kao - Sotheby's AuctioneerPeter D Sagal - Game Show Host, Author

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 (03:13) - Focus on What’s Next, Not What Went Wrong (04:43) - Failure with Confidence (06:48) - Flexibility Over a Fixed Plan (08:31) - Staying Cool in Public Slip-Ups (10:39) - Using Laughter to Reset (13:08) - Gracefully Correcting Yourself (14:45) - Staying Calm Under Pressure (19:43) - Listener Exercises on Reflecting to Improve (21:59) - 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.

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.

This three-part miniseries is all about keeping your cool when speaking on the spot.

Communicating effectively can be challenging enough, even with plenty of time to prepare what we want to say. But for most of our communication, there’s no time to plan, practice, or perfect — we have to respond in the moment.

Spontaneous communication is a part of our everyday lives, but few of us have been trained to handle these impromptu situations with confidence. What does it take to flow, not freeze, when put on the spot? This special three-part series turns to experts for guidance, from a sports commentator, FBI hostage negotiator, and UN translator to a game show host, NFL referee and Sotheby’s auctioneer.

Part 1: Preparation and Mindset

Discover how to prepare for the unpredictable, manage anxiety, and find the right headspace for success.

Part 2: Mastering the Moment

Learn to stay present, read the room, and use techniques like mirroring and pacing to connect with your audience.

Part 3: When Things Go Wrong

Find out how to recover from inevitable mishaps and keep moving forward with confidence, turning mistakes into gold.

In addition to insight-packed discussions, this Think Fast, Talk Smart miniseries offers practical exercises and homework assignments to help you implement what you've learned. Whether you draw blanks when put on the spot or simply want to articulate your thoughts more clearly in the moment, these episodes will transform how you think — and speak — on your feet.

Episode Reference Links:

Chris Voss - Former FBI Negotiator, Keynote SpeakerChris Voss's Book: Empathy and Understanding In Business  Annabelle Williams - Paralympic Champion, Sports BroadcasterGiampaolo Bianchi - United Nations InterpreterBrad Rogers - NFL Referee, ProfessorPhyllis Kao - Sotheby's AuctioneerPeter D Sagal - Game Show Host, Author

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 (02:56) - Letting Go of the Script (05:41) - Visual Listening (07:00) - Nonverbal Communication (09:49) - Tools of Connection (13:10) - Pacing for Pressure (14:10) - The Power of Pausing (16:44) - How to Make a Great Introduction (18:34) - Being Gracious in Conversation (20:58) - Listener Exercises on Active Listening (25:50) - 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.

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.

This three-part miniseries is all about keeping your cool when speaking on the spot.

Communicating effectively can be challenging enough, even with plenty of time to prepare what we want to say. But for most of our communication, there’s no time to plan, practice, or perfect — we have to respond in the moment.

Spontaneous communication is a part of our everyday lives, but few of us have been trained to handle these impromptu situations with confidence. What does it take to flow, not freeze, when put on the spot? This special three-part series turns to experts for guidance, from a sports commentator, FBI hostage negotiator, and UN translator to a game show host, NFL referee and Sotheby’s auctioneer.

Part 1: Preparation and Mindset

Discover how to prepare for the unpredictable, manage anxiety, and find the right headspace for success.

Part 2: Mastering the Moment

Learn to stay present, read the room, and use techniques like mirroring and pacing to connect with your audience.

Part 3: When Things Go Wrong

Find out how to recover from inevitable mishaps and keep moving forward with confidence, turning mistakes into gold.

In addition to insight-packed discussions, this Think Fast, Talk Smart miniseries offers practical exercises and homework assignments to help you implement what you've learned. Whether you draw blanks when put on the spot or simply want to articulate your thoughts more clearly in the moment, these episodes will transform how you think — and speak — on your feet.

Episode Reference Links:

Chris Voss - Former FBI Negotiator, Keynote SpeakerChris Voss's Book: Empathy and Understanding In Business  Annabelle Williams - Paralympic Champion, Sports BroadcasterGiampaolo Bianchi - United Nations InterpreterBrad Rogers - NFL Referee, ProfessorPhyllis Kao - Sotheby's AuctioneerPeter D Sagal - Game Show Host, Author

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 (04:16) - Pressure and Preparation (06:07) - Cognitive Load and Focus (08:51) - Speaking with Clarity (10:29) - Building Instinct Through Practice (12:33) - Overthinking vs. Acting Fast (14:13) - Staying Present Under Pressure (14:53) - Make It About the Audience (15:54) - Handling Public Scrutiny (17:58) - Physical Rituals to Manage Nerves (19:31) - Grounding Techniques Before Speaking (24:03) - Listener Exercises for Better Speaking (27:20) - 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.

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.

Communication isn’t about perfect word choice, it’s about connecting with others.

For native speakers and language learners alike, communicating comes with all kinds of challenges. But no matter how much we stumble over our words, Lindsay McMahon says communication isn’t about perfection — it’s about connection.

The CEO and founder of All Ears English and host of the All Ears English podcast, McMahon is on a mission to help non-native English speakers around the world hone their ability to communicate and connect. Whether you’re forming your first sentences in a new language or giving a presentation in the language you’ve spoken your whole life, “It's about human connection,” she says. “What really matters is are we connecting to our audience… the human being[s] in front of us?”

In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, McMahon joins host Matt Abrahams to explore strategies for improving our communication — not by finding the right words, but by finding the right mindset. From active listening and cultural awareness to quieting nerves and building confidence, McMahon's practical approaches help communicators connect more authentically in any language or context.

Episode Reference Links:

Lindsay McMahon All Ears English Ep.8 Don't Get Lost in Translation: How Non-Native Speakers Can Communicate With Confidence

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 (02:17) - Common Challenges for English Learners (03:14) - Overcoming the Confidence Catch-22 (05:05) - Communication Lessons from CEOs (05:53) - The Art of Listening (07:40) - Idioms and Hidden Meanings (08:58) - Context Shapes Communication (10:45) - Cultural Analogies and Miscommunication (11:51) - Entering a New Role or Culture (14:10) - Immersive Language Learning (19:23) - The Final Three Questions (23:42) - 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.

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.

Stanford experts answer live questions on leadership, authenticity, and communication.

What happens when four top Stanford thinkers take live questions from a room full of leaders? In Part 2 of this special Think Fast, Talk Smart series from the Stanford LEAD Me2We Conference, Matt Abrahams and his panel of expert GSB faculty—Allison Kluger, Naomi Bagdonas, Christian Wheeler, and Nir Halevy—answer questions from a live audience. They cover real-world challenges around leadership, authenticity, psychological safety, and managing your reputation in complex environments. With honest reflections and actionable advice, their answers offer a candid look at what it takes to lead with intention while staying true to yourself.

Episode Reference Links:

Allison Kluger Book Allison Contributed to:  Brand Up Naomi Bagdonas Nir Halevy Christian Wheeler Ep.2 Communicating Our Multiple Selves: How to Effectively Manage Your Reputation Ep.13 Make ’Em Laugh: How to Use Humor as a Secret Weapon in Your Communication Ep.30 Dissolve Disagreements: How Communication Impacts Conflict Ep.18 Managing in the Moment: How to Get Comfortable with Being Uncomfortable 

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 (02:21) - Bridging Political Divides (05:34) - Navigating Confidence and Context (07:39) - Rethinking Leadership and Reputation (14:21) - 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.

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.

Effective leadership begins with the way you communicate.

Leading with impact isn’t about speaking louder—it’s about communicating in ways that resonate with what people already value. In Part 1 of this special two-part series from the Stanford LEAD Me2We Conference, Matt Abrahams brings together four expert GSB faculty—Allison Kluger, Nir Halevy, Christian Wheeler, and Naomi Bagdonas—to explore how to lead and communicate with intention. They share how authenticity builds trust, why discomfort is essential for growth, how to design space for serendipity, and the role AI can play in expanding—not replacing—human potential. From managing reputation to staying present in high-pressure moments, this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart offers insights to help leaders connect more effectively, show up with purpose, and inspire meaningful action.

Episode Reference Links:

Allison Kluger Book Allison Contributed to:  Brand Up Naomi Bagdonas Nir Halevy Christian Wheeler  Learn more about the Stanford Lead Program  Ep.2 Communicating Our Multiple Selves: How to Effectively Manage Your Reputation Ep.13 Make ’Em Laugh: How to Use Humor as a Secret Weapon in Your Communication Ep.30 Dissolve Disagreements: How Communication Impacts Conflict Ep.18 Managing in the Moment: How to Get Comfortable with Being Uncomfortable 

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 (03:38) - Managing Reputation and Authentic Communication (05:40) - Leadership Pluralism and Team Culture (07:40) - Discomfort, Growth, and Distraction (12:04) - Guiding Principles and the Serendipity Fund (14:39) - Using AI in Teaching and Research (23:58) - Fixing Hierarchies with CPR (25:53) - Authenticity, Humor Styles, and Human Flourishing (28:42) - Executive Presence and Owning the Room (31:31) - Writing Better Titles and Facilitating Interactions (33:24) - 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.

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.

Turn Q&A from nerve-wracking to confidence-boosting with strategies for clear, controlled answers.

A great presentation doesn’t end with the final slide—it continues through the Q&A, where real engagement happens. Yet, for many speakers, this is the most nerve-wracking part. In this episode, Matt Abrahams explores why Q&A can feel intimidating and how shifting your mindset can turn it into an opportunity rather than a challenge. Drawing from his book, Speaking Up Without Freaking Out, he shares expert-backed techniques for structuring responses, managing audience expectations, and maintaining composure under pressure. Whether you're facing a tough crowd or just want to refine your speaking skills, you’ll walk away with the confidence to command the room—no matter the question.

Audio excerpt based on Speaking Up without Freaking Out by Matt Abrahams (printed book by Kendall Hunt Publishing 2016), read by the author. Copyright 2024 by Matthew Abrahams LLC.

Episode Reference Links:

Speaking Up Without Freaking Out | Audio Book Speaking Up Without Freaking Out

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 (02:27) - The Challenge of Q&A (03:25) - Preparing for Q&A in Advance (04:05) - When to Take Questions (04:54) - How to Ask for Questions Effectively (05:57) - Audience Anxiety in Q&A (07:12) - Managing Questions Efficiently (08:13) - Answering Questions with Confidence (09:26) - The ADD Method for Answering Questions (10:39) - Closing Your Q&A with Impact (11:33) - 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.

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.

How to craft compelling stories that captivate, inspire, and make an impact.

Great storytelling isn't just about telling tales—it’s about crafting experiences that captivate, inspire, and drive change. In this special Quick Thinks bonus episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Matt Abrahams welcomes bestselling author Dan Heath for a masterclass on the power of stories.

Dan breaks down the elements of an impactful story, sharing a case study from his book Reset, outlining how to find compelling stories that connect with audiences, the structure of engaging narratives that keep people hooked, and the power of analogies and unexpected contrasts in storytelling.

Episode Reference Links:

Dan HeathDan’s Books: Reset: How to Change What's Not Working Ep.190 Motivation Matters: How to Leverage What People Already WantEp.170 Advice from Nontraditional Storytellers Part 1Ep.171 Advice from Nontraditional Storytellers Part 2 

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) - A Story About Change: The Hospital Case Study (04:16) - Breaking Down the Elements of a Great Story (06:48) - Finding the Right Stories (10:32) - Crafting Stories with Purpose (12:05) - 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.

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.

How to craft communication that your audience will remember.

Why do some messages stick, while others go in one ear and out the other? When it comes to crafting memorable communication, Ada Akasays not all verbiage is created equal. 

“Certain words are intrinsically more memorable than others,” says Aka, an assistant professor of marketing at Stanford Graduate School of Business. In her research of consumer behavior and decision-making, she’s uncovered how language shapes not just our perception of the world, “but how the world stays with us over time." From concrete terms to emotionally charged ones, certain words have more staying power than others, and to communicators who want to capture audiences (and keep them), she says, “Carefully chosen words, they're going to be taking the attention.”

In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Aka joins Matt Abrahams to explore the science of memorable communication. From creating brand slogans that stick to choosing words that align with your message, she reveals how to create communication that won't be forgotten.

Episode Reference Links:

Ada AkaEp.80 Magic Words: Change What You Say to Inspire and Influence Others

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 (02:08) - The Power of Words in Memory (03:48) - What Makes Words Memorable? (06:07) - Informal and Conversational Language (07:41) - AI & Memory (09:37) - Memorable Slogans (11:29) - Predicting Memorability: Why We Get It Wrong (13:18) - Framing in Communication (15:27) - Creating Meaningful Interactions (17:37) - The Final Three Questions (24:22) - 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.

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.

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 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 Book: Reset: How to Change What's Not Working Ep.164 Rethinks: Using "Pre-suasion" to Influence OthersEp.49 Make Numbers Count: How to Communicate Data Effectively  

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 (02:37) - The Power of Storytelling (05:47) - Leverage Points for Change (09:10) - Wasted Resources & Motivation (12:23) - Latent Desire in Systems (14:31) - Communicating Progress (18:08) - The Final Three Questions (26:49) - 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.

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.

Why numbers are only as compelling as the narratives we attach to them.

Facts and figures can be your friend, but before you load your presentation full of data, Miro Kazakoff has a word of caution: “Data’s objective, but people are not.”

You might think that your data speaks for itself, but Kazakoff says numbers need a narrative. A senior lecturer at MIT Sloan School of Management and author of Persuading with Data: A Guide to Designing, Delivering, and Defending Your Data, he says the key to making data persuasive isn't about showing more information — it's about understanding your audience well enough to know how to relay it in a way that will connect with them. "The people who get good at this are not so much the people who can talk and draw graphs well, but the people who can listen the best. It starts with is empathy.”

In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Kazakoff joins Matt Abrahams to explore how to transform complex data into clear, compelling communication. From avoiding the "curse of knowledge" to effectively orienting your audience through visualizations, he shares practical strategies for making your data not just informative, but persuasive.

Episode Reference Links:

Miro KazakoffMiro’s Book: Persuading with DataEp.49 Make Numbers Count: How to Communicate Data Effectively

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 (02:17) - How to Use Data Persuasively (04:04) - The Curse of Knowledge in Data Communication (06:29) - The Best Way to Present Data Visually (08:44) - The Role of Context in Making Data Meaningful (10:56) - Orienting Your Audience When Presenting Data (13:32) - Storytelling in Data Communication (15:33) - The Final Three Questions (22:30) - 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.

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.

How to really know what your audience is thinking.

To be a great communicator, you have to get out of your own head. But that’s not all, says Matt Lieberman. According to him, you also have to get into the head of someone else.

“Mind-reading is this remarkable ability that humans have,” explains Lieberman, a professor of psychology, director of UCLA’s Social Cognitive Neuroscience Lab, and author of Social: Why Our Brains Are Wired to Connect. But even as we engage in perspective-taking, Lieberman says our attempts to mind-read often miss the mark. Instead, he advocates for “perspective-getting” — where we don’t just intuit what others think, we ask them directly. “That is where more productive conversation comes from,” he says.

In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Lieberman and host Matt Abrahams explore insights from social neuroscience that can help us communicate more effectively. From understanding how our brains process social interactions to recognizing our own assumptions, he reveals why successful communication requires both humility and genuine curiosity about how others see the world.

Episode Reference Links:

Matt Lieberman Matt’s Book: Social: Why Our Brains Are Wired to ConnectEp.24 Feelings First: How Emotion Shapes Our Communication, Decisions, and ExperiencesEp.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 (02:17) - The Social Brain (05:18) - Neuroscience in Business (07:17) - The Science of Persuasion (11:49) - Social Pain & Connection (15:07) - Tackling Loneliness (17:59) - The Final Three Questions (26:02) - 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.

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.

Rethink career success by testing, adapting, and staying open to unexpected opportunities.

Career planning isn’t as straightforward as we often assume—but according to Dorie Clark, that’s actually a good thing. Instead of following a rigid path, she believes we should be “treating our careers like a series of experiments”—testing, iterating, and staying open to unexpected opportunities. "People assume they need to have everything mapped out for the next twenty years," Clark explains. "But in reality, careers are built through testing, learning, and adapting—just like a scientific hypothesis."

As a bestselling author and career strategist, Clark has spent years studying how professionals can future-proof their careers in an unpredictable world. She shares why informational interviews, LinkedIn strategy, and quarterly career check-ins are essential tools for anyone looking to make a career shift. “You don’t want to be so mired in your plan that you can’t take advantage of unexpected opportunities,” she says.

In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Clark joins host Matt Abrahams to challenge traditional career advice and explore strategic personal branding, the power of weak ties in networking, and why “reinvention isn’t a one-time event—it’s a habit.”

This episode is brought to you by LinkedIn. Explore your job potential atLinkedin.com/jobs. 

Episode Reference Links:

Dorie ClarkEp.118 Maximizing your Personal Brand: Communicating Who You Are to Help Get What You Want 

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 (02:57) - The Importance of Long-Term Career Vision (04:29) - Testing Your Career Hypothesis (06:02) - Being Proactive in Your Career (08:33) - Reinvention: Small vs. Big Career Changes (11:06) - How to Explore a New Industry (12:52) - Transferring Skills to New Careers (14:51) - Optimizing Your Personal Brand (20:12) - Best Career Advice Received (22:03) - Career Regrets & Lessons (23:46) - 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.

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.

Why good communication starts with tapping into your power.

Impactful communication isn’t just about the words you use. According to Chris Lipp, it’s about the power you deliver them with.

“When we have a belief in ourselves, what we say changes,” says Lipp, a professor at Tulane University’s Freeman School of Business and author of The Science of Personal Power. Throughout his career as an academic and communications coach for entrepreneurs, he’s explored how tapping into personal power can transform our messages and the impact they create. "Personal power is our belief in our own capability to create impact,” he says. “When things [take] shape on the inside, we think differently, we behave differently... and other people perceive that power."

In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Lipp and Matt Abrahams explore how our mindset shapes our message, sharing research-backed strategies for communicating with power. From embracing authenticity to staying grounded in our values, Lipp reveals how strong communication starts by building strength within.

Episode Reference Links:

Chris Lipp Chris’s Book: The Science of Person Power Ep.12 It's Not What You Say, It’s How You Say It: How To Communicate PowerEp.130 Rethinks: How to Maintain a Powerful Presence 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 (02:11) - From Persuasion to Power (03:07) - Defining Personal Power (04:29) - Mindset and Action-Oriented Communication (05:25) - The Power of Taking Responsibility (07:06) - Language and Personal Power (10:19) - The Four-Point Formula for Pitching (12:33) - Focusing on Benefits Over Features (13:28) - Personal Power in Pitching and Persuasion (14:38) - Nonverbal Communication and Power (17:08) - The Final Three Questions (21:50) - 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.

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.

How to captivate an audience and make your message stick.

Pitches and presentations don’t fall flat because speakers aren’t prepared. For Guy Kawasaki, it’s because speakers miss the point. “If all you're trying to do is inform, you're not going to pull it off. You have to entertain your audience.”

A renowned author, speaker, and entrepreneur, Kawasaki knows that the point of great storytelling isn’t about information, it’s about emotion. “Too many speakers think, ‘I need to inform my audience. I need to get my story across,’” he says. But throughout his career, formerly as Chief Evangelist at Apple and now co-founder of Canva, he’s shown how successful communication is about captivating audiences, not conveying facts. “If you entertain people, you have a chance of informing them.”

In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Kawasaki joins Matt Abrahams to explore practical strategies for building decks, structuring presentations, and tips for keeping audiences engaged. From investor pitches to keynote presentations, these strategies help create effective storytelling — in business and beyond.

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 (02:19) - The Key to Great Storytelling (04:07) - The Purpose of a Pitch (07:52) - How to Structure a Pitch Effectively (09:24) - The 10-20-30 Rule for Slide Presentations (12:50) - Using Images vs. Text in Presentations (13:31) - Lessons from Podcasting (15:02) - The Final Three Questions (21:10) - 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.

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.

Stay prepared, build your network, and take control of your career.

Most of us know that career growth is important—but according to Catherine Fisher, we're thinking about it all wrong. It’s not just about landing a job or climbing the ladder; it’s about staying adaptable, building strong connections, and being proactive about opportunities before you need them.

As LinkedIn’s Vice President of Global Consumer Communications, Fisher has spent years helping professionals navigate an evolving job market. She says the biggest mistake people make is waiting until they’re unhappy or unemployed to think about their next move. “Your network is like a garden,” she explains. “You have to tend to it constantly if you want it to thrive.”

In this episode of Think Fast Talk Smart, Fisher joins Matt Abrahams to share practical, actionable strategies for staying ahead. From recognizing when it’s time for a change to job crafting and personal branding, they explore how small but intentional moves can shape a career that aligns with your strengths and ambitions. Whether you're feeling stuck or simply want to future-proof your career, this conversation will give you the tools to stay in control and ready for what’s next.

This episode is brought to you by LinkedIn. Explore your job potential atLinkedin.com/jobs.

Episode Reference Links:

Catherine Fisher 

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 (02:36) - Signs for a Career Pivot (03:48) - Staying Proactive in Your Career (05:26) - Adopting a Growth Mindset (06:52) - Maintaining Career Motivation (09:33) - Using Job Descriptions for Growth (12:02) - Choosing the Right Skills (14:03) - Building a Strong Personal Brand (15:57) - Crafting Your Ideal Job (20:14) - Best Career Advice Received (21:14) - Career Lessons & Regrets (22:57) - 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.

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.

Reframe anxiety as a strength and use stress to enhance your communication.

Stress, anxiety, nervousness — when these feelings inevitably arise, lecturer Kelly McGonigal says it’s not about making them go away, but using them to your advantage.

“What I have come to value about anxiety,” says McGonigal, “is it’s a sign that I care.” As she explains, feelings of stress alert us to things that matter to us and help us stay present in the moment — particularly useful, she says, when it comes to communication.

In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, McGonigal and host Matt Abrahams discuss how to channel stress toward more effective communication and to a deeper connection to our own purpose and meaning.

Episode Reference Links:

Kelly McGonigal Original Episode: Ep.69 Feeling Nervous? How Anxiety Can Fuel Better CommunicationEp.10 High-Stakes Communication: How to Manage Anxiety When Speaking in Front of OthersEp.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 (03:01) - The Benefits of Anxiety in Communication (06:20) - Presence and Anxiety in Performance (08:00) - Common Communication Mistakes (11:59) - Encouraging Audience Engagement (15:03) - Crafting Effective Communication (17:00) - The Joy of Movement (20:08) - The Final Three Questions (28:13) - 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.

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.

Clarify your purpose — and stop wasting time.

The new year gives us an opportunity to reflect on who we are and who we want to be. As we set resolutions and prepare for evolutions, this special four-part series on communication, happiness, and well-being explores practical ways to enhance our lives through better communication, deeper connections, and more meaningful choices.

As Cassie Holmes knows, how we spend our time has a big impact on our happiness and well-being. For her, that means focusing on the things not just immediately in front of us, but those that most closely align with our purpose.

"When I say purpose, what I mean is what really drives you," explains Holmes, a professor at UCLA Anderson School of Management and author of Happier Hour: How to Beat Distraction, Expand Your Time, and Focus on What Matters Most. Living a happier and more fulfilled life, she says, rests on using purpose to drive our decisions. “Once you clarify for yourself: what is your purpose? What is your why? Then you can use that as a filter [for] where you should be spending your time.”

In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Holmes and host Matt Abrahams explore practical strategies for being more purposeful with our time. From email management to relationship building, Holmes shares research-backed approaches for achieving greater happiness through intentional choices.

This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try atBetterHelp.com/ThinkFastand get ten percent off your first month.

Episode Reference Links:

Cassie HolmesCassie’s Book: Happier Hour: How to Beat Distraction, Expand Your Time, and Focus on What Matters Most 

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 (03:31) - Defining Purpose (05:54) - Time Management Strategies (08:26) - Time Tracking for Insight (12:49) - Consolidating Tasks (14:41) - Presence and Happiness (16:44) - The Final Three Questions (21:17) - Conclusion

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Become a Faster Smarter Supporter by joining TFTS Premium.

Take advantage of our Sponsor offer from BetterHelp

Why connection is the key to a life well lived.

The new year gives us an opportunity to reflect on who we are and who we want to be. As we set resolutions and prepare for evolutions, this special four-part series on communication, happiness, and well-being explores practical ways to enhance our lives through better communication, deeper connections, and more meaningful choices.

When it comes to happiness, Arthur Brooks says it’s not about reaching a destination — it's about heading in the right direction. And according to him, that direction is fundamentally about relationships.

"Loving more people... more and more love... if you pursue that, you will defy the trends and get happier,” says Brooks, a social scientist, Harvard Business School professor, and author of several books including Build the Life You Want: The Art and Science of Getting Happier, cowritten with Oprah Winfrey. According to him, a happy life is made of enjoyment, satisfaction, and meaning, which we cultivate through connection with others. "Faith, family, friends, and work, that's your basic happiness 401k plan,” he says.

In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Brooks and host Matt Abrahams explore the fundamental role of relationships in creating a happy life, and how effective communication helps us build and maintain these essential connections.

This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try atBetterHelp.com/ThinkFastand get ten percent off your first month.

Episode Reference Links:

Arthur Brooks Arthur’s Book: Build the Life You Want: The Art and Science of Getting Happier

Connect:

Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart 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 (02:27) - Defining Happiness (03:58) - The Macronutrients of Happiness (05:00) - Challenges in Pursuing Happiness (06:27) - Breaking Down Meaning in Life (08:11) - Happiness Across Life Stages (11:16) - Modern Happiness Challenges (14:29) - Mindfulness and Being Present (19:08) - The Final Three Questions (22:54) - Conclusion

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Become a Faster Smarter Supporter by joining TFTS Premium.

Take advantage of our Sponsor offer from BetterHelp

Why creating happiness in the future starts today.

The new year gives us an opportunity to reflect on who we are and who we want to be. As we set resolutions and prepare for evolutions, this special four-part series on communication, happiness, and well-being explores practical ways to enhance our lives through better communication, deeper connections, and more meaningful choices.

In pursuing happiness and well-being, we often focus on the present moment. But according to Hal Hershfield, one of the best ways to help ourselves today is to have a conversation with ourselves in the future.

"When I say future self, I really mean any version of us that exists at some later point in time," explains Hershfield, a UCLA professor and author of Your Future Self: How to Make Tomorrow Better Today. By thinking of our future selves as different people — ones we should care about — we can make better choices in the present. "If we can tap into the feelings of our future selves, then we can do more that benefits them, which may make our lives easier now and later."

In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Hershfield and host Matt Abrahams explore how communication between our present and future selves can help us set goals, make decisions, and overcome pitfalls like procrastination, enabling us to take meaningful action now so we can thrive today and tomorrow.

This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try atBetterHelp.com/ThinkFastand get ten percent off your first month.

Episode Reference Links:

Hal Hershfield Hal’s Book: Your Future Self: How to Make Tomorrow Better Today

Connect:

Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart 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 (02:12) - What Is a Future Self? (03:37) - Mistakes in Time Travel Thinking (04:45) - Overcoming Procrastination (07:16) - Connecting to Our Future Selves (10:35) - Disappointment and Adjusting Goals (12:14) - Goal Setting and Motivation (15:02) - Public Accountability for Motivation (16:04) - The Final Three Questions (20:35) - Conclusion

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Become a Faster Smarter Supporter by joining TFTS Premium.

Take advantage of our Sponsor offer from BetterHelp

A double definition of happiness — and how to cultivate both parts.

The new year gives us an opportunity to reflect on who we are and who we want to be. As we set resolutions and prepare for evolutions, this special four-part series on communication, happiness, and well-being explores practical ways to enhance our lives through better communication, deeper connections, and more meaningful choices.

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to happiness, but according to Laurie Santos, everyone needs the two key components of contentment and fulfillment — or as she puts it, being happy in your life and happy withyour life.

“Being happy in your life [means] your life is filled with joy,” explains Santos, a Yale psychology professor and host of The Happiness Lab podcast. This felt sense of happiness — enjoying where we are, what we do, and who we’re with — is essential, but it’s not the only piece of the puzzle. Being happy with your life, she says, is the belief that “your life is going well. Being happy with your life gets closer to things like fulfillment and purpose.”

In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Santos joins Matt Abrahams to explore how to cultivate both sides of her happiness equation, from building deeper connections with others to transforming the ways we communicate with ourselves.

This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try atBetterHelp.com/ThinkFastand get ten percent off your first month.

Episode Reference Links:

 Laurie SantosThe Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos | 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 (02:08) - Defining Happiness (03:21) - The Role of Negative Emotions (04:54) - Balancing Negative and Positive Emotions (05:45) - Positive Communication (07:18) - Improving Self-Talk (09:50) - Deepening Conversations (11:04) - Navigating Difficult Conversations (12:39) - The Power of Gratitude (15:15) - Technology and Wellbeing (18:33) - The Final Three Questions (22:35) - Conclusion

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Become a Faster Smarter Supporter by joining TFTS Premium.

Take advantage of our Sponsor offer from BetterHelp

Clear communication during times of uncertainty.

Whether leading people through a 15-minute meeting or a years-long pandemic, communication requires compassion. For Dr. Anthony Fauci, that means being clear about who we’re speaking to and concise in what we say.

As one of the world's leading experts in infectious diseases and public health, Fauci has been America's most trusted voice during the COVID-19 pandemic and other health crises. Whether addressing groups of fellow scientists and specialists or everyday people, his communication approach is the same. "Know your audience," he says. "Decide what your message is and make it crisp [and] clear."

In addition to being clear about the known facts, Fauci advocates for equal transparency about the unknowns. "Be totally transparent into what you know and what you don't know," he says. "Transparency, honesty and a little bit of humility — let the audience know that you don't know everything."

In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Fauci joins Matt Abrahams to discuss how leaders can communicate more effectively by staying focused on what matters most. From managing uncertainty to handling contentious interactions, they explore how clarity and transparency build trust and drive results.

Episode Reference Links:

Dr. Anthony Fauci Dr. Fauci’s Book: Expect the Unexpected 

Connect:

Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart 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) - Communication in Crisis (03:34) - Strategies for Building Trust (04:54) - Adapting Messages for Different Audiences (06:59) - Techniques for Effective Communication (08:26) - Managing High-Stakes Communication (10:14) - Addressing Misinformation (11:27) - Impromptu Speaking Skills (14:39) - Managing Conflict in Communication (15:45) - The Final Three Questions (21:34) - 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.

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.

Ten essential communication strategies designed to elevate your skills.

2024 has been an incredible year for learning and growth, and as we head into 2025, there’s no better time to reflect on the skills and strategies that can shape our communication and careers. In this special episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Matt Abrahams takes us through ten standout lessons from the past year. These aren’t just ideas to remember — they’re practices to evolve with. From Priya Parker’s insights on generous authority to Huggy Rao’s call to cut through jargon monoxide, each concept highlights how small shifts in mindset and behavior can lead to big transformations. With actionable advice and real-world examples, this episode is packed with inspiration to help you Think Fast, Talk Smart, and communicate better in the year ahead.

Episode Reference Links:

Ep.174 Fix Meetings: Transform Gatherings Into Meaningful MomentsEp.164 Using "Pre-suasion" to Influence OthersEp.158 Hope for Cynics: Building Trusting Relationships through CommunicationEp.156 Creative Communication: How Our Design Choices Illustrate Our ValuesEp.148 Conviction and Compassion: How to Have Hard ConversationsEp.142 Power and Persuasion: Live Insights from Stanford ExpertsEp.137 When Words Aren’t Enough: How to Excel at Nonverbal CommunicationEp.138 Speak Your Truth: Why Authenticity Leads to Better CommunicationEp.134 How to Chat with Bots: The Secrets to Getting the Information You Need from AIEp.131 Friction Fixing: How to Use Obstacles to Your Advantage          Ep.120 A Few of Matt’s Favorite Things: 10 Communication Takeaways from 2023's TFTS Episodes 

Connect:

Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart 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) - Priya Parker: Gatherings And Generous Authority (04:34) - Robert Cialdini: Pre-Suasion (06:20) - Jamil Zaki: Trust Loudly (07:33) - Scott Dorley: Design Your Environment (09:59) - Irv Grousbeck: Brevity Conveys Conviction (11:28) - Michele Gelfand: Mind Your Metaphors (12:58) - Dana Carney: Take Space With Words (14:28) - Julia Minson: Use Hear When In Conflict (17:04) - Jeremy Utley And Kian Gohar: How To Chat With Bots (20:41) - Huggy Rao: Avoid Jargon Monoxide (22:47) - 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.

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.

Age diversity and cross-generational synergy can transform an organization.

Most of us know age diversity matters in the workplace. But according to UCLA’s Bob McCann, we're thinking about it all wrong: it's not just about having different generations present — it's about creating meaningful connections between them.

As director of UCLA's Leadership Communication Program and founder of the McCann Group, McCann has spent years researching intergenerational workplace dynamics. With four to six generations now working side by side, he says there’s never been a better time to create synergies between the old and the young.

"There's a tremendous opportunity for meeting and interacting with people who are different than you, for increasing a variety of potential outcomes in business in a positive way, if we can maximize our intergenerational engagement," he says. His research reveals that while many organizations focus on gender and ethnic diversity, age diversity often gets overlooked in DEI initiatives — despite its crucial role in workplace success.

In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, McCann joins Matt Abrahams to discuss how organizations can move beyond superficial age diversity to create meaningful cross-generational connections. From reverse mentoring programs to shadow boards, they explore practical ways leaders can harness the power of generational difference to drive innovation and collaboration.

Episode Reference Links:

Bob McCannEp.67 What Is Normal? How Culture Affects Communication StylesEp.21 Words Matter: How to Make Your Communication Inclusive

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 (02:27) - Why Generational Interactions Matter (03:20) - What is a Generation? (04:29) - Combating Workplace Ageism (05:47) - Breaking Stereotypes (08:22) - Better Intergenerational Interactions (11:07) - Technology and Training Across Generations (12:52) - The Three Final Questions (20:38) - 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.

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.

Enjoy this preview of our first Ask Matt Anything (AMA).

We are excited to introduce this special edition of Think Fast, Talk Smart, featuring a preview of our first-ever Ask Matt Anything (AMA) episode. Typically, these sessions are exclusive to our Think Fast, Talk Smart Premium members, where Matt Abrahams answers the most pressing communication questions submitted by our premium community.

Think Fast, Talk Smart Premium was created to deepen our connection with you and support your growth as effective communicators. Premium members enjoy exclusive benefits like regular full-length AMA episodes, eQuips, or Essential Quick Insight Playlist, early access to events, and more. Beyond this, your membership helps us continue to build a global community dedicated to improving communication skills and advancing careers.

If you find this episode helpful, we invite you to join our Think Fast, Talk Smart Premium community to unlock the full library of AMAs, submit your own questions, and gain access to even more tools and resources. Thank you for being part of our journey! You can learn more atfastersmarter.io/premium.

Episode Reference Links:

Ep.133 From Good to Super: How Supercommunicators Unlock the Language of ConnectionEp.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 (02:21) - Building Trust with Senior Leadership (04:43) - Engaging Large Virtual Audiences (08:31) - Managing Nonverbal Communication (10:41) - Balancing Emotions in Conversations (12:31) - Navigating Status Differences in Meetings (17:34) - 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.

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.

Crafting impactful toasts for every occasion.

"Almost reflexively, most of us focus in the moment on how others are perceiving us, yet these situations aren't about us at all." Matt Abrahams, host of Think Fast, Talk Smart, shares an excerpt from his book, Think Faster, Talk Smarter: How to Speak Successfully When You're Put on the Spot, on the art of delivering effective toasts and tributes. With a focus on public speaking in celebratory contexts, he offers a structured approach to crafting meaningful remarks.

Matt introduces the WHAT structure—a four-part formula designed to guide speakers through the process. This method helps ensure that the focus remains on the honorees, transforming speeches into gifts for the audience. He further shares tips for refining remarks, including the importance of brevity and the need to prepare for emotional moments. Matt advises, "Be brief and to the point. Long toasts, tributes, or introductions are usually bad ones." He also highlights the significance of setting others up for success, ensuring a smooth flow for subsequent speakers.

With insights from his book and practical examples, Matt equips listeners with the tools to deliver impactful toasts and tributes, making these moments memorable for all involved.

Audio excerpt courtesy of Simon & Schuster Audio from THINK FASTER, TALK SMARTER by Matt Abrahams, read by the author. Copyright 2023 by Matthew Abrahams LLC. Used with permission of Simon & Schuster, Inc.

Episode Reference Links:

Think Faster, Talk Smarter: How to Speak Successfully When You're Put on the Spot

Connect:

Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart 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 (02:11) - Key Insight: Toasts, Tributes, and Introductions (03:42) - Why it Matters (04:32) - Craft Your Content (05:43) - Step One: Why Are We Here? (06:27) - Step Two: How Are You Connected? (07:18) - Step Three: Anecdotes or Learnings (08:26) - Step Four: Thank (09:08) - Refine Your Remarks (09:35) - Tip One: Be Brief and to the Point (10:25) - Tip Two: Prepare to be Emotional (12:17) - Tip Three: Shine the Spotlight Away From You (12:47) - Tip Four: Make Your Anecdotes Accessible and Appropriate (13:17) - Tip Five: Strive for Unity (16:38) - Tip Six: Set Others Up for Success (17:31) - 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.

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.

Turn any meeting or get-together into a chance for deep connection and collaboration.

Whether you’re holding a team meeting or hosting a family get-together, the success of any gathering, says Priya Parker, isn’t about the perfect agenda or venue, but about the intentionality behind how you bring people together.

“90% of the success of any gathering happens before anyone enters the room,” says Parker. As the author of The Art of Gathering: How We Meet and Why It Matters, and a strategic advisor who has helped organizations worldwide reimagine their gatherings, Parker believes that thoughtful preparation can turn any meeting, whether professional or personal, into a meaningful and memorable experience for all involved. “Intentionality is the first step,” she says, “to pause and ask: why are we doing this? What is the purpose? What is the need in this community or in this classroom or in this team?”

In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Parker joins Matt Abrahams to explore the art of meaningful gatherings, sharing practical strategies for everything from crafting invitations that prime engagement to designing powerful closings that leave a lasting impact. By being more thoughtful in bringing people together, we can transform ordinary meetings into extraordinary opportunities for connection and collaboration.

Episode Reference Links:

Priya Parker Priya’s Book: The Art of Gathering Ep.124 Making Meetings Meaningful, Pt. 1: How to Structure and Organize More Effective Gatherings Ep.125 Making Meetings Meaningful, Pt. 2: Key Ingredients for Effective Meetings 

Connect:

Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart 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 (02:15) - Intentionality in Everyday Conversations (04:01) - Questioning the Purpose of Gatherings (06:09) - The Power of Great Questions (09:12) - Managing Heat in Conversations (11:21) - Encouraging Participation Beforehand (14:01) - Creating Impactful Endings (16:27) - The Final Three Questions (21:19) - 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.

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.

Master holiday conversations.

The holiday season is a time of joy, connection, and, occasionally, communication challenges and as we gather with family, friends, and colleagues, effective communication becomes crucial. To help make this time more enjoyable, this special Think Fast Talk Smart “Rethinks” episode revisits favorite “recipes” from past Stanford guests along with Matt’s advice for tackling three common holiday scenarios: contributing effectively to ongoing conversations, engaging in meaningful small talk, and managing conflict with clarity and empathy. Whether it's making small talk or resolving conflicts, these strategies aim to turn holiday communication hurdles into opportunities for connection and collaboration.

Episode Reference Links:

Ep.169 Don't Be a ZQ: Make Your Conversations Count 

Connect:

Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart 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 (03:25) - Challenge 1: Inserting Your Voice into Conversations (04:40) - Expert Insights on Inserting Ideas (06:26) - Challenge 2: Mastering Small Talk (08:02) - Expert Strategies for Small Talk (10:04) - Challenge 3: Managing Holiday Conflicts (13:49) - Expert Tips for Conflict Resolution (15:26) - 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.

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.

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"Start with the action moment or right before it," advises Hilary Price whose one-panel comic strips offer insights far beyond humor—they’re lessons in concise storytelling that resonate with anyone seeking to communicate effectively. “Simplify and amplify,” Price advises, emphasizing the art of clarity and impact. Every stroke of her pen strips away the unnecessary, letting the essentials shine through.

Creating her daily comic strip, Rhymes with Orange, Price starts with the game of “what if,” merging unexpected ideas to surprise and engage her readers. “You want to start at the action moment—or just before,” she notes, pointing out how the unsaid often speaks louder. Price extends this philosophy beyond cartoons: whether crafting a presentation, a joke, or a story, it’s essential to leave room for the audience to co-create meaning. “Don’t spoon-feed your readers,” she says. “The joy comes from not getting it, then getting it.”

In this bonus episode of Think Fast Talk Smart, Price joins host Matt Abrahams to explore the power of surprise, stakes, and shared experience in storytelling—reminding us that the punchline, whether in humor or communication, is where the magic happens.

Episode Reference Links:

Hilary PriceRhymes With OrangeEp.170 Advice From Nontraditional Storytellers Part 1Ep.171 Advice From Nontraditional Storytellers Part 2

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 (03:11) - What Makes a Good Story? (04:04) - Crafting a Story (05:24) - Auditioning the Characters (08:28) - Stories in Daily Life (10:16) - Visuals in Storytelling (12:03) - The Power of a Punchline (16:08) - Admired Storytellers (18:05) - Communicating with Titles (19:37) - Conclusion

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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.

Mindfulness can transform your communication and your career.

When we react, our instincts and impulses are in the driver’s seat. But when we take the time to reflect, that’s when Marshall Goldsmith says we take back control of how we respond.

“​​​​Before speaking at work, breathe,” Goldsmith says. “Is my comment going to improve this other human being's commitment? At home, breathe. Is my comment going to improve this relationship with someone I love? If the answer is no, why am I saying it?”

As a world-renowned executive coach, speaker, and best-selling author, Goldsmith teaches how a mindful approach can change how we relate to others, to ourselves, and even to our career goals and ambitions. Through reflection, we identify our values, which we can use to live what Goldsmith calls an “earned life — when the choices, risks, and effort we make in each moment align with an overarching purpose in our lives.”

In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Goldsmith joins host Matt Abrahams to explore practical strategies for bettering our interactions with others and ourselves, from his “feed forward” method for giving and receiving constructive critique to his "daily questions" practice, which prompts reflective self-inquiry to keep us focused on what truly matters.

Episode Reference Links:

Marshall GoldsmithMarshall’s Books: What Got Here Won't Get You There / Triggers Ep.138 Speak Your Truth: Why Authenticity Leads to Better Communication

Connect:

Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart 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 (02:11) - Key Communication Advice (02:53) - An Earned Life (04:50) - Transition to Leadership (06:21) - Breathe Before Speaking (07:36) - Feedforward vs. Feedback (08:36) - Managing Triggers (10:27) - Daily Success Checklist (13:05) - Using AI for Coaching (14:34) - Influencing Up Leadership (16:09) - The Final Three Questions (21:02) - 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.

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.

Make your audience a part of the story.

Great storytellers don't just relay information — they create experiences. As magicians, TikTok influencers, and stand-up comedians, these masters of engagement know that true connection happens when you make your audience a part of the story.

In part two of this special series on storytelling, host Matt Abrahams explores the art of audience connection with an extraordinary lineup. For magician Alex Moffat, it’s about immersive performance. “How can I get the audience to not [just] sit there watching? They've got to be able to feel it too,” he says. As TikTok's head of creator marketing, Kudzi Chikumbu says authenticity is everything. "Be your authentic self. Show yourself in a way that other people don't." And for standup comedian Orlando Leyba, it’s about leveraging presence and responsiveness to transform a performance into a genuine conversation.

In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, discover how these engagement experts create stories that don't just inform or entertain — they forge genuine connections with every audience member.

Episode Reference Links:

Alex MoffatKudzi ChikumbuOrlando Leyba Ep.168 How Story Can Change Everything in Your CareerEp.50 Telling Good Stories: How to Use the Elements of Narrative to Keep Listeners Engaged 

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 (02:22) - Linear vs. Nonlinear Storytelling (05:48) - Tools for Engaging an Audience (09:13) - Key Ingredients of a Good Story (11:02) - Authenticity in Storytelling (14:09) - Description in Storytelling (14:36) - Positivity in Storytelling (18:09) - Engaging Through Presence (19:46) - 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.

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.

Wisdom from the witness stand to the newsstand.

The best storytellers might not call themselves storytellers at all. But from litigating in the courtroom to crafting newspaper cartoons, these experts know how to weave narratives that resonate.

In part one of this special two-part series, host Matt Abrahams explores the foundations of effective storytelling with tech litigator Neel Chatterjee and syndicated cartoonist Hilary Price. Chatterjee, drawing parallels to stand-up comedy, emphasizes the critical importance of those first few lines: "We have to figure out the two to three-line statement on 'this is a case about'..." Meanwhile, Price reveals the power of restraint in storytelling. "You want to simplify and amplify," she says. "I only want to put the elements that are important. Never spoon-feed your reader."

In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, nontraditional storytelling masters share their approach to structure, framing, and audience engagement, revealing insights that we can all use to transform our communication — whether in convincing a jury, crafting the perfect punchline, or sharing stories in everyday life.

Episode Reference Links:

Neel ChatterjeeHilary PriceEp.168 How Story Can Change Everything in Your CareerEp.50 Telling Good Stories: How to Use the Elements of Narrative to Keep Listeners Engaged 

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 (03:19) - Structure in Storytelling (05:59) - The Premise and Promise (06:58) - Being Concise in Storytelling (10:54) - Visuals in Storytelling (13:57) - 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.

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.

​​ What makes a great conversation?

“Many of us dread small talk,” says Harvard Business School professor and author Alison Wood Brooks. Yet she believes these everyday exchanges are the gateway to deeper connection and opportunity. An expert in the science of conversation, Wood Brooks, teaches a popular course titled Talk and has spent years researching what makes a great conversation. "Big things often start with small talk," she notes. "It’s not about avoiding it; it’s about knowing how to use it to uncover something meaningful."

In this LinkedIn Live episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Wood Brooks joins host Matt Abrahams to share a practical framework for mastering small talk and making it enjoyable, even for those who loathe it. Drawing from her "topic pyramid" approach, Wood Brooks breaks down how to elevate a conversation from mundane chitchat to something memorable. “Think of it as a treasure hunt,” she suggests. “Small talk is where you start looking for golden nuggets that can lead to deeper engagement.”

Episode Reference Links:

Alison Wood Brooks Alison's Book: TalkEp.73 Listen Up: Why It’s Better to Be Interested than Interesting Ep.89 Listen, Listen, Listen: How to Build Deep Connections 

Connect:

Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart 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 (02:18) - What Makes a Good Conversation? (04:37) - The Topic Pyramid (07:18) - Preparation for Small Talk (09:34) - Remembering Conversation Details (11:12) - Asking Too Many Questions (13:05) - Conversation Goals and Contexts (16:59) - Virtual vs In-Person Conversations (18:48) - The Importance of Listening (24:40) - Think Fast Talk Smart Premium (25:58) - 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.

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.

Introducing our new Premium membership, designed to enhance communication and career skills with expanded content and tools. Enjoy early access to live events, AMAs (Ask Matt Anything), eQuips—Essential Quick Insight Playlists—Extended Deep Thinks episodes, and the AI Chat Matt tool.

The focus is on building a global community where members can connect, share insights, and receive feedback. A portion of membership fees will support charities dedicated to developing communication skills worldwide.

Connect:

Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart 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

Make your message memorable.

“Immediately forgettable” — that’s how Matthew Dicks describes most of the business communication that he encounters. If you want to be remembered, he says, it’s time to tell stories.

A veteran elementary school teacher, storytelling coach, and best-selling author, Dicks knows how the right narrative can transform mundane messages into stories that stick. In his book, Storyworthy: Engage, Teach, Persuade, and Change Your Life through the Power of Storytelling, he explores how to capture and hold an audience’s attention, which is particularly critical for business leaders. "When we tell a story about a product or service, the people we work with, our company, we become memorable and interesting and entertaining in a way that doesn't happen very often in business," he says.

In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Dicks and host Matt Abrahams discuss practical techniques for crafting compelling narratives, from setting a scene to creating suspense. “Don’t build a building. Don’t buy a machine,” he says. Becoming a better storyteller is one of the most effective ways to level up. “It’s a crazy thing for businesses,” he says.

Episode Reference Links:

Matthew DicksMatthew’s Book: Storyworthy Ep.50 Telling Good Stories: How to Use the Elements of Narrative to Keep Listeners EngagedEp.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 (02:15) - Why Storytelling Matters in Business (03:51) - The Essence of a Good Story (05:52) - Become a Better Storyteller (07:32) - Using Suspense in Stories (09:38) - Suspense in Business Communication (11:40) - Structuring Stories Like Scenes (13:49) - Relating Stories to Life (16:16) - Homework for Life (18:56) - Storytelling Delivery (22:01) - The Final Three Questions (26:06) - 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.

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.

Beyond the Big Screen.

Every business meeting, product launch, or marketing communication has something in common with your favorite movie: they all succeed or fail based on their ability to make you feel something. Just ask Jeff Small, CEO of Amblin Partners.

"Good stories win," says Small, who leads one of the world's most renowned independent film and television companies alongside Steven Spielberg. As both a business leader and storytelling expert, Small knows that successful communication is built on person-to-person connection through the power of story. "Whatever walk of life you're in, you have to be able to tell a story to connect with people, to get across the message that you're trying to get across."

In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Small joins host Matt Abrahams to share insights from his experience at the intersection of creativity and commerce, unpacking how effective storytelling can transform your communication, whether leading teams through industry disruption, resolving conflicts at work and at home, or creating films to inspire audiences for generations to come.

Episode Reference Links:

Jeff SmallEp.153 Listen Up, Leaders: A Record-Setting Coach’s Guide to CommunicationEp.35 Leading From The Hot Seat: How To Communicate Under Pressure

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 (02:39) - What Makes a Good Story? (03:32) - Bringing Emotion into Communication (04:08) - Storytelling Across Professions (06:12) - Crafting an Effective Story (07:58) - Uniqueness in Storytelling (09:01) - Balancing Creativity and Business (10:30) - Managing Conflict with Connection (12:19) - Screen Time and Family (13:59) - Navigating Industry Change (16:19) - The Final Three Questions (24:42) - 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.

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.

Why practice is the key to success.

If there’s anyone who knows about performing under pressure, it’s former NFL quarterback Andrew Luck. Whether playing in front of thousands or presenting to ten, his key to success is practice.

"There's a romantic notion that you rise to the occasion," says Luck, a Stanford graduate and four-time Pro Bowl selection. "But I think you settle to the level of your training. We practiced those high-pressure situations all the time.” From calling critical game-winning plays to navigating communication off the field, our performance in high-stakes situations, Luck maintains, is determined by our level of preparation.

In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Luck and host Matt Abrahams explore how deliberate practice can help us hone our performance across all domains of our lives.  From managing high-pressure situations to building psychological safety in homes and workplaces, Luck shares insights gained from both sides of the field — as a player and now as a coach.

Episode Reference Links:

Andrew LuckEp.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 (02:35) - Communication in High-Stress Situations (04:45) - Staying Calm Under Pressure (07:15) - Earning Leadership Through Respect (08:38) - Overcoming Conflict Aversion (09:45) - Decision to Retire from the NFL (11:52) - Returning to Education (13:30) - Life Lessons Through Coaching (17:49) - The Final Three Questions (20:57) - 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.

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.

Create more meaningful communication by defining your audience.
 
Before you even think about communicating a message, defining a brand, or developing a strategy, Seth Godin says you have to ask these questions: “Who’s it for? What’s it for? And what’s the change [you] seek to make?”

As a best-selling author, entrepreneur, and marketing expert, Godin understands that effective communication rests on purpose and intent. “Branding is not logoing,” he says, but a “promise” that an individual or company makes about who they are and what others can expect of them. By intentionally defining who we are and who our audience is, Godin argues we can create more meaningful connections and drive real change.

In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Godin and host Matt Abrahams explore how we can be more deliberate in our communication, using storytelling, clarity of messaging, and defining the impact we want to make on our audience and the world.

Episode Reference Links:

Seth GodinSeth’s Books: This Is Strategy / This Is MarketingEp.64 Best of: Techniques for Managing Your ReputationEp.118 Maximizing your Personal Brand: Communicating Who You Are to Help Get What You Want 

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 (02:17) - Defining Branding and Marketing (03:58) - The Role of Status in Podcast Growth (06:07) - Storytelling as a Powerful Tool (07:47) - The Smallest Viable Audience (09:20) - Clarity in Messaging (11:37) - Strategy Defined (15:00) - Developing Effective Strategies (17:36) - The Final Three Questions (23:41) - 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.

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.

The inner workings of social influence and persuasion.

Want to change someone’s mind? First, explains Robert Cialdini, you have to change their framing.

For Cialdini, the Regent's Professor Emeritus of Psychology and Marketing at Arizona State University, persuasion begins before we even deliver our pitch or presentation. Through what he calls “Pre-suasion,” communicators can prime audiences to receive messages in a specific way, simply by drawing their attention in specific directions. 

“It involves focusing people on—putting them in mind of—those motivators before they encounter [them] in the communicator’s message,” Cialdini says, “bringing people’s focus of attention onto something that is nested in the message…before that message is delivered, so they have been readied for the concept.”

In this episode, Matt Abrahams and Cialdini talk about the motivating power of FOMO, getting better advice from others, and how your next wine purchase could be influenced by what music is playing in the shop.

Episode Reference Links:

Robert CialdiniRobert's books: Influence / Pre-SuasionEp.11 The Science of Influence: How to Persuade Others And Hold Their AttentionEp.142 Power and Persuasion: Live Insights from Stanford Experts Original Episode: Ep.76 Change My Mind: Using “Pre-suasion” to Influence Others 

Connect:

Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart 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 (03:22) - Persuasion and Pre-suasion (06:43) - Priming and Framing in Pre-suasion (09:24) - Understanding Scarcity (12:14) - The Unity Principle (15:30) - Social Proof and Influence (20:50) - The Role of Language in Persuasion (23:49) - The Final Three Questions (30:13) - 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.

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.

How acceptance and authenticity can transform all of our interactions.

What’s the key to experiencing deeper connection in our communication? According to Alan Alda, it starts with acceptance — of others and ourselves.

"Connecting, communicating, and clarity," Alda explains, "they're all based on hearing what the other person is really saying; letting the person be real; accepting them.” As an acclaimed actor, writer, director, and author of If I Understood You, Would I Have This Look on My Face?, Alda has spent much of his career exploring how acceptance enables us to be our authentic selves, leading to better communication and truer connection. “There’s nothing more engaging than the real you,” he says.

Also the founder of the Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science at Stony Brook University, Alda strives to help scientists and health professionals communicate more effectively with the public. “Science can't do its work unless it gets funded. And it can't get funded if people don't understand what the scientists are trying to do,” he says.

In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Alda and host Matt Abrahams discuss how acceptance and authenticity can transform all of our interactions, from complicated science conversations to everyday communication.

Episode Reference Links:

Alan AldaAlan’s Book: If I Understood You, Would I have This Look on My Face? Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science Ep.82 It’s Not About You: Why Effective Communicators Put Others First Ep.114 Communication Means Paying Attention: The Four Pillars of Active Listening 

Connect:

Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart 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 (02:25) - Motivation for Communication (04:25) - Avoiding Communication Pitfalls (06:41) - The Role of Clarity and Vividness (07:48) - Reflection in Communication (08:38) - Connection in Conversations (09:53) - Reframing Communication Anxiety (11:33) - Asking Meaningful Questions (12:28) - Matt’s Communication Journey (14:15) - The Art of Storytelling (16:42) - The Final Three Questions (20:47) - 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.

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.

Being present in the moment and staying open to whatever unfolds.

We all want to lead lives and careers full of joy and fulfillment. Maggie Baird certainly has, and the key, she says, is to stay open to new possibilities and “let your passion lead.”

Baird is an accomplished actress, improv teacher at the Groundlings Theater, mother to music sensations Billie Eilish and Phineas, and founder of Support and Feed, a nonprofit addressing food equity and the climate crisis. Through it all, she has embodied the improv principle of "Yes, and..." — being present in the moment and staying open to whatever unfolds. “I have done many things,” she says, “but I never approached any of them as a career change. They all came out of new interests and new experiences.”

In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Baird joins host Matt Abrahams to explore the critical role of communication in developing a career, and how improv principles can help us engage, as Baird says, “From a place of open-heartedness, appreciation, [and] collaboration.”

Episode Reference Links:

Support And FeedEp.118 Maximizing your Personal Brand: Communicating Who You Are to Help Get What You WantEp.1 Speaking Without a Net: How to Master Impromptu CommunicationEp.9 Quick Think: How Being Present-Oriented Improves 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 (02:19) - Career Transitions (03:11) - Teaching and Confidence Through Improv (05:29) - Improv as a Communication Tool (07:11) - Structure and Freedom in Improv (09:03) - Teaching with Empathy (12:00) - Advocacy in the Music Industry (14:44) - Collaboration and Positive Change (17:33) - The Final Three Questions (21:10) - 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.

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.

Gain control over your speaking and excel in your communication.

For the first anniversary of his book Think Faster, Talk Smarter, Matt Abrahams shares strategies from the first chapter, focusing on managing speaking anxiety and improving spontaneous communication. Through personal anecdotes and practical techniques, he explains how to handle unexpected questions, reframe anxiety as excitement, and use mindfulness and breathing exercises to stay calm under pressure. The episode also offers tips for managing physical symptoms of anxiety and staying mentally focused during high-stakes situations

Audio excerpt courtesy of Simon & Schuster Audio from THINK FASTER, TALK SMARTER by Matt Abrahams, read by the author. Copyright 2023 by Matthew Abrahams LLC. Used with permission of Simon & Schuster, Inc.

Reference Links:

Link to buy book in your country: Think Faster, Talk Smarter Ep.48 Speaking Up Without Freaking Out: How to Tackle Communication Anxiety 

Connect:

Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart 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 (02:03) - The Onion Interview (03:45) - Speaking Up Without Freaking Out (06:13) - The ABCs of Speaking Anxiety (07:27) - Mindfulness Matters (09:45) - Reframe Anxiety as Excitement (11:09) - Cooling Down and Managing Physical Symptoms (16:56) - Taming Negative Thoughts (18:07) - The Power of Repetition (18:45) - Preparing Questions (21:10) - Rationalizing the Odds (22:13) - 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.

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.

Know your audience and tailor the message for them.

In high-stakes communication, every word counts. For Jen Psaki, that means knowing who she’s talking to — so she knows just what to say.

As the former White House Press Secretary and current host of Inside with Jen Psakion MSNBC, Psaki has discovered that communication isn’t about “saying the most words or saying them the loudest,” but about knowing your audience well enough to tailor the message just for them. “You need to think about how you're going to get your audience to listen to you,” she says. “The goal of communicating is to crack the door open so somebody wants to hear more.”

In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Psaki and host Matt Abrahams explore her approach to strategic communication: identifying your audience and using what you know to engage with them and get them to engage with you.

Episode Reference Links:

Jen Psaki Jen’s Book: Say MoreEp.22 Under Pressure How to Communicate Clearly and Timely During CrisisEp.155 Can We Be Candid? How to Communicate Clearly and Directly

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 (02:33) - Principles of Communication (03:34) - Skills for Effective Listening (04:17) - Engagement and Lowering Barriers (05:16) - Tailoring Communication (06:40) - Preparation and Practice for Confidence (08:33) - The Value of Feedback (11:36) - Handling Difficult Questions (14:04) - High-Stakes Negotiation (16:56) - The Final Three Questions (23:12) - 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.

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.

Why organizational strategy can be both top-down and bottom-up.

As Professor Jesper Sørensen sees it, a winning strategy is the result of conversations, not commands, and that strategy can be directed from the C-suite, but it doesn’t have to be. “Lots of great strategies are discovered,” he says, “they’re discovered because the leaders were able to listen to their frontline workers or their frontline managers.” A more iterative approach, says Sørensen, helps companies adapt their strategy to an ever-changing landscape.

In the latest episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Sørensen joins host and lecturer Matt Abrahams to discuss how organizations can use better communication to craft better strategies.

Episode Reference Links:

Jesper B. SørensenSørensen’s Book: Making Great StrategyOriginal Episode: Ep.71 Strategy Success: How to Communicate Your GameplanEp.103 Simple is a Superpower: How to Communicate Any Idea to Any AudienceEp.41 Speak Like a Founder: How Successful Entrepreneurs Communicate to Their Teams

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 (03:04) - Defining Strategy (04:47) - Common Misconceptions about Strategy (06:33) - The Concept of a Strategy Argument (08:30) - Strategy as a Communication Tool (12:19) - The Dynamic Nature of Strategy (13:55) - Storytelling in Strategy Communication (16:21) - Propagating Strategy Through Storytelling (18:27) - The Final Three Questions (27:03) - 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.

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.

What it takes to develop as a leader.

Great leaders and great communicators aren't born, they're made. That's why John Hennessy and Tina Seelig, directors of Stanford University’s Knight-Hennessy Scholars, are working to create the great storytellers of tomorrow, today.

"We decided that there was a leadership void, and that was a driving motivation to do this," says Hennessy, former Stanford president and current Alphabet chairman. The program, which he co-founded in 2016 with Stanford alum and Nike co-founder Phil Knight, equips scholars with essential leadership skills through hands-on experience and collaborative problem-solving.

Seelig, executive director of the program, emphasizes that great leadership centers on effective storytelling. "No matter how compelling your invention, your idea, the thing you want to do in the world, if you can't communicate it in [an] effective way, nobody's going to listen," she says.

In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Hennessy, Seelig, and host Matt Abrahams explore what it takes to develop as a leader, discussing the role of communication, the power of empathy, and the centrality of storytelling.

Episode Reference Links:

John L Hennessy Tina Seelig Knight-Hennessy ScholarsLeading Matters PodcastEp.155 Can We Be Candid? How to Communicate Clearly and DirectlyEp.35 Leading From the Hot Seat: Hot to Communicate Under Pressure

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 (02:33) - The Core of Knight-Hennessy Scholars (03:21) - Knight-Hennessy Scholars Leadership Model (05:00) - Empathy and Humility in Leadership (07:26) - Storytelling in Leadership (08:48) - Challenges in Storytelling (10:22) - Diversity in Leadership (12:46) - Feedback in Leadership Development (13:56) - Aspiring to Big Ideas in Leadership (14:42) - The Leading Matters Podcast (16:36) - The Final Three Questions (21:55) - 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.

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.

“Acts of trust are the bedrock on which relationships are formed.”

There’s a lot in the world to make us cynical about other people and their motives and intentions. But by “trusting loudly,” Professor Jamil Zaki believes we can renew our faith in one another.

Zaki is a professor of psychology at Stanford, director of the Stanford Social Neuroscience lab, and author of several books, including his most recent, Hope for Cynics: The Surprising Science of Human Goodness. While many people feel suspicious of others and are reluctant to trust them, Zaki finds that relying on other people is a necessary part of forming relationships.

“Acts of trust are the bedrock on which relationships are formed,” Zaki says. “The only way that strangers become friends and friends become best friends, the only way that we can build partnerships is through a willingness to count on one another.”

In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Zaki joins host Matt Abrahams to discuss practical strategies for fostering trust and challenging our cynical assumptions, offering a hopeful perspective on human nature, backed by surprising scientific insights.

Episode Reference Links:

Jamil ZakiJamil’s Lab: Stanford Social Neuroscience Lab Jamil’s Book: Hope for CynicsEp.84 Quick Thinks: How Others Define UsEp. 129 Connect Deeply: How to Communicate So People Feel Seen and Heard

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 (02:29) - Defining Trust and Its Importance (03:20) - Building Better Trust (04:50) - Understanding Cynicism (07:13) - The Cynicism Spectrum (09:33) - Fostering Hopeful Skepticism (11:46) - Challenges of Overcoming Cynicism (16:36) - Self-Fulfilling Prophecies (18:57) - The Final Three Questions (28:00) - 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.

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.