Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques

Artificial intelligence can now do a lot of things. But if you’re worried about it taking your place as a communicator, Russ Altman says you need to question why you’re communicating in the first place.

Altman is a professor of bioengineering, a senior fellow at the Stanford Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence, and host of Stanford Engineering’s podcast, The Future of Everything. According to him, advancing technology isn’t a threat to human creativity and connection, but a tool we can use to raise our own standards for communication.

“If you're worried that a ChatGPT-type tool can replace you, you need to [ask]: Why am I communicating? What am I trying to say? Do I have a message?” he says. “If those things are true, it shouldn't be a problem. It should actually amplify and improve your message.”

In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Altman and host Matt Abrahams explore how effective communication can help us envision, articulate, and navigate towards our desired future, in our relationships, in our work, and in society.

Episode Reference Links:

• Stanford Profile: Russ B. Altman
• The Future of Everything Podcast | Stanford University School of Engineering 
• Ep.109 Simplify! How to Communicate Complex Ideas Simply and Effectively Website / YouTube 
• Ep. 3 When Knowing Too Much Can Hurt Your Communication: How to Make Complex Ideas Accessible Website / YouTube

Connect:

• Email Questions & Feedback >>> [email protected]
• Episode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart Website
• Newsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.io
• Think Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn,  Instagram, YouTube
• Matt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn

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As a designer, Scott Doorley is interested in how humans create the world around them. It’s a conversation, he says, that starts with the question: What kind of world do we want?

Doorley is the creative director of the Stanford d.school and co-author of the book, Assembling Tomorrow: A Guide to Designing a Thriving Future. In designing everything from a device to an app to a building, “People get excited about what it can do,” he says, “but what should it do? What do we want? What's the desirable outcome that we want in the world?”

In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Doorley and host Matt Abrahams discuss how applying design thinking to communication can help us connect more with each other, better understand the world, and create meaningful change.

Episode Reference Links:

• Stanford d.school Profile: Scott Doorley 
• Stanford d.school 
• Scott’s Book: Assembling Tomorrow
• Ep.61 Courage, Belonging, Ambiguity and Data: How to Design Your Communication for Success
• Ep.70 Ideas Fuel Innovation: Why Your First Ideas Aren’t Always the Best

Connect:

• Email Questions & Feedback >>> [email protected]
• Episode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart Website
• Newsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.io
• Think Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn,  Instagram, YouTube
• Matt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn

Chapters:

(00:00:00) Introduction

Host Matt Abrahams introduces guest Scott Doorley, creative director of Stanford’s d.school.

(00:01:07) What is Design?

The broad scope of design at Stanford's d.school and the role of intention in bringing ideas to life.

(00:02:16) The Design Process

The design process, emphasizing desirability and externalizing ideas to understand them better.

(00:03:32) Communication in Design

The vital role of communication in all aspects of design.

(00:05:09) Mistakes in Spatial Design

The biggest mistake people make when arranging spaces for communication and interaction.

(00:06:47) Runaway Design

The concept of runaway design and its implications in the modern world.

(00:09:29) Intangibles and Actionables

The distinction between actionables and intangibles, and how these concepts can be applied beyond design.

(00:12:47) Using Stories in Design

How storytelling helps envision and communicate future impacts of design.

(00:16:20) Emotion in Innovation

The role of emotions in driving innovation, communication, and design.

(00:19:03) The Final Three Questions

Scott shares what he is currently designing, a communicator he admires, and his ingredients for successful communication.

(00:23:17) Conclusion

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Navigators know the shortest distance between two points is a straight line. In charting a course through communication, Susan Rice says the best route is often the most direct.

Throughout her career at the forefront of American diplomacy and foreign policy, Rice has been no stranger to high-stakes situations that hinge on clear and candid communication. As she says, “I'm very direct. I don't believe in playing games, going around people, and being passive-aggressive. I shoot straight.” 

Rice graduated from Stanford University in 1986 and served as the US Ambassador to the United Nations from 2009 to 2013 and the National Security Advisor from 2013 to 2017. She is currently the Bernard and Susan Liautaud Visiting Fellow. Rice is the author of Tough Love: My Story of the Things Worth Fighting For.

But beyond being direct herself, Rice knows the value of allowing others to be direct with her. “If you give it, you got to be able to take it,” she says. “I've benefited at various stages of my career from colleagues who've been kind enough to give me the hard truths or the tough love to enable me to be better and help me to recognize where I'm falling short.”

In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Rice and host Matt Abrahams discuss how to foster personal and professional relationships where candidness can thrive — even when communicating with those we don’t agree with.

Episode Reference Links:

• Stanford Freeman Spogli Institute Profile: Susan E. Rice
• Susan’s Book: Tough Love
• Ep.35 Leading from the Hot Seat: How to Communicate Under Pressure

Connect:

• Email Questions & Feedback >>> [email protected]
• Episode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart Website
• Newsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.io
• Think Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn,  Instagram, YouTube
• Matt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn

Chapters:

(00:00:00) Introduction

Host Matt Abrahams introduces guest Dr. Susan Rice, former White House official and representative to the United Nations.

(00:00:56) Leadership Principles

Susan discusses vision, direction, and the importance of people in leadership.

(00:03:10) Giving and Receiving Feedback

Importance of direct communication and the value of constructive feedback.

(00:05:01) Negotiation Insights

Strategies for understanding and leveraging positions in negotiations

(00:06:50) Enjoyment of Negotiation

The skills and satisfaction involved in successful negotiations.

(00:07:59) Standing Out

Advice for those who find themselves different from others in their professional environments.

(00:10:33) The Final Three Questions

Susan shares how she balances family political differences, communicators she admires, and ingredients for successful communication.

(00:16:17) Conclusion 

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"In a leadership role, so much more of communication is about connecting with people, establishing shared humanity, motivating them, inspiring them, sometimes challenging them." 

On August 1, 2024, Jonathan D. Levin, the tenth dean of Stanford Graduate School of Business, was appointed the President of Stanford University. In this Think Fast, Talk Smart episode from 2022, Levin reflects on the importance of communication as a leader. There is a balance, he says, in being direct with your dialogue, while also "leaving space for people to form their own opinions, to discuss ideas, to debate."

Episode Reference Links:

• Stanford Profile: Jonathan Levin
• Original Episode: Ep.68 Directive vs. Dialogue: Communicating Better as a Leader Website / YouTube 

Connect:

• Email Questions & Feedback >>> [email protected]
• Episode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart Website
• Newsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.io
• Think Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn,  Instagram, YouTube
• Matt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn

Chapters:

(00:00:00) Introduction

Host Matt Abrahams introduces guest Jon Levin, Dean of Stanford Graduate School of Business.

(00:01:33) Evolution of Communication in Leadership

How Jon’s communication has evolved over his career.

(00:03:30) Best Practices in Leadership Communication

Communicating with clarity during times of ambiguity and challenge.

(00:06:16) The Future of Communication in Business

The role of communication in business leadership and education.

(00:07:00) Teaching Capitalism Amid Societal Issues

How Stanford GSB educates students on capitalism while addressing modern challenges.

(00:10:35) Expanding Business Education

The Stanford GSB’s initiatives to reach and educate a broader audience.

(00:13:02) The Final Three Questions

John shares his best communication advice, a communicator he admires and ingredients for successful communication. 

(00:15:17) Conclusion

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Tara VanDerveer has more wins than any other coach in NCAA basketball history. But as she says, motivating and leading teams isn’t about barking orders. Communication, she says, “It starts, number one, with listening.”

For VanDerveer, leadership isn’t about a power dynamic, but a collaboration between her and her team. “I can't do it by myself and they can't do it by themselves. But as a team, we can,” she says. From seeking opinions from her assistant coaches to connecting with players about life outside the gym, VanDerveer recognizes that championships are won through communication. “The relationships that you have with your players, the communication that you have with them, will determine your success as a coach,” she says.

In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, VanDerveer and host Matt Abrahams explore more communication insights from on and off the court — being clear and concise, giving praise and positive feedback, and letting go of perfectionism.

Episode Reference Links:

• Stanford Cardinal Profile: Website 
• Ep.102 Create Presence: How to Communicate in a Way Others Can Feel Website / YouTube 
• Ep.35 Leading From The Hot Seat: How To Communicate Under Pressure Website / YouTube 

Connect:

• Email Questions & Feedback >>> [email protected]
• Episode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart Website
• Newsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.io
• Think Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn,  Instagram, YouTube
• Matt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn

Chapters:

(00:00:00) Introduction

Host Matt Abrahams introduces guest Tara VanDerveer, former Stanford University basketball coach.

(00:00:59) Building Trust and Openness

Fostering an environment where players feel comfortable being challenged and pushing themselves.

(00:01:52) Communicating Under Pressure

Strategies for speaking clearly and concisely during crucial moments in games.

(00:05:24) Motivation and Focus

Motivating a team during challenging times and keeping them focused after successes.

(00:07:26) The Value of Routine

The value and impact of routines in practice and performance.

(00:09:01) Positive Feedback and Praise

Balancing constructive criticism with positive feedback to foster player growth.

(00:10:46) Taking Risks

Insights on taking risks in career and coaching strategies.

(00:12:56) Dual Role of Coaching

The dual role of a coach in ensuring both athletic and personal growth for players.

(00:14:11) Handling Turnover and Onboarding

Managing player turnover and integrating new team members.

(00:16:39) Managing Emotions

Techniques for staying calm and focused during high-emotion situations.

(00:17:55) Handling Mistakes and Staying Positive

Methods for helping players move past mistakes and stay focused.

(00:19:35) Equity in Sports

Addressing and advocating for equity between women's and men's sports.

(00:21:21) Final Three Questions

Tara shares how to accept praise, two communicators she admires, and her recipe for successful communication.

(00:26:30) Conclusion

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“Anything is fixable,” say Frances Frei and Anne Morriss. As cohosts of the Fixable podcast, they’re typically the ones doing the fixing, but on this special episode, they turn to Matt Abrahams for tips on what to do when communication breaks down.

Both Frei and her wife Morriss are public speakers; the former, a professor at Harvard Business School, the latter, a CEO and best-selling author. As they discuss with Matt Abrahams, perfectionism and self-doubt can often creep in, both during preparation before speaking and after the fact. According to Matt, effective communication is about “connection, not perfection.” Instead of putting pressure on ourselves to “get it right,” Matt encourages us to shift our focus from ourselves to those we’re speaking to. “Whenever you're communicating, you're in service of the audience you're communicating to,” he says. “It's not about you, it's about them and what you can do for them.”

In this podcast episode, Frei, Morriss, and Matt explore frameworks and strategies for speaking more spontaneously, building confidence, managing anxiety, and course-correcting when communication goes awry.

Episode Reference Links:

• Fixable Podcast: Website 
• Anne Morriss & Frances Frei: Website 
• Anne Morriss: LinkedIn 
• Frances Frei: HBS Profile

Connect:

• Email Questions & Feedback >>> [email protected]
• Episode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart Website
• Newsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.io
• Think Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn,  Instagram, YouTube
• Matt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn

Chapters:

(00:00:00) Introduction

Matt Abrahams introduces the episode, a collaboration with the Fixable podcast hosted by Frances Frei and Anne Morriss.

(00:04:58) Mission of Spontaneous Speaking 

Matt discusses his focus on helping people communicate more effectively in unplanned situations.

(00:07:10) Audience Centered Communication 

The importance of focusing on the audience to reduce anxiety and improve communication.

(00:09:51) Connection Over Perfection 

Prioritizing connection over perfection in communication.

(00:11:00) Benefits of Effective Communication 

The benefits of improving spontaneous speaking skills.

(00:12:17) Building a Communication Infrastructure 

An outline of helping organizations create supportive communication environments.

(00:13:33) Six Steps to Better Communication 

A six-step process to improve spontaneous communication, covering mindset and messaging.

(00:16:55) Managing Communication Anxiety 

Strategies for managing anxiety in high-stakes communication situations.

(00:21:00) Handling Blanking Out 

How to handle and recover from blanking out during a speech or presentation.

(00:25:21) Real-Life Experience 

A recent experience of underestimating time during a keynote and how the situation was managed.

(00:27:44) The Value of Preparation 

The importance of preparation in both spontaneous and planned communication.

(00:28:43) AMP and Building Confidence

Three immediate strategies for reducing anxiety right before speaking.

(00:31:53) Conclusion 

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Whether winning over a hiring manager or winning new business, career success often hinges on how we communicate. That’s why Andrew Seaman is on a mission to help people find the words that work — to get work.

Seaman is the senior managing editor for jobs and career development at LinkedIn, and as the creator and host of the Get Hired podcast and newsletter, he helps millions hone communication skills to land the jobs they want. According to him, getting opportunities isn’t just about experience or connections, but how we frame and present our personal and professional narratives. With a standard resume, he says, “You're making them connect the dots. And people are not good at that.” Instead, he recommends crafting a story that explains where you’ve been, where you are, and where you hope to go. “Connect the dots for them,” he says, “so they're not viewing you as a person who has bounced around. They're thinking, this person has had a cohesive career.”

In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Seaman and host Matt Abrahams explore tools for navigating the interview process, networking on and offline, and communication strategies to get hired.

Episode Reference Links:

• Andrew Seaman
• Andrew’s Podcast: Get Hired
• Ep.118 Maximizing Your Brand: Communicating Who You Are to Help Get What You Want 
• Ep.147 Disrupt Yourself: How to Innovate Who You Are and Become Who You Can Be
• Ep.62 Best Of: Summer Learning Series, How Humor Can Be a Secret Weapon in Communication

Connect:

• Email Questions & Feedback >>> [email protected]
• Episode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart Website
• Newsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.io
• Think Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn,  Instagram, YouTube
• Matt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn

Chapters:

(00:00:00) Introduction

Host Matt Abrahams introduces guest Andrew Seaman, Senior Managing Editor for Jobs and Career Development at LinkedIn.

(00:00:57) Importance of Online Presence

The significance of maintaining an online presence and tips on optimizing LinkedIn profiles.

(00:01:52) Posting on LinkedIn

The frequency and type of posts on LinkedIn, balancing professional and personal content.

(00:03:41) Commenting vs. Posting

Advice on adding value through comments and engaging with posts.

(00:05:12) Interview Presence

The importance of presence in interviews, sharing examples of making good and bad impressions.

(00:06:59) Recovering from Bad Impressions

The challenges and possibilities of recovering from a poor first impression in an interview setting.

(00:07:48) Interviewing from the Interviewer's Perspective

Tips for hiring managers on how to conduct effective interviews and evaluate candidates.

(00:10:25) Challenging Interview Questions

The appropriateness and benefits of challenging candidates during interviews to assess their fit and preparedness.

(00:11:44) Best Practices for Interviewees

Strategies for interviewees to prepare and effectively answer questions, using the ADD method.

(00:13:58) Handling Spontaneity in Interviews

Preparing for interviews when time is limited and the importance of flexibility and adaptability.

(00:17:17) Following Up After Interviews

Best practices for following up after an interview to leave a positive impression.

(00:19:43) Broader Career Advice

Leveraging online communities and tools for career growth, emphasizing networking.

(00:22:14) The Final Three Questions

Andrew shares his favorite response to an interview question, a communicator he admires, and three ingredients for successful communication.

(00:25:31) Conclusion

• (00:00) - Introduction
• (01:32) - Importance of Online Presence
• (02:27) - Posting on LinkedIn
• (04:16) - Commenting vs. Posting
• (05:47) - Interview Presence
• (07:34) - Recovering from Bad Impressions
• (08:23) - Interviewing from the Interviewer's Perspective
• (11:00) - Challenging Interview Questions
• (12:19) - Best Practices for Interviewees
• (14:33) - Handling Spontaneity in Interviews
• (17:52) - Following Up After Interviews
• (20:18) - Broader Career Advice
• (22:49) - The Final Three Questions
• (26:06) - Conclusion

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Sometimes, what’s communicated to us can have a big impact on how we communicate to others. This episode explores some of the best communication advice — from experts and Think Fast, Talk Smart listeners around the world.

As teachers of Strategic Communication, lecturers Shawon Jackson and Matt Abrahams have plenty of advice on how to be a better communicator. But in this 150th episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, the two don’t just discuss the communication strategies they share with students in their class, they also feature communication advice from listeners of the podcast.

Covering topics like knowing your audience, using transitions to tie together different ideas, and embracing the power of silence, Jackson and Abrahams unpack good advice for good communication in this celebratory episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart.

Episode Reference Links:

• Stanford Profile: Shawon Jackson 
• Shawon’s Educational Program: Vocal Justice

Connect:

• Email Questions & Feedback >>> [email protected]
• Episode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart Website
• Newsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.io
• Think Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn,  Instagram, YouTube
• Matt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn

Chapters:

(00:00:00) Introduction 

Host Matt Abrahams joins guest Shawon Jackson, a lecturer at Stanford GSB, for the 150th episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart.

(00:01:25) The Role of Effective Transitions

The importance of transitions in communication, and an outline of four key types.

(00:04:11) Techniques for Using Slides

Advice on creating effective presentation slides, emphasizing story first and less is more.

(00:07:23) Listener Advice: Knowing Your Audience

Listeners Kevin Weinstein and Kesinee Angkustsiri Yip share the importance of knowing your audience.

(00:08:34) Techniques for Understanding Your Audience

Practical techniques for understanding your audience

(00:10:49) Listener Advice: The Power of Silence

Listener Ashita Tenki shares advice on the power of silence in communication.

(00:11:22) Practicing Silence in Communication

The benefits of holding silence and techniques for making it more comfortable.

(00:12:45) Addressing Communication Pet Peeves

Shawon and Matt share communication pet peeves, and discuss best practices.

(00:16:07) Listener Advice on the Importance of Listening

Listener Digant Dave highlights listening as a critical communication tool.

(00:17:07) Strategies for Effective Listening [00:17:54 - 00:18:19]

The importance of listening for both content and emotional context in communication.

(00:19:39) Conclusion

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“What people regret over time are things they didn’t do. They didn’t take that trip, they didn’t ask that person out on a date. They didn’t start that business,” says former political speechwriter and author Dan Pink. “I think it’s because we are slightly over-indexed on risk. We overstate the risk in many circumstances.”

In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, strategic communications lecturer Matt Abrahams sits down with Pink to hear how we can take more risks and how leaders can inspire others by focusing on the why instead of the how. “There’s almost incontrovertible evidence that a sense of purpose is the most cost-effective performance enhancer that organizations have,” Pink says.

Episode Reference Links:

• Dan Pink: Website
• Books: The Power of Regret, Drive
• Original Episode: Ep.92 No Regrets: How to Take Risks in Your Communication, Relationships, and Career
• Ep.103 Simple Is a Superpower: How to Communicate Any Idea to Any Audience
• Ep.80 Magic Words: Change What You Say to Inspire and Influence Others

Connect:

• Email Questions & Feedback >>> [email protected]
• Episode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart Website
• Newsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.io
• Think Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn,  Instagram, YouTube
• Matt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn

Chapters:

(00:00:00) Introduction

Host Matt Abrahams introduces guest Dan Pink, a NYT bestselling author and former political speechwriter.

(00:01:17) Lessons from Political Speechwriting

Insights from Dan’s experience as a political speechwriter.

(00:03:58) Speak Like a Human

The necessity of authentic communication and the power of speaking naturally and directly.

(00:07:57) The Role of Immediacy in Communication

How immediacy can enhance connection and engagement in communication.

(00:09:24) Problem Finding vs. Problem-Solving

The value of identifying hidden problems in persuasive communication and sales.

(00:11:21) Understanding and Harnessing Purpose

How purpose enhances motivation and performance in work and life.

(00:15:11) Communication, Risk, and Regret

The impact of perceived versus actual risk in communication and decision-making.

(00:20:16) Timing and Breaks for Enhanced Performance

Optimizing performance through strategic timing and the importance of taking breaks.

(00:22:41) The Final Three Question

Dan shares communication advice, a communicator he admires, and three ingredients for successful communication.

(00:25:39) Conclusion

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In our personal and professional lives, some conversations are harder than others. To navigate the difficulties of discussing what matters most, Professor Irv Grousbeck says we need the right balance of conviction and compassion.

At both Stanford Graduate School of Business and Stanford School of Medicine, Grousbeck teaches courses on managing difficult conversations. He equips students with skills to be direct while being respectful, to be strong while being warm, and to resist any urge to beat around the bush. "Directness, with respect, is essential,” he says. "So many of our students feel that if you're direct with someone, somehow that's harsh. The art of good conversation management, I think, does involve directness and respect at the same time."

In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Grousbeck and host Matt Abrahams explore practical tips and strategies for navigating difficult conversations, from the importance of listening and pausing, to the value of rehearsing your words in advance.

Episode Reference Links:

• Stanford Profile: H. Irving Grousbeck
• Irv’s Book: New Business Ventures and the Entrepreneur 
• Center for Entrepreneurial Studies | Stanford Graduate School of Business

Connect:

• Email Questions & Feedback >>> [email protected]
• Episode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart Website
• Newsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.io
• Think Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn,  Instagram, YouTube
• Matt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn

Chapters:

(00:00:00) Introduction

Host Matt Abrahams introduces guest Irv Grousbeck, lecturer at Stanford GSB, and co-founder and co-director of the GSB Center for Entrepreneurial Studies.

(00:01:04) Ingredients for Entrepreneurial Success

The importance of being an opportunity finder and getting comfortable with the domain you are in.

(00:02:38) Myths About Entrepreneurship

Dispelling common myths about entrepreneurs.

(00:03:30) Can Entrepreneurs Be Made?

The potential for anyone to become an entrepreneur through hard work and exposure.

(00:04:07) Challenges in Communication

The most difficult communication challenges students face and tips to handle these situations.

(00:06:19) Imposter Syndrome

Dealing with imposter syndrome and advice on how to handle and overcome it.

(00:07:38) Managing Difficult Conversations

Manage challenging communication by starting conversations effectively and using collaborative language.

(00:10:15) Role-Playing Scenario

A role-playing exercise to demonstrate how to handle a challenging conversation.

(00:17:37) The Value of Listening

The importance of listening in crucial conversations and advice on how to listen more effectively.

(00:18:58)  Career Advice

Advice on career planning, emphasizing the importance of context and strategic thinking.

(00:21:57) The Final Three Questions

Irv shares what he has learned from his students, a communicator he admires, and the key ingredients for successful communication.

(00:26:02)  Conclusion

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Innovation and disruption aren’t just for organizations. According to Whitney Johnson, we can find new possibilities for personal and professional growth — by disrupting ourselves.

As an executive coach, author, and podcaster, Johnson teaches people how to level up their lives and careers through the power of personal disruption. Her book, Disrupt Yourself: Putting the Power of Disruptive Innovation to Work, reveals how shaking things up enables us to break free of the constraints we might not even know we’re imposing on ourselves. “Personal disruption [is] a process of deliberate self-innovation; a decision to step back from who you are to slingshot into who you can be,” she explains.

In this Think Fast, Talk Smart episode with host Matt Abrahams, Johnson offers strategies for tailoring messages to different audiences, reveals the key ingredients for successful communication, and explains how disrupting yourself can open new doors and help you reach your full potential.

Episode Reference Links:

• Whitney Johnson: Website 
• Whitney’s Books: Website 
• Whitney’s Podcast: Disrupt Yourself Podcast 
• Lindsay McMahon’s Podcast: All Ears English Podcast 
• Clayton Christensen’s Book: The Innovator's Dilemma
• Ep.118 Maximizing Your Personal Brand: Communicating Who You Are to Help Get What You Want
• Ep.138 Speak Your Truth: Why Authenticity Leads to Better Communication

Connect:

• Email Questions & Feedback >>> [email protected]
• Episode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart Website
• Newsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.io
• Think Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn,  Instagram, YouTube
• Matt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn

Chapters:

(00:00:00) Introduction

Host Matt Abrahams introduces Whitney Johnson, keynote speaker and executive coach.

(00:01:25) The Concept of Disruption

The definition of disruption, and the benefits of personal disruption and self-innovation.

(00:02:48) Identifying and Leveraging Distinctive Strengths

How to identify distinctive strengths through observing frustrations, listening to compliments, and valuing inherent skills.

(00:06:11) The S Curve of Learning

The S curve model, its stages, and how it relates to personal and organizational growth.

(00:11:56) Tenacity and Tolerance in Personal Disruption

The importance of tenacity, and the ability to tolerate ambiguity and failure during the disruptive process.

(00:13:35) Encouraging Disruptive Ideas in Organizations

Strategies for leaders to foster a culture that encourages disruptive ideas and constructive dialogue within teams.

(00:17:00) The Final Three Questions

Whitney shares how she tailors her communication for varying audiences, a communicator she admires, and her recipe for successful communication.

(00:22:30) Conclusion 

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Stress can get in the way of our communication with others. To manage our stress, psychologist Jenny Taitz says, we first need to adjust the conversations that we have with ourselves.

Taitz is an assistant clinical professor in psychiatry at the University of California, Los Angeles, and the author of several books, including Stress Resets: How to Soothe Your Body and Mind in Minutes. According to her, much of the stress we experience is self-created through negative thought patterns and harsh self-criticism. “We're doing this to ourselves all the time,” she says. But as we become aware of these unhelpful mental loops, Taitz’ “resets” can help us disrupt them and reframe self-talk in more productive ways

In addition to changing our self-talk, Taitz offers tools for refreshing our communication with others. In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, she and host Matt Abrahams explore her G.I.V.E. framework — how being gentle, interested, validating, and easy-mannered equips us for more positive conversations with ourselves and others

Episode Reference Links:

• Jenny Taitz: Website 
• Jenny’s Book: Stress Resets 
• Communicator Jenny admires: Sharon Salzberg 
• Ep.69 Feeling Nervous? How Anxiety Can Fuel Better Communication
• Ep.122 How To Be More Confident and Calm in Your Communication: Managing the "ABC’s" of Communication Anxiety 

Connect:

• Email Questions & Feedback >>> [email protected]
• Episode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart Website
• Newsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.io
• Think Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn,  Instagram, YouTube
• Matt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn

Chapters:

(00:00:00) Introduction

Host Matt Abrahams introduces guest Jenny Taitz, a clinical psychologist and an assistant clinical professor in psychiatry at UCLA.

(00:00:51) Understanding the Stress Cycle

Explanation of the stress cycle, highlighting common mistakes in stress management.

(00:02:38) Practical Tips for Managing Stress

Advice on resetting the mind, body, and behavior to manage stress more effectively.

(00:05:50) Addressing Overthinking and Rumination

Techniques for reducing overthinking and rumination, and recognizing and redirecting unproductive thought patterns.

(00:08:45) Swapping "Why" for "How"

Benefits of changing one's internal dialogue from "why" to "how" questions, facilitating a more proactive and less stressful mindset.

(00:10:56) Communicating Empathy

Introduction to the GIVE acronym, a method to help improve empathetic communication.

(00:12:58) The Final Three Questions

Jenny shares her personal methods for managing stress, a communicator she admires, and three ingredients for successful communication.

(00:17:33) Conclusion

********
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Whether we realize it or not, we negotiate everyday. But when we approach these situations as a win-or-lose battle, we’re already showing resistance, and setting ourselves up for difficulty. But what if you reframed the whole idea, to think of a negotiation not as a fight, but as a problem-solving exercise involving emotions?

In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Matt Abrahams speaks with Stanford GSB Professor Emeritus Margaret Neale about what she has learned in her decades of researching negotiation and the steps that lead to more collaborative problem-solving. 

Listen as Neale shares tips on how to approach negotiations with intention, and what strategies can help us more easily communicate our wants and needs. She is the coauthor of Getting (More of) What You Want: How the Secrets of Economics and Psychology Can Help You Negotiate Anything, in Business and in Life.

Episode Reference Links:

• Stanford Profile: Margaret Ann Neale 
• Maggie’s Book: Getting (More of) What You Want
• Original Episode: Ep.15 The Art of Negotiation: How to Get More of What You Want

Connect:

• Email Questions & Feedback >>> [email protected]
• Episode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart Website
• Newsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.io
• Think Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn,  Instagram, YouTube
• Matt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn

Chapters:

(00:00:00) Introduction

Host Matt Abrahams introduces guest Maggie Neale, the Adams Distinguished Professor of Management Emerita at Stanford GSB

(00:01:22) Definition of Negotiation

Negotiation as collaborative problem-solving, emphasizing mutual benefit over adversarial tactics

(00:04:28) Planning and Preparation

Strategies for preparing for negotiations, including understanding alternatives and setting a reservation price.

(00:08:41) Structuring Negotiation Messages

Structuring negotiation messages, including the concept of chunking multiple issues together.

(00:10:17) Role of Emotion in Negotiation 

How different emotions influence thinking and the importance of managing emotions in negotiation.

(00:11:31) Best Communication Advice

Maggie shares her best communication advice, a communicator she admires, and ingredients for successful communication.

(00:14:34) Conclusion

********
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Many of us would rank getting along with colleagues as an important aspect of work, but, as Amy Gallo explains, relationships devoid of disagreement can actually be less productive. 

“While our natural human instinct is to avoid conflict, I believe that conflicts are not only an inevitable part of interacting with other humans, but they're a necessary part.”

Gallo is a workplace expert, host of HBR’s Women at Work podcast, and the author of Getting Along: How to Work With Anyone. Across her work, Gallo touts that the key to transforming conflicts into something productive is to understand its root cause and learn how to reframe them. 

“Even at the base of those unhealthy conflicts or those unproductive conflicts is something that needs to be resolved,” she says. 

In her conversation with host and strategic communications lecturer Matt Abrahams, Gallo provides useful frameworks and new concepts on how we can approach conflicts at work.  

Episode Reference Links:

• Amy Gallo: Website 
• Amy Gallo’s Books: Website 
• Amy Gallo’s Podcast: Women at Work
• Ep.132 Lean Into Failure: How to Make Mistakes That Work

Connect:

• Email Questions & Feedback >>> [email protected]
• Episode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart Website
• Newsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.io
• Think Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn,  Instagram, YouTube
• Matt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn

Chapters:

(00:00:00) Introduction

Matt Abrahams introduces guest Amy Gallo, a workplace expert on communication and conflict.

(00:01:00) The Role of Conflict in the Workplace

The benefits of conflict in professional settings and why not having enough conflict can be detrimental.

(00:02:26) Facilitating Effective Conflict

Strategies for creating productive conflict and the importance of normalizing conflict.

(00:04:45) Frameworks for Navigating Unhealthy Conflict

Detailed framework for addressing and transforming unhealthy conflicts into productive discussions.

(00:11:56) The Power of Workplace Friendships

How workplace friendships can enhance job performance and personal satisfaction.

(00:14:01) Balancing Friendships and Professional Boundaries

Advice on maintaining effective relationships without compromising professional integrity or favoritism.

(00:16:53) The Final Three Questions

Amy shares a conflict she handled effectively, a communicator she admires, and her recipe for successful communication.

(00:20:01) Conclusion

********
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In choosing who to date, what job to pursue, or how to invest our money, most people are just looking for a reason to move forward. But according to Professor Ilya Strebulaev, we should be looking for something else: a reason to bail.

"The smartest venture capitalists ask a very different question from what most of us ask," says Strebulaev. Instead of asking “‘Why should we invest?’, venture capitalists approach every new opportunity with [the] question: Why should we not proceed?” This contrarian mindset is at the heart of Strebulaev's new book The Venture Mindset, which reveals how the strategies of top VCs can help anyone make sharper decisions. 

In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Strebulaev joins host Matt Abrahams to discuss how the venture mindset can help anyone — investor or not — weigh alternatives, make decisions, and move forward without looking back.

Episode Reference Links:

• Ilya Strebulaev: Website 
• Stanford Profile: Website
• Ilya’s Book: The Venture Mindset 
• Venture Capital Initiative
• Article Ilya & Alex Dang wrote: 3 Things VCs Do That Can Help You Land Your Dream Job After Getting Laid Off 
• Ilya’s co-teacher for his Venture Capital class: Brian Jacobs 
• Ep.41 Speak Like a Founder: How Successful Entrepreneurs Communicate to Their Teams
• Ep.56 Lean Messaging: How Simple Messages Really Stick

Connect:

• Email Questions & Feedback >>> [email protected]
• Episode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart Website
• Newsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.io
• Think Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn,  Instagram, YouTube
• Matt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn

Chapters:

(00:00:00) Introduction

Host Matt Abrahams introduces guest Ilya Strebulaev, founder of the GSB's Venture Capital Initiative and professor at Stanford Graduate School of Business.

(00:00:53) The Venture Mindset

Insights into the venture mindset as a new mental model for making smarter, quicker decisions.

(00:02:22) Embracing Failure

How venture capitalists embrace and learn from failure to achieve success.

(00:05:21) Decision-Making in Venture Capital

A unique approach to decision making based on what successful venture capitalists do.

(00:07:34) Applying Venture Principles in Personal and Professional Life

Venture mindset principles that can help individuals in job transitions and personal growth.

(00:10:05) Lessons from Teaching Venture Capital

Ilya outlines key takeaways he hopes his students learn from his class, including thinking differently and networking effectively.

(00:13:25) Passionate Communication

Using descriptive language to engage others, including mixing familiar terms with unique ones to enhance communication about passions

(00:15:29) The Final Three Questions

Ilya shares how he has grown from writing his book, a communicator he admires, and three ingredients for successful communication.

(00:18:59) Conclusion

********
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A special live edition from the Me2We event at Stanford, where strategic communications expert and podcast host Matt Abrahams joins four distinguished faculty members from Stanford Graduate School of Business:

• Michelle Gelfand explores the dynamics of cross-cultural organizational behavior.
• Brian Lowery discusses the societal implications of racial perceptions.
• Deborah Gruenfeld reveals insights into power dynamics and personal presence.
• Zakary Tormala delves into the nuances of persuasive language.

Episode Reference Links:

• Michelle Gelfand: Website
• Michelle Gelfand Stanford Profile: Website 
• Michelle Gelfand’s Book: Rule Makers, Rule Breakers: How Tight and Loose Cultures Wire Our World 
• Michelle Gelfand's Tight-Loose Quiz
• Brian Lowery: Website 
• Brian Lowery’s Stanford Profile: Website 
• Brian Lowery’s Book: Selfless: The Social Creation of "You" 
• Brian Lowery’s Podcast: Know What You See 
• Deborah Gruenfeld’s Stanford Profile: Website 
• Deborah Gruenfeld’s Book: Acting With Power: Why We Are More Powerful Than We Believe 
• Zak Tormala’s Stanford Profile: Website 
• Ep.67 What is Normal? How Culture Affects Communication Styles YouTube / Website 
• Ep.84 Quick Thinks: How Others Define Us YouTube / Website 
• Ep.11 The Science of Influence: How to Persuade Others and Hold Their Attention YouTube / Website 
• Ep.12 It’s Not What You Say It’s How You Say It: How to Communicate Power Youtube / Website

Connect:

• Email Questions & Feedback >>> [email protected]
• Episode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart Website
• Newsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.io
• Think Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn,  Instagram, YouTube
• Matt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn

Chapters:

(00:00:00) Introduction

Producer Jenny Luna and host Matt Abrahams introduce a live episode featuring four Stanford GSB faculty members.

(00:01:40) Navigating Conflicts and Negotiations in Diverse Settings

Michelle Gelfand discusses managing conflicts and negotiations in broader societal and cultural contexts.

(00:04:51) Understanding and Managing Diversity

Brian Lowery introduces the Stanford Institute on Race and outlines strategies for leaders to foster inclusivity and manage diverse workforces.

(00:07:57) Dynamics of Power and Influence

Deborah Gruenfeld shares the implications of power dynamics and how they shift from virtual to in-person interactions.

(00:14:04) Persuasion and Effective Communication

Zakary Tormala gives insight into the use of pronouns in persuasive communication and the impact of language in shaping audience engagement.

(00:18:44) Acting with Power in Interactions

Deborah Gruenfeld discusses her ongoing research on how power dynamics influence investor decisions in startup teams.

(00:20:47) The Pursuit of Meaningfulness

Brian Lowery talks about his current focus on what makes life meaningful.

(00:24:14) Cultural Tightness and Looseness

Michelle Gelfand explains her research on how cultures manage norms and rules, and the concept of "tight" and "loose" cultures.

(00:28:52) Persuasive Communication

Zakary Tormala shares insights from his latest research on framing effects in communication.

(00:32:13) Participant Reflections

A Stanford LEAD participant shares experiences from Brian Lowery's class, emphasizing the importance of perspective-taking and trust in leadership.

(00:33:15) Conclusion

********
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So you want to lead your team toward innovation. Does that require that you know where you’re going? Not according to Linda Hill.

Hill is a professor of business administration at Harvard Business School whose research focuses on leadership and how organizations achieve innovation. When it comes to generating breakthrough ideas, Hill says it’s less about a creative vision and more about stepping into the unknown. “Innovation [is] not about an individual coming up with a new idea,” she says. “Instead, innovation is the result of the collaboration of people with diverse expertise and diverse perspectives coming together, being able to collaborate, being able to experiment together and learn.”

In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Hill and host Matt Abrahams discuss how leaders can foster cultures and environments where innovation thrives — where teams use communication and collaboration to “co-create the future.”

Episode Reference Links:

• Harvard Business School Profile: Website 
• Linda's books: 
• Collective Genius: The Art and Practice of Leading Innovation 
• Being the Boss, with a New Preface: The 3 Imperatives for Becoming a Great Leader 
• Becoming a Manager: How New Managers Master the Challenges of Leadership 
• Linda’s article on the value of collaboration & conflict: Collective Genius 
• Communicator Linda admires: Vineet Nayar + Employees First, Customers Second 

Connect:

• Email Questions & Feedback >>> [email protected]
• Episode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart Website
• Newsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.io
• Think Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn,  Instagram, YouTube
• Matt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn

Chapters:

(00:00:00) Introduction

Host Matt Abrahams introduces guest Linda Hill, an expert in leadership development and innovation from Harvard Business School.

(00:01:10) Leading for Innovation vs. Leading for Change

Fundamental differences between leading for innovation and for change, and the unique challenges required for innovation.

(00:02:53) Creating a Culture of Innovation

The essential components of a culture that promotes innovation, with focus on communication and collaboration.

(00:06:21) The Role of Shared Values and Purpose in Innovation

Shared values, and the distinction between vision and purpose within innovative organizations.

(00:09:43) Communication's Impact on Innovation

How effective communication facilitates innovation, including strategies for engaging diverse teams and the significance of storytelling.

(00:14:30) Conflict and Creativity in Collaborative Environments

The value of conflict in innovation, and how managing disagreements and diverse viewpoints can lead to more creative solutions.

(00:16:06) The Final Three Questions

Linda Hill shares practices to foster collaboration with others, a communicator she admires, and her ingredients for successful communication.

(00:19:54) Conclusion

********
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Preparing to speak in front of a skeptical audience is more than thinking about objections beforehand – there are specific techniques you can use to respond to these challenging situations without sounding defensive, evasive, or dismissive. Here, we offer a few key tips for how to handle skepticism with aplomb.

In this podcast, host Matt Abrahams and Stanford GSB lecturer Burt Alper share how to prepare for these challenges from your audience and discuss the importance of tactics like acknowledging audience input, reframing responses, and how to remain cool, collected, and credible.

Episode Reference Links:

• Burt Alper: Website
• Stanford Profile: Website 
• Ep.102 Create a Presence: How to Communicate in a Way Others Can Feel: Website / YouTube 
• Ep.70 Keep ’Em Coming: Why Your First Ideas Aren’t Always the Best: Website / YouTube 
• Original Episode - Ep.5 From Monologue to Dialogue: How to Handle a Skeptical Audience: Website / YouTube

Connect:

• Email Questions & Feedback >>> [email protected]
• Episode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart Website
• Newsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.io
• Think Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn,  Instagram, YouTube
• Matt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn

Chapters:

(00:00:00) Introduction

Host Matt Abrahams introduces the episode and guest Burt Alper, a fellow strategic communication lecturer at Stanford GSB

(00:00:55) Handling Direct Objections

Confronting direct objections during presentations, particularly in professional settings like executive meetings or at the GSB.

(00:02:37) Preparation for Objections

The importance of preparation when anticipating objections and strategies for foreseeing potential pushbacks.

(00:03:50) Emotional vs. Logical Objections

Distinctions between emotional and logical objections and how these types of objections manifest in conversations.

(00:06:09) The Power of Reframing

The technique of reframing in objection handling and altering the context of a conversation to address concerns without conceding.

(00:08:17) The Role of Paraphrasing

Paraphrasing as a critical skill for clarifying and addressing objections, with the benefits of accurately restating concerns to ensure mutual understanding.

(00:12:11) The Final Three Questions

Burt Alper shares the best communication advice he’s received, a communicator he admires, and his ingredients for successful communication.

(00:14:55) Conclusion

********
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Whether you're looking to boost your productivity, find more joy in your work, or simply be more present in the moment, you need flow — and research by Assistant Professor David Melnikoff could help you find it.

Melnikoff investigates how we pursue our goals, and how flow — the state of being totally immersed and engaged in what we’re doing — can help us achieve them. According to him, flow isn’t necessarily about enjoying a task or activity for its own sake, but more about the process of discovery that unfolds as we take action in the face of uncertainty. “The source of flow is engaging in an activity that allows you to reduce uncertainty about your future, engaging in actions that reduce possible future outcomes, or ideally, eliminate all possible future outcomes except for one,” he says. With each action that we take, the path before us narrows, leading us more directly to the goal that we’ve set.

In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Melnikoff shares why uncertainty presents us with the opportunity to step into the flow state, to experience more focus and engagement, and to supercharge our goal pursuit and performance

Episode Reference Links:

• David Melnikoff: Website
• Dr. Laurie Santos (Communicator Melnikoff admires) 
• The Happiness Lab Podcast — Dr. Laurie Santos (Podcast of communicator Melnikoff admires)
•  Ep.59 From Dreaming to Doing: How We Set and Achieve Goals Website / YouTube
•  Ep.104 How to Change: Building Better Habits and Behaviors (And Getting Out of Your Own Way Website / YouTube

Connect:

• Email Questions & Feedback >>> [email protected]
• Episode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart Website
• Newsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.io
• Think Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn,  Instagram, YouTube
• Matt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn

Chapters:

(00:00:00) Introduction

Host Matt Abraham welcomes guest David Melnikoff, an assistant professor of organizational behavior at Stanford GSB and an expert on flow and goal achievement.

(00:00:40) Understanding Flow and Its Benefits

The definition of flow and the reversal of the usual dynamic of goal pursuit.

(00:02:20) Achieving and Maintaining Flow

Misconceptions about achieving flow and the role of reducing uncertainty in engaging activities. 

(00:06:22) Flow in Business and Leadership

Applying flow principles to business, emphasizing the structuring of tasks and goals to induce flow through uncertainty reduction. 

(00:08:39) Personal Applications of Flow for Goal Pursuit

How to utilize flow principles to set and achieve goals with advice on framing tasks to maximize uncertainty and flow. 

(00:11:03) Collaborative Flow and Communication

The potential for shared flow experiences in collaborative settings and the role of communication in facilitating flow.

(00:13:05) Goal Setting and Achievement Advice

Advice on goal setting, advocating for goals with a degree of uncertainty to enhance engagement and likelihood of entering a flow state.

(00:14:43) The Final Three Questions

David Melnikoff shares how he invites flow into his life, a communicator he admires, and his recipe for communication.

(00:16:17) Conclusion

********
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From the way you communicate, to the way build your life and career, Graham Weaver, MBA ’99, says it’s about “giving yourself permission to fully be yourself. You can never go wrong when you’re saying your truth.”

Weaver is a lecturer in management, a GSB alum, and the founder and a partner of Alpine Investors. He stresses the importance of direct communication, highlighting how avoiding it can lead to wasted time, energy, and even financial losses. Reflecting on his own experiences in private equity, Weaver admits to struggling with being conflict-averse and not speaking his truth directly, which resulted in getting into bad deals and big losses for his company. “People think that by being indirect, they’re being kind, but all they're doing is creating confusion,” he says. “Clarity is compassionate. Even if it's not what they want to hear, the more direct and clear you can be, the more compassionate that is for the other person.”

In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Weaver and host Matt Abrahams explore how being true to oneself not only fosters personal fulfillment but also enables us to show up better for others. Authenticity and self-belief lay the foundation for effective communication, leadership, and ultimately, success.

Episode Reference Links:

• Graham Weaver: Website
• Last Lecture Series: How to Live an Asymmetric Life (Link to Graham’s Last Lecture)
• H. Irving Grousbeck (Stanford profile of Graham’s mentor and communicator he most admires)
• Ep.82 - It’s Not About You: Why Effective Communicators Put Others First YouTube / Website 
• Ep.118 - Maximizing Your Personal Brand: Communicating Who You Are to Help Get What You Want YouTube / Website

Connect:

• Email Questions & Feedback >>> [email protected]
• Episode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart Website
• Newsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.io
• Think Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn,  Instagram, YouTube
• Matt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn

Chapters:

(00:00:00) Introduction

Matt Abrahams introduces guest Graham Weaver, a Stanford alum and lecturer in management at GSB.

(00:0:43) Interpersonal and Intrapersonal Skills in Business

How skills like understanding personal dreams and overcoming limiting beliefs play a critical role in business success.

(00:04:58) Living an Asymmetrical Life

Living an asymmetrical life, including the importance of doing hard things, pursuing your passions, committing long-term, and writing your own story.

(00:10:10) Lessons from Taylor Swift

Business and personal inspiration from Taylor Swift's response to professional setbacks, highlighting her work ethic and resilience.

(00:13:04) Personal Growth and Enlightenment

Graham’s journey towards enlightenment and the practices he adopts to improve his personal and professional life.

(00:16:08) The Final Three Questions

Graham shares what differentiates an exceptional from average leader, a communicator he admires and his ingredients for successful communication.

(00:21:05) Conclusion

********
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If communication is like painting, words are the primary colors. But to convey deeper meaning, we need a broader color palette, which Dana Carney says requires the mastery of nonverbal communication.

We often focus on the words that we say when honing our communication, but according to Carney, there are many instances “where nonverbals start to be more meaningful than verbals.” A professor at Berkeley’s Haas School of Business and the George Quist Chair in Business Ethics, Carney researches the nonverbal ways in which we communicate our biases, our preferences, our power, and our status.

As Carney explores in her forthcoming book, The Five Nonverbal Rules of Power, there are several key areas of nonverbal behavior that we need to grasp in order to fully tap our potential as communicators. In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, she and host Matt Abrahams discuss how to read the nonverbal communication of others — and how to gain control of the nonverbals we express to the world.

Episode Reference Links:

• Dana Carney: Website
• Ep.12 - It’s Not What You Say, It’s How You Say It: How to Communicate Power Website / YouTube 
• Ep.16 - How to Craft Your Body Language When Confronting Objections Website / YouTube 

Connect:

• Email Questions & Feedback >>> [email protected]
• Episode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart Website
• Newsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.io
• Think Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn,  Instagram, YouTube
• Matt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn

Chapters:

(00:00:00) Introduction

Matt Abrahams introduces guest Dana Carney, an expert in nonverbal communication.

(00:01:12) Understanding Nonverbal Communication

Foundational aspects of nonverbal communication, dividing it into perception and expression, and emphasizing the importance of facial expressions and body language.

(00:02:11) The Nonverbal Rules of Power

How nonverbal communication influences perceptions of power and status and the concept of the "five nonverbal rules of power".

(00:04:37) Cultural and Contextual Variations

The impact of culture and context on nonverbal cues, discussing how cultural differences can alter the interpretation of behaviors such as eye contact and proximity.

(00:08:10) The Balance Between Verbal and Nonverbal Communication

Verbal versus nonverbal communication and its significance especially in contexts where honesty or bias might be in question.

(00:09:15) Achieving Communication Goals Through Nonverbals

How understanding nonverbal cues can help individuals achieve specific social interaction goals.

(0012:51) Enhancing Nonverbal Communication Skills

Practical advice for becoming more aware of one's nonverbal communication, including self-observation and seeking feedback from others.

(00:16:13) The Final Three Questions

Dana shares a nonverbal behavior that demonstrates confidence, a communicator she admires, and her recipe for successful communication.

(00:21:09) Conclusion

********
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Disagreement and conflict may look the same on the surface, but the two concepts are, in fact, very different. According to Julia Minson, knowing how these notions differ is crucial to how you approach them. 

In this episode of Think Fast Talk Smart, Minson and strategic communication lecturer Matt Abrahams delve into the intricacies of conflict and disagreement. Minson, an associate professor of public policy at the Harvard Kennedy School and Stanford University alumna, also shares her expertise on decision-making and conflict negotiation. Minson emphasizes the need for genuine curiosity and receptiveness in communication to foster productive dialogue.

Episode Reference Links:

• Julia Minson: Website
• Underestimating Counterparts’ Learning Goals Impairs Conflictual Conversations (Julia’s study about people’s goals when talking to those they disagree with)
• To have better disagreements, change your words (Article by Julia about HEAR)
• Ep.30 - Dissolve Disagreements: How Communication Impacts Conflict: Website / YouTube 
• Ep.72 - Quick Thinks: Talk it Out - How to Successfully Negotiate and Resolve Conflict: Website / YouTube

Connect:

• Email Questions & Feedback >>> [email protected]
• Episode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart Website
• Newsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.io
• Think Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn,  Instagram, YouTube
• Matt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn

Chapters:

(00:00:00) Introduction

Matt introduces guest Julia Minson, who is an expert in decision-making, conflict negotiation, and the psychology of disagreement.

(00:00:54) Journey into Conflict and Disagreement Research

Julia gives insight into her background and what led her to research disagreement and conflict.

(00:01:55) Distinguishing Between Disagreement and Conflict

The difference between disagreement and conflict, and why understanding this distinction is crucial for effective communication.

(00:04:12) Strategies for Disagreeing Better

Practical advice on how to disagree constructively without escalating to conflict, focusing on expressing and acting with curiosity.

(00:07:05) Demonstrating Curiosity and Conversational Receptiveness

Tactics for showing curiosity and conversational receptiveness, including using the HEAR acronym to maintain constructive dialogues.

(00:14:38) Managing Conflict

Managing and navigating conflict, emphasizing emotional readiness and the importance of choosing battles wisely.

(00:18:25) The Final Three Questions

Julia shares personal experiences with conflict and disagreement, a communicator she admires, and her recipe for successful communication.

(00:22:48) Conclusion

********
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Why deep connection with others starts by connecting more deeply with ourselves.

How are you feeling right now? According to Celine Teoh, we all need to ask ourselves that question more often — and be more precise in how we answer it.

Teoh is a facilitator of the course Interpersonal Dynamics, one of Stanford Graduate School of Business’s most iconic classes. In her work with students and as a CEO coach, Teoh encourages people to get better acquainted with their feelings. “Feelings are data,” she says. “In the rest of our logical lives, we would never make decisions on bad or highly abstract data. But we’ll do that with feelings.”

In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart: The Podcast, Teoh and host Matt Abrahams discuss how developing greater emotional awareness can help us achieve more agency and empathy in our personal and professional lives.

Episode Reference Links:

• Celine Teoh: Website
• Interpersonal Dynamics (Program at GSB Celine facilitates)
• Connect - Building Exceptional Relationships (Book by Carol Robin that Celine recommends)
• The Gottman Institute (Website for John Gottman, whose research Celine mentions and is referenced in the Interpersonal Dynamics course)
• Ep.77 - All the Feels: The Personal and Professional Power of Emotional Awareness:  YouTube / Website

Connect:

• Email Questions & Feedback >>> [email protected]
• Episode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart Website
• Newsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.io
• Think Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn,  Instagram, YouTube
• Matt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn

Chapters:

(00:00:00) Introduction

Host Matt Abrahams introduces guest Celine Teoh and the episodes' focus on the value of emotions in communication.

(00:01:09) Discovering Self Through Interpersonal Dynamics

Overview of the Interpersonal Dynamics course at Stanford GSB, also known as "touchy feely"

(00:03:48) Integrating “Touchy Feely” in Logical and Action-Oriented Environments

Incorporating empathy and emotional connection in organizations that prioritize logic and action.

(00:05:47) Enhancing Connection and Empathy

Advice on building connections with others, including the importance of being clear and embracing vulnerability.

(00:08:36) Managing Conflict with Empathy

Approaching challenges and conflict at work in a way that maintains and strengthens relationships.

(00:11:29) Enhancing Empathy, Feedback, and Communication Skills

Guidance for improving empathy, seeking feedback, and honing communication skills.

(00:13:52) The Final Three Questions

Celine Teoh shares the best communication advice she has received, a communicator she admires, and outlines her first three ingredients for successful communication.

(00:17:07) Conclusion

********
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Leveraging AI to unlock new levels of creativity and communication innovation

Join Matt Abrahams with creativity and innovation experts Jeremy Utley and Kian Gohar to explore the transformative potential of AI in the realms of creativity and problem-solving. 

If you treat artificial intelligence like an oracle, you’ll likely be disappointed. But if you treat it like a teammate, Utley and Gohar say you’ll be surprised just how helpful a collaborator it can be.

Utley, an adjunct professor at the Stanford d.school, and Gohar, a bestselling author, keynote speaker, and futurist, have researched how teams can integrate AI into existing workflows to generate more creative ideas and streamline problem-solving. As they’ve found, large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT can be powerful tools for innovation. But without knowing how to implement them, “Most teams leave the vast majority of their innovation potential on the table,” Utley says. In a new white paper, he and Gohar illuminate the path teams can take to use generative AI as a “conversation partner” and transform their brainstorming efforts as a result.

In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Utley and Gohar discuss how innovators can stop viewing AI as a magic 8-ball, and start treating it as a companion — one ready to roll up its sleeves and dig deep for new ideas.

Episode Reference Links:

• Jeremy Utley: Website
• Jeremy's book: Ideaflow
• Kian Gohar: Website + Geolab
• Kian's book: Competing In The New World Of Work
• FIXIT
• HBR article by Jeremy and Kian: Don’t Let Gen AI Limit Your Team’s Creativity
• Ep.70 - Ideas Fuel Innovation: Why Your First Ideas Aren’t Always the Best
• Ep.77 - Quick Thinks: AI Has Entered the Chat
• Communicators Kian admires:
• Peggy Noonan + Declarations at The Wall Street Journal 
• Sam Horn + Tongue Fu!: How to Deflect, Disarm, and Defuse Any Verbal Conflict

Connect:

• Email Questions & Feedback >>> [email protected]
• Episode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart Website
• Newsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.io
• Think Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn,  Instagram, YouTube
• Matt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn

Chapters:

(00:00:00) Introduction 

Matt Abrahams introduces guests Jeremy Utley and Kian Gohar, and their respective books.

(00:01:02) Motivation Behind the Study on AI's Impact

AI's impact on creativity and problem-solving, including an experiment involving human ideation with and without AI assistance.

(00:03:32) Research Findings on AI and Innovation

Specific practices to effectively use AI in teams for idea generation and the counterintuitive feelings associated with AI-assisted work.

(00:04:37) The Counterintuitive Nature of AI Assistance

Why teams that used AI effectively felt worse about their work, and the importance of adjusting work processes to incorporate AI as a collaborative tool.

(00:07:59) The FIXIT Methodology for AI Collaboration

The FIXIT methodology, a five-step process to enhance collaboration with AI.

(00:12:29) Enhancing Conversations with AI

Improving conversations with AI, including using audio messages for interaction and exploring different large language models for varied inputs.

(00:17:45) The Final Three Questions

Jeremy Utley offers a starting point for individuals new to ChatGPT, and Kian Gohar shares two communicators he admires and his three ingredients for successful communication.

(00:22:57) Conclusion

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The ways supercommunicators operate and how to emulate their techniques.

Across more than 130 episodes, Think Fast, Talk Smart has touched a lot on what it takes to be a good communicator. But what about reaching that next level? What about being a “supercommunicator”? Supercommunicator is a term used by Pulitzer Prize winning journalist and author Charles Duhigg in his latest book, Supercommunicators: How to Unlock the Secret Language of Connection. 

In this podcast episode, Abrahams and Duhigg explore the precise techniques that distinguish a good communicator from a “supercommunicator:” traits such as active listening; looping for understanding to demonstrate genuine engagement; and identifying what someone is truly feeling, underneath what they actually say.

Episode Reference Links:

• Charles Duhigg: Website
• Charles Duhigg: Books
• Duhigg’s New Yorker article
• Thalia Wheatley’s research study: The Repurposed Social Brain 
• Nicholas Epley’s research paper: Overly Shallow?: Miscalibrated Expectations Create a Barrier to Deeper Conversation
• Alison Wood Brooks’ research paper: The Conversational Circumplex: Identifying, Prioritizing, and Pursuing Informational and Relational Motives in Conversation
• Michael Yeomans’ research paper: It Helps to Ask: The Cumulative Benefits of Asking Follow-Up Questions
• Sheila Heen’s research project: Harvard Negotiation Project
• Ep.92 - No Regrets: How to Take Risks
• Ep.82 - It’s Not About You: Why Effective Communicators Put Others First
• Ep.103 - Simple is a Superpower: How to Communicate Any Idea to an Audience

Connect:

• Email Questions & Feedback >>> [email protected]
• Episode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart Website
• Newsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.io
• Think Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn,  Instagram, YouTube
• Matt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn

Chapters:

(00:00:00) Introduction

Host Matt Abrahams introduces guest Charles Duhigg and his new book Super Communicators.

(00:01:26) Transition from Habits to Communication

Duhigg shares how personal experiences and a desire to understand human interactions motivated him to explore communication.

(00:02:51) The Neuroscience of Connection 

The neuroscience behind successful communication and the role of neural entrainment in establishing connection and understanding.

(00:04:21) Storytelling as a Powerful Communication Tool

The importance of storytelling in communication and how stories foster empathy and engagement.

(00:06:16) Identifying and Aligning Conversation Types 

Three types of conversations (practical, emotional, social) and the necessity of aligning conversation types for effective communication.

(00:08:07) Practices of Super Communicators 

Insights into the habits of super communicators, including their approach to recognizing conversation types and the importance of deep listening.

(00:15:02) Navigating Conflict Through Effective Communication 

Managing conflictual conversations with a focus on listening, understanding, and managing control dynamics.

(00:20:50) Challenges of Online Communication 

Challenges and strategies for communicating in online and virtual settings.

(00:25:04) The Craft and Impact of Storytelling

Approaches to storytelling and its significance in making complex ideas memorable and engaging.

(00:29:06) Developing New Communication Habits 

New communication habits developed from Duhigg's research and their impact on personal and professional interactions.

(00:31:02) The Final Three Questions

Charles Duhigg discusses the importance of deep questions, the communicator he most admires, and his recipe for successful communication.

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Effective and productive teams and relationships are based on the ability to communicate safely and to fail successfully. In this episode, Amy Edmondson, a professor at Harvard Business School and author of The Right Kind of Wrong: The Science of Failing Well, shares profound insights on the different types of failure—basic, complex, and intelligent—and their implications for learning and innovation. 

In her conversation with host and Strategic Communications lecturer Matt Abrahams, Edmonson opens up about her struggles with failure, highlighting the importance of moving from rumination to reflection. This episode offers listeners a comprehensive guide to fostering an environment where failure is not feared but embraced as a crucial step toward growth and success.

Episode Reference Links:

• Amy Edmondson: Website
• Amy’s Books: The Fearless Organization & Right Kind of Wrong 
• Amy’s paper with Ingrid Nembhard: Making it Safe: The Effects of Leader Inclusiveness 
• Amy’s admired communicator Nicolai Tangen’s podcast: In Good Company
• Ep.21 - Words Matter: How to Make Your Communication Inclusive
• Ep.112 - From Mistakes to "Missed Takes"

Connect:

• Email Questions & Feedback >>> [email protected]
• Episode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart Website
• Newsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.io
• Think Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn,  Instagram, YouTube
• Matt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn

Chapters:

(00:00:00) Introduction

Matt Abrahams introduces guest Amy Edmondson and her new book the Right Kind of Wrong: The Science of Failing Well.

(00:01:38) Psychological Safety Communication Strategies

The concept of psychological safety and its role in fostering open communication and risk-taking within teams.

(00:05:36) Leader's Role in Creating a Safe Environment

A leader's role in acknowledging vulnerability and creating a culture of appreciation for candid feedback.

(00:08:27) Empowering Every Team Member

Benefits of empowering every team member to contribute to psychological safety.

(00:10:46) Understanding Failure

The importance of psychological safety in admitting mistakes and exploring the concept of failure.

(00:14:07) Communicating About Failure

How leaders can effectively communicate about failures to encourage team learning and resilience. 

(00:18:34) Unequal Opportunity to Fail

The unequal opportunity to fail, particularly for underrepresented groups.

(00:20:39) The Final Three Questions

Amy Edmondson shares her challenges with failure, a communicator she most admires, and three ingredients to a successful communication recipe.

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Why resistance isn’t always a bad thing.

Friction — that’s Professor Huggy Rao’s metaphor for the forces that hamper workplace efficiency. But as he says, some friction can be helpful — if you know how to use it.

In his book, The Friction Project: How Smart Leaders Make the Right Things Easier and the Wrong Things Harder, Rao and coauthor Robert I. Sutton explore how operational obstacles show up in the workplace and, more importantly, what we can do about them. Through what Rao calls “friction fixing,” leaders can “take out the bad friction to make the right things easy to do [and] put in good friction to make the wrong things harder [to do].”

As Rao discusses with host Matt Abrahams on this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, leaders can eliminate bad friction through good communication. “Communication matters a lot,” he says. “The simple rule is, make sure a 10-year-old can understand it on the first try.”

Episode Reference Links:

• Huggy Rao: Website 
• Huggy’s Books: The Friction Project, Scaling Up Excellence, & Market Rebels 
• Huggy’s Successful Communication Recipe - “Ah! Aha! Haha!” by Ramji Raghavan
• Ep.14: Be Better at Work: How to Communicate Better with Coworkers and Employees:

Connect:

• Email Questions & Feedback >>> [email protected]
• Episode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart Website
• Newsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.io
• Think Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn,  Instagram, YouTube
• Matt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn

Chapters:

(00:00:00) Introduction

Host Matt Abrahams introduces guest, Huggy Rao, and his latest book on the importance of focusing on friction to become our best selves.

(00:01:24) Scaling Mindsets and Communication

Insights on scaling excellence and the critical role of simple communication in fostering the right mindset.

(00:04:28) AstraZeneca: Scaling Simplification

A case study on simplification efforts at AstraZeneca & the gift of time that they gave their employees.

(00:08:49) Understanding Friction: Terrible and Wonderful

The dual nature of friction, highlighting its role as both a hindrance and a catalyst for decision-making. 

(00:11:05) Jargon Monoxide

Complicated jargon’s impact on organizations, and the need for simplicity in communication.

(00:13:03) The Art of Storytelling

The benefits & goals of storytelling, creating moral elevation & emotional connection.

(00:15:12) Job Titles and Accountability

An experiment on the impact of personalized job titles on team performance and accountability in tech startups and the introduction of “good friction”.

(00:17:57) The Final Three Questions

Huggy shares his strategy for reducing friction in his life, a story about the communicator he most admires, Saul Alinsky, and his three ingredients for a successful communication recipe, Aah! Aha! Ha-Ha!

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“Simple language, forceful language, vivid language, and keeping it simple and direct,” says Professor Jeffrey Pfeffer, are all powerful tools to strengthen your communication.

Host and Stanford Graduate School of Business lecturer Matt Abrahams interviews Pfeffer, the author many books, including Power: Why Some People Have It and Others Don't, about the verbal and nonverbal ways we can harness, or give away, our authority when we’re speaking to others. Pfeffer is also the host of the podcast Pfeffer on Power and teaches the Stanford GSB online course Discover the Paths to Power. 

Episode Reference Links:

• Jeffrey Pfeffer's podcast: Pfeffer on Power
• Jeffrey Pfeffer's books: Dying for a Paycheck & Power: Why Some People Have It and Others Don't
• Stanford GSB Online Course: Discover the Paths to Power
• Ep.12 It's Not What You Say, It's How You Say It: How To Communicate Power
• Ep.44 Act Like a Leader: How Lessons From The Theater Can Help You Step into Power

Connect:

• Email Questions & Feedback >>> [email protected]
• Episode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart Website
• Newsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.io
• Think Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn,  Instagram, YouTube
• Matt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn

Chapters:

(00:00:00) Introduction

Matt Abrahams introduces the episode, highlighting the importance of power and presence in communication.

(00:01:31) Defining Power and Status

Jeffrey Pfeffer shares his definition of power and status, emphasizing their significance in achieving goals despite opposition.

(00:02:45) Nonverbal & Verbal Behaviors to Communicate Power

Specific behaviors that convey power, and those to avoid.

(00:05:46) Emotion and Power

Pfeffer explores the role of emotion in conveying power, highlighting the effectiveness of displaying strong emotions like anger and passion.

(00:09:11) Virtual Communication

Strategies for projecting competence and higher status in virtual communication are discussed, emphasizing the importance of appearance and framing on video calls.

(00:10:55) Communicating Across Power Levels

Jeffrey Pfeffer advises on crafting concise, powerful messages for communication with higher-status individuals, emphasizing the importance of directness and presentation in person.

(00:12:06) Tailoring Messages with Flattery

Pfeffer suggests beginning communications with flattery, highlighting its effectiveness in making the recipient more receptive to your message.

(00:13:33) The Importance of ‘Warming Up’

Why we should warm up physically and vocally before important communications.

(00:16:33) The Final Three Questions

Pfeffer shares his best communication advice in a concise slide title, the communicators he “admires”, and his three ingredients for a successful communication recipe.

(00:19:20) Conclusion

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New York Times Opinion columnist David Brooks shares how to communicate so that others feel seen, heard, and understood.

All too often, we communicate without really connecting. The key to building deep connections with others, says David Brooks, is to make them feel seen and heard.

Brooks is a writer for the New York Times, the Atlantic, and the best-selling author of several books. In his latest, How to Know a Person: The Art of Seeing Others Deeply and Being Deeply Seen, he explores how vulnerability — both being vulnerable ourselves and creating space for others to be as well — is the key to fostering deeper connections at home, at work, and throughout our lives. “[People] need to be seen, heard, and understood,” he says. “If you hide yourself from the emotional intimacies of life, you're hiding yourself from life itself.”

In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Brooks and host Matt Abrahams discuss the fundamentals of communicating with vulnerability and empathy, outlining the skills that anyone can learn and use to connect more deeply in their relationships.

Episode Reference Links:

• Full list of David Brooks books
• Bryan Stevenson
• George Orwell
• C.S. Lewis 
• Oprah Winfrey Video
• Ep.64 Carissa Carter
• Ep.101 Geoffrey Cohen

Connect:

• Email Questions & Feedback >>> [email protected]
• Episode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart Website
• Newsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.io
• Think Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn,  Instagram, YouTube
• Matt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn

Chapters:

(00:00:00) Introduction

(00:01:26) Personal Motivation

David Brooks shares insights into his journey and the motivation behind his latest book.

(00:04:01) Barriers to Connection

Common barriers to connection including egotism, anxiety, worldview, and lack of questioning.

(00:04:43) The Stages of Empathy

David Brooks breaks down empathy into components such as mirroring, mentalizing, and caring, and recognizing your own emotion

(00:07:40) Keys to Meaningful Conversation

Attention as an on-off switch, loud listening, avoiding topping responses, embracing pauses, and making people authors

(00:11:22) Understanding Illuminators and Diminishers

Illuminators are those who make you feel seen and valued through curiosity and active listening and suggestions and suggestions on how to be a better illuminator and conversationalist.

(00:14:01) How to Be a Better Public Speaker

The importance of vulnerability, humor, and storytelling. 

(00:16:25) Paradigmatic vs. Narrative Modes of Thinking

Jerome Bruner's concept of paradigmatic for writing and convincing, Narrative mode for understanding a fellow human being. 

(00:18:02) David Brooks' Journey

Becoming a journalist, inspired by childhood reading and early experiences as a police reporter & admiration for Oprah Winfrey as an admirable listener.

(00:19:52) Ingredients for Successful Communication

David Brooks outlines his three essential ingredients for effective communication: depth of passion, vulnerability, and clarity. 

(00:22:27) Conclusion

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Matt takes live questions from his worldwide audience. 

Join Matt Abrahams engaging with his international audience and answering questions that touch upon some of today's most pressing communication challenges. Matt offers advice on everything from the nuances of crafting clear, impactful questions and navigating emotional dynamics in group settings to maintaining control during presentations and delivering difficult news.

Additionally, listeners are treated to innovative strategies for creating memorable introductions and managing disruptive behaviors in group discussions. This episode, taken from a Think Fast Talk Smart live event, offers practical tips and strategies; its a value add for anyone looking to enhance their communication skills in personal and professional contexts.

Episode Reference Links:

• Ep 67, What Is Normal? How Culture Affects Communication Styles - Website / YouTube
• Ep 105, Radical Candor: The Communication Shift That Can Transform Your Career - Website / YouTube
• Ep 78, Three Guiding Principles for Successful Communication - Website / YouTube

Connect:

• Email Questions & Feedback >>> [email protected]
• Episode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart Website
• Newsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.io
• Think Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn,  Instagram, YouTube
• Matt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn

Chapters:

(00:00:00) Introduction and Overview of Part Two

(00:01:11) Formulating Relevant Questions 

Crafting relevant questions in high-pressure situations. Matt outlines a three-step process for developing concise questions that address the key issues, and provide the person answering with a hook. 

(00:03:14) Managing Emotional Discussions 

How to handle a group discussion that gets emotional reactions by acknowledging emotions and using paraphrasing to refocus the conversation.

(00:05:32) Navigating An Audience Hijacking Your Presentation

Set clear boundaries and expectations at the beginning of the presentation, along with effective paraphrasing.

(00:08:25) Communication Structures for Delivering Difficult Messages 

How to employ the "What, So What, Now What" or the “Comparison, Contrast, Conclusion” structures when giving difficult news, or feedback.

(00:10:25) Effective Cross-Cultural Communication 

When communicating effectively in a multinational company, Matt emphasizes empathy, repetition, and deep listening.

(00:12:51) How to Get Creative With Our Introductions 

Matt suggests starting with a provocative statement and then your name, in order to set an expectation for who we are and what's important to us. 

(00:14:51) Handling a Difficult or Challenging Person in Groups 

Matt recommends constructive feedback and the strategic use of paraphrasing to manage disruptions.

(00:17:13) Conclusion

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Matt takes live questions from his worldwide audience and shares a lesson around concision, relevance, accessibly, and precision in messaging. In this "masterclass," he emphasizes the communicator's role as a translator who simplifies complex information for diverse audiences.

Key takeaways include the careful use of analogies, considering cultural backgrounds and audience understanding, and providing techniques for chunking information into understandable segments. Additionally, the episode delves into the significance of structuring communication to achieve specific goals, highlighting Matt’s structure 'What? So What? Now What?. This episode is packed with practical advice and strategies for anyone looking to enhance their communication skills, whether in professional or personal contexts.

Be sure to tune in to Part 2, the “Ask Me Anything” portion of this recorded event.

Connect:

• Email Questions & Feedback >>> [email protected]
• Episode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart Website
• Newsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.io
• Think Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn,  Instagram, YouTube
• Matt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn

Chapters:

(00:00:00) Introduction and Global Participation 

Jenny & Matt introduce the live episode.

(00:01:09) Challenges of Communication 

Matt emphasizes the challenges in maintaining focus and clarity in a world filled with distractions and uses the iPod messaging as an example of focused communication.

(00:02:46) Concision 

Matt shares insights, examples, and practical techniques on using minimal words for maximum impact.

(00:06:47) Relevance

The importance of thinking about who our audience is, their needs, and how to use emotion, engagement, time-travelling phrases, and curiosity.

(00:10:36) Accessibility 

How do we make our content understandable to our audience? Matt explains that communicators are translators, and suggests techniques such as language, analogies, chunking, and providing diagrams

(00:15:50) Precision

Making sure we have a clear goal for our communication and the three components of a clear goal: information, emotion, and action.

(00:17:20) The importance of Structure for Precision

Exploring various structures for targeted communication, including insights from the Dummies book series, Matt’s favorite communication structure: 'What? So What? Now What?', and thinking about how we start and finish. 

(00:21:38) Closing 

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If we want to generate better ideas, then we need to get people back to the office.

In this bonus meetings mini-series episode, we feature an episode from the newest podcast from Stanford Graduate School of Business – If/Then: Business, Leadership, Society. In this conversation with senior editor Kevin Cool, Professor of Marketing and former TFTS guest Jonathan Levav details his study of remote work and creativity. “Pairs that worked face-to-face generated 15 to 20% more ideas than pairs that worked on Zoom,” Levav notes. What’s more, in-person brainstorming helped people consider a wider and more diverse range of possibilities. “Working on Zoom was a double penalty. Fewer ideas — and a narrower set of ideas.”

Remote work may be the new normal in our post-pandemic world, but Levav cautions us from accepting the status quo — especially if we want to keep our creative edge. As this episode of If/Then explores, our best ideas could still lie ahead of us — if we can all get in the same room.

If/Then is a podcast from the Stanford Graduate School of Business that examines research findings that can help us navigate the complex issues we face in business, leadership, and society. Each episode features an interview with a Stanford GSB faculty member.   

Key Takeaways: 

For hybrid work environments, managers should select “in-office” days based on tasks we perform better in person, such as collaboration and brainstorming.

More flexible schedules for remote and office work allow employees to bring their best selves and perform better at their jobs.  

More Resources: 

Listen to Jonathan Levav’s Webby-Award winning TFTS episode: "88. Best of: Leading From Home – How to Create the Right Environment for Communication."

Be sure to also listen to Part 1 and 2 of our Making Meeting Matter mini-series.

Connect:

• Email Questions & Feedback >>> [email protected]
• Episode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart Website
• Newsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.io
• Think Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn,  Instagram, YouTube
• Matt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn

Chapters:

(00:00:00) Introduction 

Matt introduces the If/Then podcast, and the episode featuring Jonathan Levav, previous Think Fast Talk Smart guest.

(00:01:15) The Importance of In-Person Collaboration

If/Then host Kevin Cool and Will Tracy, former executive producer of Succession, on his experiences with writers rooms and why virtual meetings don’t work in that context.

(00:04:34) Introduction to Research on Virtual Collaboration

Kevin introduces guest Jonathan Levav, his research on the effects of communicating on video on creative idea generation. Jonathan shares the conversation that was the genesis of the research.

(00:05:32) Research findings

The study methods used and results: face-to-face collaboration leads to 15-20% more creative ideas than collaboration over Zoom.

(00:08:26) Understanding the Difference 

People’s responses to the study and the impact of a physical experience

(00:11:54) Evaluating Task Types for Meeting Type

Determining different modalities for tasks in order to determine the best environment for that work, and why some work best in certain contexts.

(00:16:42) Return to the Office

As companies are encouraging employees to return to the office for a third day, the tension between employers and employees desires and how to add appeal as well as the lack of systemic study for data-base decision making.

(00:20:30) Advice for Managers of Remote Workers

The need for conscious change to adapt to the remote work experience, and Jonathan’s personal experience doing this teaching. 

(00:24:31) Choice Architecture

The importance of incentivizing workers to return to the office by making workplace culture recognize and meet employee needs.

(00:29:43) Jonathan Levav's Career and Next Research Steps

How Jonathan came to be in his field and his interest in studying networking and the way that virtual interactions shape relationship dynamics.

(00:32:59) Conclusion

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Whether you’re giving a toast or presenting in a meeting, communication is critical to success in business and in life. Join Matt Abrahams, a lecturer of Strategic Communication at Stanford Graduate School of Business, as he sits down with experts in the field to discuss real-world communication challenges.

How do I send my message clearly when put on the spot? How do I give better feedback? How can I easily convey complex information? How do I manage my reputation? How do I manage my anxiety in any speaking situation?  

Think Fast, Talk Smart provides the tools, techniques, and best practices to help you communicate more effectively.

Connect:

• Email Questions & Feedback >>> [email protected]
• Episode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart Website
• Newsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.io
• Think Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn,  Instagram, YouTube
• Matt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn

How can we make meetings more effective? How can we keep people engaged and interested? Whether it’s in person or on Zoom, here are a few techniques you can use to make your gatherings more meaningful, productive, and memorable.

Get practical tools and actionable insights to actually make meetings matter, as well as knowing when NOT to have a meeting. Join Matt Abrahams in a dynamic conversation with Elise Keith, an expert on effective meetings and communication. Elise explains the three main categories of meetings, and shares practical strategies for engaging participants, handling common meeting issues and maximizing productivity through techniques like parallel processing as well as other tools.

Be sure to also listen to Part 1 of our meeting mini-series, as well as the following bonus Meeting's episode from the Stanford GSB's If/Then podcast.

Connect:

• Email Questions & Feedback >>> [email protected]
• Episode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart Website
• Newsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.io
• Think Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn,  Instagram, YouTube
• Matt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn

Chapters:

(00:00) Introduction

Part two of the making meetings meaningful series, with guest Elise Keith

(02:01) Why & How to Have Meetings

The power of meetings for focusing attention and how to know when to conduct them virtually or in person. 

(03:56) Meeting Categories

Elise breaks down the three major categories of meetings: Cadence, Catalyst, and Learn & Influence.

(05:49) Purpose and Outcome

The two things to know before scheduling a meeting: the purpose and outcomes - and how to communicate those practically

(10:00) Knowing When Not to Meet

When a meeting may not be the most effective way to achieve goals; ensuring respect for participants' time.

(11:45) The Art of Facilitation

Practical tips for engaging participants, and setting expectations for active participation. 

(15:59) Tools for Creating Equity and & Cooperation

Think-Pair-Share, or 1-2-All, and harnessing silence to encourage equal participation and leveling of the meeting.

(17:19) Maximizing Meeting Productivity 

Parallel processing for dividing work efficiently while keeping the team united. Plus, emphasizing achieving results in business meetings.

(19:01) Meeting Best Practices

A lightning-round of best practices for addressing common meeting challenges.

(21:20) Final Questions

A communicator most admired by Elise, as well as her three ingredients for successful communication

(23:04) Conclusion

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Delve into why people hate meetings, explore what hinders their effectiveness, and how to change that. Karin Reed (Emmy Award winner) and Joe Allen (“The Meeting Doctor”) join Matt Abrahams in the first of a two-part series that aims to reshape your approach to meetings and help you make them effective and meaningful, whether in person, virtual or hybrid. 

They shed light on the constraints hindering effective meetings, and explore strategies for optimizing meetings, emphasizing the importance of right-sizing meetings and focusing on realistic agendas. Karin provides valuable tips for enhancing on-air presence, focusing on aspects like eye contact, lighting, and framing, while Joe tackles the challenges of managing disruptive behaviors in virtual meetings. Don't miss this insightful exploration into the world of how to make meetings better.

Connect:

• Email Questions & Feedback >>> [email protected]
• Episode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart Website
• Newsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.io
• Think Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn,  Instagram, YouTube
• Matt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn

Chapters:

(00:00) Introduction 

Host Matt Abrahams sets the stage for the two-episode series on meaningful meetings and introduces guests Karin Reed and Joe Allen.

(02:02) Why People Hate Meetings 

Reasons behind the dislike for meetings, focusing on habits and societal norms and the issues that create ineffective meetings.

(04:49) Participation Equity

Strategies for validating all forms of participation, especially in virtual and hybrid meetings.

(06:53) Meeting Structures and Strategically Ordering Topics

How to strategically best order tasks for a meeting adapting to the team's readiness.

(09:21) Best Practices for Virtual and Hybrid Meetings 

The importance of being & feeling seen and heard in virtual and hybrid meetings, strategies to work against proximity bias.

(11:57) Virtual Presence Tips 

Tips to have the best virtual presence from Karin, including eye contact, framing, lighting, and audio

(16:35) How to Combat Counterproductive Meeting Behavior

Joe explains different types of behaviours that derail meetings and how procedural communication can be used as a strategy to address them, and the possible outcomes of implementing this. 

(20:45) Final Thoughts on Effective Meetings 

Karin & Joe each give their one big tip for effective meetings, Karin shares the importances of injecting humanity and friendship, and Joe shares his communication mentor.

(23:52) The ABCs of Communication 

Karin Reed shares the first three ingredients for a successful communication recipe: Authenticity, Brevity, and Clarity.

(25:01) Conclusion

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The information you receive is only as strong as the questions you ask.

This week we revisit Matt's discussion with Debra Schifrin about how to craft inquiries that can lead to better communication outcomes. Questions are also instrumental in building relationships, Schifrin points out. “If you’re asking questions, you’re signaling to the other person that you value them. You’re taking time to listen to their answers.”

Connect:

• Email Questions & Feedback >>> [email protected]
• Episode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart Website
• Newsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.io
• Think Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn,  Instagram, YouTube
• Matt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn

Chapters:

(00:00) Introduction to the Episode and Guest

(01:47) The Role and Importance of Questions

Debra Schifrin discusses the various goals and purposes of asking questions, such as getting information and building relationships.

(02:36) Questions in Building Relationships and Coaching 

Focus on how questions help in building relationships and their use in coaching and mentoring.

(04:41) Negative Aspects of Question Asking

Discussion about the darker goals of asking questions, like intimidation or avoiding responsibility.

(06:57) The Impact of Tone in Question Asking

Examination of how tone can significantly alter the perception and effectiveness of questions.

(08:19) Creating Effective Questions 

Strategies for formulating good questions, emphasizing the use of value-related words.

(10:10) Advice for Business Leaders on Question Asking

Guidance for leaders on the importance of bravery in asking questions and being open to unexpected answers.

(11:53) Context and Best Practices in Question Asking

The relevance of context in questioning and best practices rooted in a mindset of curiosity.

(15:25) Debra Schifrin's Secret Weapon in Questioning

Schifrin's "killer last question" technique and its effectiveness in eliciting insightful responses.

(17:19) Experiment with Different Questioning Styles

An experiment demonstrating the impact of different ways of asking questions on the responses received.

(19:00) Wrap-up and Final Questions

Concluding part where Matt asks Debra Schifrin his three standard questions for all podcast guests, focusing on communication advice, admired communicators, and successful communication ingredients.

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Research-backed techniques on how to beat nervousness in the moment. 

In this episode, Matt uses clips from experts from previous TFTS episodes to provide you with several communication anxiety management techniques to help you feel more comfortable and confident when you communicate. And as a guide to help us learn these techniques, he introduces the ABCs of anxiety management.

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Chapters:

(00:00) Intro: the ABC's of anxiety management

(02:23) Christian Wheeler: Get comfortable being uncomfortable 

(03:38) Kelly McGonigal: Anxiety is a sign you care

(04:50) Andrew Huberman: Using breath to help quell anxiety 

(06:51) Jeffrey Pfeffer: Warming up right before a communication challenge 

(08:22) Alia Crum: Understanding that stress can be good for us

(10:12) Alison Wood Brooks: Reframing our mindset

(12:01) Anxiety Management Plan: Matt shares instructions on how to make your own “AMP” so you can communicate at your best.

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We have to be vulnerable in order to build trust in our relationships. But as Jacob Morgan says, “Vulnerability for leaders is not the same as it is for everybody else.”

In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Morgan shares with host Matt Abrahams his “vulnerable leadership equation” and how leaders can use it to transform the way they interact with others — creating more trust, unlocking people’s potential, and building successful teams and organizations.

As Morgan explains, owning up to your mistakes and struggles might make you vulnerable, but it doesn’t necessarily make you a leader. In his latest book, Leading with Vulnerability: Unlock Your Greatest Superpower to Transform Yourself, Your Team, and Your Organization, Morgan lays out why leading with vulnerability goes a step further, saying, “Here's what I learned from the mistake that I made [and] steps that I'm going to put into place to make sure this doesn't happen again.”

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Matt reflects on all the advice we've heard this season and shares the top 10 takeaways that he’s applying to his own communication:

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Chapters:

(00:00) Matt's Introduction

(00:42) Jonah Berger: episode 80

(02:09) Rachel Greenwald: episode 89

(03:44) Dan Pink: episode 92

(04:53) Vanessa Patrick: episode 95

(06:55) Carmine Gallo: episode 103

(07:43) Katie Milkman: episode 104

(09:12) Kim Scott: episode 105

(10:32) Francis Frei: episode 109

(11:40) Patrick McGinnis: episode 113

(13:14) Julian Treasure: episode 114

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“Stress is natural,” says Alia Crum, an assistant professor of psychology at Stanford. “Stress is inevitable when you’re living a life that’s connected with things you care about. And learning how to embrace it, learning how to work with it is really what helps us thrive and grow and perform at our highest level.”

In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, lecturer and podcast host Matt Abrahams talks with Crum about her work as the principal investigator at the Stanford Mind & Body Lab, where she is studying how people can benefit from stress. “There’s a whole side of stress that shows that it can have enhancing qualities on our cognitive functioning, our physical health, and on how we behave and interact with others,” she says.

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What comes to people’s minds when they think about you, and can you control it? Dorie Clark says you can — with the power of your personal brand.

According to Clark, “You have brand equity in your own life.” Your personal brand or reputation, she says, “makes things either easier or harder for you” as you pursue your personal and professional goals. The key question, she says, is “What kind of reputation have you built up?” By taking stock of the personal brand you have, you can redefine it to align with who you are and where you want to go.

In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Clark and host Matt Abrahams discuss the power of personal branding, being more strategic in how we communicate about ourselves, and how we can shape the narrative of our lives, personally and professionally.

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Communication is about so much more than sharing words. As neuroscientist Shane O’Mara explains, communication is about sharing reality.

According to O’Mara, “A conversation is where we create a shared reality together.” As a professor of experimental brain research at Trinity College Dublin, his research has focused on how human brains sync up through communication. “The essence is that we are creating a shared reality where we come to share the same states of emotion, the same states of memory, and we come to think about the future together in a new way.”

On this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, O’Mara joins host Matt Abrahams to discuss how language, memory, and imagination play into communication, and how we can use active listening, turn-taking, and mentalizing to create a shared reality together.

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Even if you don’t think you’re a natural, anyone can become proficient at the art of small talk by utilizing the right tactics and behaviors. In this collaboration with Harvard Business Review, strategic communications lecturer Matt Abrahams shares his tips and techniques for cocktail party chit chat, networking small talk, and holiday dinner-table conversation. 

Watch the full video on HBR's YouTube channel.

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Why do we do what we do? What factors drive us? And how do things like competition with others help us achieve our goals?

These are the questions most interesting to Szu-chi Huang, an associate professor of marketing with a specific interest in motivation. “Competition definitely increases motivation,” says Huang. “It makes attaining the goal more valuable.”

In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Huang and host Matt Abrahams explore the intersection of human psychology, behavior, and goal attainment — and how communication connects them all.

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We should all be audience-centric in communication. But, as Julian Treasure contests, we need to take it one step further. What is the listening I am speaking into?, he says, is the question every speaker should ask themselves over and over.

"Every human being’s listening is unique ... we listen through a set of filters and those filters develop as we grow and mature in life and we have experiences. Knowing where the person is coming from, you'll be able to sense their listening."

Treasure, an expert on speaking and sound, also offers advice on the breathing techniques that can transform one's speech. "If you want to speak powerfully, develop a breathing practice. And that can be as simple as conscious breathing, which is breathing in through the nose, out through the mouth."

In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Treasure and host Matt Abrahams explore the power of breath; the four steps to show someone we're engaged and listening; and how by framing speech as a gift, we can better serve our audience. 

Treasure is the author of Sound Business. His most recent book, How to be Heard: Secrets for Powerful Speaking and Listening, is based on his TED Talk. For a full transcript of this episode, visit our podcast webpage.

More resources:

Julian Treasure on TED

Julian Treasure on LinkedIn

Julian on Substack

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What if you had that job? What if you were with that person? What if there’s a better option out there? If you find yourself asking these questions, Patrick McGinnis invented the term for what you’re experiencing: FOMO.

First coined by McGinnis in a piece published by the Harvard Business School newspaper, FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) describes the anxiety we feel when thinking that other people are having more fun and living more fulfilling lives than we are. As McGinnis says, “We are constantly comparing ourselves to other people. We are seeing the options that are out there. And then we're saying, what I'm doing right now isn't good enough. I am missing out on something.”

Both in his book, Fear of Missing Out: Practical Decision-Making in a World of Overwhelming Choice, and in this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, McGinnis explains how conscious decision-making can help us feel more sure of our choices and experience less anxiety about the options we pass up.

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This episode we're sharing an excerpt from Matt Abrahams's audiobook, Think Faster, Talk Smarter. Listen in as Matt explains how to think like a movie director, where a mistake isn't a grave error, but rather a "missed takes" and an opportunity to try again with a new approach.

*This audio excerpt is courtesy of Simon & Schuster Audio from THINK FASTER, TALK SMARTER by Matt Abrahams, read by the author. Copyright 

 2023 by Matthew Abrahams LLC. Used with permission of Simon & Schuster, Inc.

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“Sparking communication starts with asking why or what or how.”

On this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Tina Seelig, the Professor of the Practice at Stanford’s department of management science and engineering and the executive director of the Knight-Hennessy Scholars program, chats with host and lecturer Matt Abrahams about the importance of asking questions about everything we do.

“Having a mindset of curiosity opens the door to great communication,” Seelig says. “The more questions you ask, the more you learn, the more engaged you will be with others.”

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Whatever you’re writing, Todd Rogers says most people are too busy to read it. That’s why, he says, “you want to make it as easy as possible for them."

Rogers is a professor of public policy at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government and the author of the book Writing for Busy Readers: Communicate More Effectively in the Real World. From text messages to fundraising letters to political speeches, Rogers says effective writing makes it “easy for busy readers to navigate what we send them, pull out the key information, and do what they are planning to do anyway, which is move on to the next thing.” This kind of writing, Rogers says, is “more effective for us, and kinder to readers.”

In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Rogers and host Matt Abrahams explore how to use structure, simplicity, and everyday vocabulary to write in a way that saves readers time and transmits ideas more effectively.

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You said it. But did they hear it? For Frances Frei, communication is about saying things simply enough for an audience to truly understand.

As a professor of technology and operations management at Harvard Business School, Frei knows that shaping culture within organizations requires communicating in ways that influence how people think and act. The problem for many leaders, she says, is that when we “understand something deeply, we describe it in a complicated way. If you want broad influence and persuasion, we have to understand it really deeply. And then describe it in a simple and compelling enough way that others can take action.”

In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Frei and host Matt Abrahams explore strategies for simpler communication, building and maintaining trust, and celebrating diverse perspectives within our teams. They also discuss takeaways from Frei's latest book, Move Fast and Fix Things: The Trusted Leaders' Guide to Solving Hard Problems.

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More resources:

Move Fast and Fix Things: The Trusted Leaders' Guide to Solving Hard Problems

Fixable, a podcast with Anne Francis and Frances Frei

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If you’re reading from your notes, you're going to miss the magic of the moment. That’s why Adam Tobin, Dan Klein, and Patricia Ryan Madsen bring improv techniques to all their communication.

Communication experts in their respective fields of media, performance, and drama, Tobin, Klein, and Madsen all see the immense power of improv in helping us communicate more freely. As Tobin says, "You do the preparation so that you are expert in the material. And then you let go of the specific delivery of the information in favor of being aware of what's going on now." Madsen agrees, explaining that we don't need all the answers, we just need to show up. "Step first," she says, "then see where you are."

In this celebration of the 100th episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, the three guests join host Matt Abrahams to discuss how improv can transform our communication in everything from small talk to work presentations, and help us create space where we feel safe enough to show up as our most authentic selves.

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In this episode, executive producer Jenny Luna interviews host and strategic communications lecturer Matt Abrahams about the tips and tools in his new book, Think Faster, Talk Smarter: How to Speak Successfully When You're Put on the Spot 

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In January of 2020 we launched Think Fast Talk Smart with the goal of helping people improve their communication skills. Now, with more than 100 episodes and an engaged audience tuning in from more than 200 countries, we're proud to take you back to the very first episode, where the magic began.

As we've discussed multiple times on the show, most professional communication is spontaneous in nature. It’s providing feedback in the moment, answering questions, introducing people. On this inaugural episode, Strategic Communication lecturer Matt Abrahams speaks with Stanford lecturers Adam Tobin and Dan Klein on how to become more comfortable and confident in in-the-moment speaking situations. 

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Moving forward in our careers often means giving and receiving feedback. But how candid can we be in communicating with others? For Kim Scott, anything less than radical just isn’t enough.

An executive, speaker, author, and executive coach, Scott is known for her concept of radical candor, which she defines as “caring personally and challenging directly at the same time." By mapping communication onto the axes of caring and challenging, she derives four quadrants of feedback behavior: radical candor, obnoxious aggression, manipulative insincerity, and ruinous empathy.

In this episode of Think Fast Talk Smart, Scott shares how we can all move our communication into the radical candor quadrant, “to learn what we don't know and to help other people learn what they don't know.”

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More Resources

Kim Scott, personal website and on LinkedIn

The Radical Candor podcast

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"We're wired to look for the path of least resistance and efficiency, and that's normally a good thing, but it can get in the way when we want to make a change," says Wharton professor Katy Milkman. Through her research on decision making and in her recent book How to Change the Science of Getting From Where You Are to Where You Want To Be, Milkman examines the many barriers we create for ourselves when it comes to achieving goals.

"Who you surround yourself [is important] with because we have a tendency to conform to the people around us," she says. "And if we are surrounded by people who show us our limitations, that can be a barrier."

On this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart: The Podcast, host Matt Abrahams sits down with Milkman to further explore her research into human behavior and decision making, motivation, and tools we can use to make real change. 

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More resources

For a full transcript, visit this episode's webpage.

Bob Cialdini, "Change My Mind: Using “Pre-suasion” to Influence Others"

Szu-Chi Huang, "From Dreaming to Doing: How We Set and Achieve Goals"

Jonah Berger, "Magic Words: Change What You Say to Inspire and Influence Others"

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The best communicators express ideas simply. And to do that, says Carmine Gallo, “you have to connect with people in a language they understand.”

Gallo is an author, communication coach, and lecturer at the Harvard Graduate School of Design. For him, the cornerstone of good communication is empathizing with an audience enough to truly speak their language. “Think about the audience first,” he says. “If you cannot speak the same language to different stakeholders and adapt the language for those different stakeholders, you’ll never get anything done.”

On this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Gallo and host Matt Abrahams discuss how we can simplify our language and weave relevant stories to translate and tailor our communication for our audience.

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What does it take to have a presence that’s felt by those around us? According to Muriel Wilkins, the answer is simple: Be present.

“Having presence, at the root of it, [is] your ability to be present,” says Wilkins, a C-suite advisor, executive coach, and host of the HBR podcast, Coaching Real Leaders. Working with some of the business world’s top brass, Wilkins helps leaders discover how they can use presence to communicate more effectively, lead more authentically, and create more impact in their organizations.

In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Wilkins and host Matt Abrahams explore communication strategies that leaders and individuals can use to improve their presence and show up more authentically to work and life.

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When it comes to emotional and physical wellbeing, Psychology professor Geoffrey Cohen says there is one healthy behavior that outweighs the others: authentic connection. “It is really, really important,” he says. 

Deep connections with other people are foundational to a happy and healthy life. As Cohen explores in his new book, Belonging: The Science of Creating Connection and Bridging Divides, achieving a sense of belonging isn’t just a nice-to-have — it’s essential. “That sense of connection is so woven into our DNA that if we don't have it, we suffer,” he says. “Not having that sense of connection with other people does great biological damage and seems to be one of the major contributors to disease and mortality."

As Cohen and host Matt Abrahams explore in this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, effective communication is the tool we need to build strong connections with others and enjoy a deep sense of belonging.

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What does it take to be a more effective communicator? According to Dan Lyons, it starts with knowing when to shut your mouth.

As a journalist, author, and screenwriter, Lyons knows a thing or two about wielding words. But as he reveals in his book, STFU: The Power of Keeping Your Mouth Shut in an Endlessly Noisy World, most of us talk too much and listen too little. “A great conversation is about listening. And it probably involves you talking less,” he says.

In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Lyons and host Matt Abrahams explore how to stop over-talking, emphasizing the value of active listening, asking good questions, and giving others space to speak.

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Being a better listener has a lot to do with silence, says Collins Dobbs, a lecturer in management at Stanford Graduate School of Business. “A lot of people are uncomfortable with the smallest modicum of silence, but learning often happens when we create distance for useful reflection.”

In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Dobbs talks with host Matt Abrahams about the importance of “space, pace, and grace” when you’re receiving others’ feedback and handling the emotions that come out during tough discussions.

“There’s often a lot more focus on the skill set on delivering emotion than receiving emotion, but if the receiver of emotion can put themselves in a place of curiosity, agency, and openness … it opens up a whole new world of possibilities.”

Dobbs is an executive coach and teaches several courses, including Interpersonal Dynamics and Leadership Labs.

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 How do we deal with professional blind spots? According to David Dodson, MBA ’87, we need the panoramic perspective of those who work around us.

“360 reviews, done properly, are a massive competitive weapon,” says Dodson, also a lecturer in management at Stanford GSB and author of the new book, The Manager’s Handbook. Such comprehensive and constructive feedback, he says, can be transformational for employees and managers alike. “The first time I did a 360 review and got feedback was a massive turning point in my development as a manager,” he says. “Had I not had 360 feedback, I probably would have gone a decade or more with ineffective technique.”

In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Dodson shares valuable insights and actionable advice for individuals in leadership and management roles, highlighting the importance of effective communication and feedback in achieving success.

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Communication is like a game. For it to work, each person has to trust that their partner will play by the rules. As Professor Anat Admati says, the same is true for corporations and their stakeholders.

“To have good governance, you need trust and accountability,” says Admati, a professor of finance and economics and the director of the Corporations and Society Initiative. How does a society ensure that markets, businesses, and governments are all on the same page? As Admati says, “We need rules. I can commit to you that I won’t harm you because something bad will happen to me if I [do].”

In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Admati joins host Matt Abrahams to discuss how communication forms a bedrock of trust that can align markets, businesses, and governments — for more accountable capitalism and a healthier society.

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More resources

• Anat Admati 
• Anat Admati: The Economist Who Said “The Bankers Have No Clothes”

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Why is a boat a “she?” Why give names like Alexa or Siri to inanimate pieces of software? According to assistant professor of organizational behavior Ashley Martin, ascribing gender to everyday objects helps us to connect with them more deeply.

“Gender is this humanizing force that allows people to interact with non-human things as if they’re human,” says Martin, whose research focuses on gender equality, gender inclusion, and gender’s role within team and organizational dynamics. And while Martin is interested in how anthropomorphizing technology can benefit the humans who use it, she also notes how “problematic stereotypes” could be perpetuated as a result.

In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Martin joins host Matt Abrahams to discuss how our ideas about gender inform the way we relate to the world and how we can leverage the latest research to promote greater diversity, equity, and inclusion. 

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Saying no can seem risky. We worry about offending others, damaging relationships, or hurting our own reputation. But as Vanessa Patrick says, no is an empowering word that gives us greater agency in our lives.

Saying no “is not a rejection of the other person,” says Patrick, a professor of Marketing at the University of Houston. Instead, it allows you to set boundaries and “[give] voice to what you believe and what you care about.” In her book, The Power of Saying No, Patrick introduces what she calls “empowered refusal,” a way of saying no that’s rooted in one’s identity, values, priorities, and preferences. “An empowered no,” she says, “is about us, not a rejection of the other person.”

In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Patrick and host Matt Abrahams explore how to use the power of no, how to move from strategy forming to strategy implementation, and how to resist momentary pleasures that distract us from our larger goals.

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More Resources: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanessapatrick23/ 

https://uh.edu/news-events/stories/2023/june-2023/05012023-patrick-empowered-no.php 

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Breaking new ground, Think Fast, Talk Smart steps into the world of live events, bringing together an eager audience of LEAD students from Stanford University and a top-notch panel of former podcast guests: Jesper B. Sørensen, Sarah Soule, Jonathan Levav,and Szu-chi Huang. Topics include crafting strategy for successful leadership and tips on how to effectively lead a hybrid team.

This episode also features an interactive audience segment, where various participants of the Stanford LEAD program answer the three questions traditionally posed to guests.

To learn more about Stanford LEAD, the Graduate School of Business's online program for executive education, visit their grow.stanford.edu or take the self assessment. 

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How are you feeling right now? According to Celine Teoh, we all need to ask ourselves that question more often — and be more precise in how we answer it.

Teoh is a facilitator of the course Interpersonal Dynamics, or “Touchy Feely,” as it’s affectionately known on campus. In her work with students and as a CEO coach, she encourages people to get better acquainted with their feelings. “Feelings are data,” she says. “In the rest of our logical lives, we would never make decisions on bad or highly abstract data. But we'll do that with feelings.”

In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Teoh and host Matt Abrahams discuss how developing greater emotional awareness can help us achieve more agency and empathy in our personal and professional lives.

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“What people regret over time are things they didn't do. They didn't take that trip, they didn't ask that person out on a date. They didn't start that business,” says former political speech writer and best-selling author Dan Pink. “I think it's because we are slightly over-indexed on risk. We overstate the risk in many circumstances.” 

On this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, strategic communications lecturer Matt Abrahams sits down with Pink to hear how we should all take more risks and how leaders can inspire others by focusing on the why instead of the how. 

“There's almost incontrovertible evidence that sense of purpose is the most cost effective performance enhancer that organizations have,” Pink says.  

They also discuss the power in taking breaks, which Pink considers part of performance, not a deviation from it. “What we know from many domains is that professionals take breaks. It's not that amateurs take breaks and the professionals don't, it's the exact opposite.” 

Pink’s latest book is The Power of Regret, How Looking Backward Moves Us Forward.

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Show Notes

Dan Pink

https://hbr.org/2014/11/cooks-make-tastier-food-when-they-can-see-their-customers

Feelings First: How Emotion Shapes Our Communication, Decisions, and Experiences (episode with Baba Shiv)

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We’re often advised not to use “um” or “uh”, or “so” and “you know” in our communication. But linguist Valerie Fridland might argue otherwise. “Language is about how we encode both the linguistic message and a social message,” she says. “Crutch words … are really valuable and they have arisen to serve a need.” 

In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart: the podcast, Fridland sits down with host and strategic communications lecturer Matt Abrahams to discuss how and when we use "you know","so", and other filler words. For example, Fridland says, the way we use “um” varies greatly from how and we might use “uh.” And the use of “like,” while deplored by many, actually serves a linguistic function and can provide context and background for a listener.

She and Matt also discuss the social linguistic function of vocal fry and whether emojis have a place in business communication. 

Fridland is a professor of sociolinguistics at the University of Nevada. She's an expert on the relationship between language and society and recently released a new book, Like Literally Dude: Arguing for the Good in Bad English.

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In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, lecturer and podcast host Matt Abrahams sits down with David Eagleman, a neuroscientist and the host of the PBS series The Brain, to discuss why our brains are wired for storytelling and how new senses might impact our connection and communication with others.

“I’ve always been really interested in this idea of how we can pass information to the brain via unusual channels,” Eagleman says. “We’ve got our eyes or ears or fingertips and our nose, we’re very used to this and we sort of think these are fundamental, but of course, this is just what we’ve inherited from a long road of evolution … It turns out you can push information in the brain in other ways.”

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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 of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Greenwald and host Matt Abrahams discuss relationship-building tactics like small talk, active listening, communication blindspots, and more.

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*This episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart recently won "Best Business Podcast Episode" at the 2023 Webby Awards.* 

“You’re not going to hit the mark with everybody, but you still need to be mindful of everybody,” says Jonathan Levav, a professor of marketing at Stanford Graduate School of Business. “That’s critical to create an environment where communication is effective.”

In this podcast episode, Levav sits down with podcast host Matt Abrahams to talk about how to lead from home and how to foster an environment for creativity, innovation, and collaboration.

It’s not just maintaining a company culture, it’s about establishing what that culture is online, Levav says. “How can you encourage those serendipitous conversations that tend to happen in person?”

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We’ve all been there — we think we understand something, but when it comes time to explain it to someone else, we flounder.

According to Gregory LaBlanc, a lecturer in management at Stanford GSB, attempting to communicate concepts reveals whether or not we properly grasped them in the first place. “If you think you understand something but you're incapable of communicating it, it probably means that you don't really understand it,” he says.

For communication to be effective, LaBlanc says it’s not enough to transmit a message. As he and Matt Abrahams discuss on this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, we have to be skilled translators, adept at decoding our ideas and recoding them in ways our audience will understand.

LaBlanc is the host of unSILOed.

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

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

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

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More Resources

BJ Fogg at Stanford

Tiny Habits

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Having to communicate in a language other than our native tongue can be quite a challenge, especially without a script or prepared speech.

In this "Best of" episode, we revisit Matt's conversation with Kenneth Romeo about specific tactics that non-native speakers can use to handle in-the-moment challenges. Romeo also discusses why letting go of perfection is a key step toward speaking with confidence. 

Romeo has served as the associate director of the Stanford Language Center and a teacher of English to non-native speakers through Stanford Continuing Studies. Romeo is a professor at Waseda University in Japan.

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“The self is incompatible with freedom, the way most people understand it, because the self is a constraint,” says social psychologist and professor of organizational behavior Brian Lowery. “The ‘you’ you’re talking about is actually the relationships you have, the social interactions you have and the cultural context you exist in."

In this Quick Thinks episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Lowery sits down with podcast host and lecturer in strategic communications Matt Abrahams to talk about his new book, Selfless: The Social Creation of You. Lowery argues that there is no essential “self” — our selves are creations of those we interact with — exploring what that means for who we can be and who we allow others to be. He also shares research on how asking deeply personal questions can be a tool for deepening relationships. 

Brian Lowery is the co-director of the Stanford Institute on Race and the host of the podcast, Know What You See. 

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“If you're not living life according to your own values, you're most likely living them according to someone else's,” says Charlotte Burgess-Auburn.

Burgess-Auburn is a designer, artist, educator, and the Director of Community at the d.school. With her recently published guide, You Need A Manifesto: How To Craft Your Convictions And Put Them To Work, she aims to help people identify their core values and then codify them to chart a course of meaning and purpose.

“A manifesto is a statement of purpose and a script for action,” she says, “a compass [and] navigation tool to help you find your way.” As she and Matt Abrahams discuss on this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, a personal manifesto can help us communicate our deepest values — first to ourselves, and then to the world.

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It’s easy to feel like the star of the show when giving a presentation. But according to communication guru Nancy Duarte, you’re not the hero of this story.

For Duarte, founder and CEO of world-renowned communication consulting firm Duarte Inc, effective communication is built on the foundation of empathy, which means considering your audience first and foremost. “All the attention is on us. But in reality, the audience is the one,” she says. “If they don’t leave with your idea adopted, your idea is going to die.”

How can presenters use empathy to put their audience at center stage? As Duarte discusses with host Matt Abrahams in this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, it’s about seeking to understand before you start speaking.

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Why does disagreement feel so personal? According to author, journalist, and physician Seema Yasmin, it’s because beliefs aren’t just about what we think, they’re about who we are.

“What [people] believe is entrenched in them, and it’s to do with their sense of belonging and their sense of identity,” says Yasmin. Whether we’re butting heads over something trivial like sports or something major like COVID-19 vaccines, Yasmin points out that the disagreement is just the surface — underneath are complex layers of geopolitics, history, language, dialect, culture, faith, family history, and power hierarchies.

So how do we show compassion to others, especially when we disagree with them? Yasmin and host Matt Abrahams explore strategies for more empathetic communication in this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart.

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Words have impact. But when it comes to enchanting audiences and captivating with communication, Jonah Berger, PhD ’07, says some words are more potent than others.

Berger is a Wharton School professor and an internationally bestselling author. His most recent book, Magic Words: What to Say to Get Your Way, identifies language we can use to communicate more effectively in all sorts of personal and professional contexts. “Subtle shifts in language can have a huge impact on everything from convincing clients and holding attention to connecting with loved ones in our lives,” Berger says.

Magic words allow us to change minds, engage audiences, and drive action. In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart: The Podcast, Berger and host Matt Abrahams discuss how we can leverage their power in our own communication.

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