Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques

Matt Abrahams, Think Fast Talk Smart

One of the most essential ingredients to success in business and life is effective communication.

  • 43 minutes 55 seconds
    200. Four Keys for Focused Communication: Live Lessons from Our 200 Episodes

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


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

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

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

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    Chapters:

    • (00:00) - Introduction
    • (04:30) - Concision in Effective Messaging
    • (07:42) - Make Your Message Relevant
    • (13:34) - Ensuring Accessibility
    • (17:46) - The Importance of Precision
    • (24:35) - Craft an Impactful Elevator Pitch
    • (28:23) - Build a Stronger Vocabulary
    • (30:19) - Communicating Numbers and Data
    • (32:48) - Responding When Caught Off Guard
    • (34:47) - Confidence for Speaking and Presenting
    • (37:45) - Steering Conversations Back on Track
    • (40:18) - Dream Podcast Guest
    • (41:19) - What’s Coming Next
    • (42:59) - Conclusion

      *****
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    29 April 2025, 1:00 pm
  • 22 minutes 45 seconds
    199. Blunder Pressure: Mastering In-the-Moment Communication (3 of 3)

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

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

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

    Part 1: Preparation and Mindset

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

    Part 2: Mastering the Moment

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

    Part 3: When Things Go Wrong

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

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

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    Chapters:

    • (00:00) - Introduction
    • (02:42) - Focus on What’s Next, Not What Went Wrong
    • (04:40) - Failure with Confidence
    • (06:45) - Flexibility Over a Fixed Plan
    • (08:28) - Staying Cool in Public Slip-Ups
    • (10:36) - Using Laughter to Reset
    • (13:05) - Gracefully Correcting Yourself
    • (14:42) - Staying Calm Under Pressure
    • (19:40) - Listener Exercises on Reflecting to Improve
    • (21:56) - Conclusion

      *****
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    22 April 2025, 1:00 pm
  • 25 minutes 2 seconds
    198. Pause and Effect: Mastering In-the-Moment Communication (2 of 3)

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

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

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

    Part 1: Preparation and Mindset

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

    Part 2: Mastering the Moment

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

    Part 3: When Things Go Wrong

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

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

    Episode Reference Links:


    Connect:


    Chapters:

    • (00:00) - Introduction
    • (02:25) - Letting Go of the Script
    • (05:37) - Visual Listening
    • (06:56) - Nonverbal Communication
    • (09:45) - Tools of Connection
    • (13:06) - Pacing for Pressure
    • (14:06) - The Power of Pausing
    • (16:40) - How to Make a Great Introduction
    • (18:30) - Being Gracious in Conversation
    • (20:54) - Listener Exercises on Active Listening
    • (23:48) - Conclusion

     *****
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    17 April 2025, 1:00 pm
  • 25 minutes 12 seconds
    197. Prep or Perish: Mastering In-the-Moment Communication (1 of 3)

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

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

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

    Part 1: Preparation and Mindset

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

    Part 2: Mastering the Moment

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

    Part 3: When Things Go Wrong

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

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

    Episode Reference Links:

    Connect:


    Chapters:

    • (00:00) - Introduction
    • (04:12) - Pressure and Preparation
    • (06:03) - Cognitive Load and Focus
    • (08:47) - Speaking with Clarity
    • (10:25) - Building Instinct Through Practice
    • (12:29) - Overthinking vs. Acting Fast
    • (14:09) - Staying Present Under Pressure
    • (14:49) - Make It About the Audience
    • (15:50) - Handling Public Scrutiny
    • (17:54) - Physical Rituals to Manage Nerves
    • (19:27) - Grounding Techniques Before Speaking
    • (22:01) - Listener Exercises for Better Speaking
    • (25:18) - Conclusion

     *****
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    15 April 2025, 1:00 pm
  • 22 minutes 29 seconds
    196. Ditch the Dictionary: Communicate Confidently Through Connection

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

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

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

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

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    Chapters:

    • (00:00) - Introduction
    • (01:44) - Common Challenges for English Learners
    • (03:08) - Overcoming the Confidence Catch-22
    • (04:59) - Communication Lessons from CEOs
    • (05:47) - The Art of Listening
    • (07:34) - Idioms and Hidden Meanings
    • (08:52) - Context Shapes Communication
    • (10:39) - Cultural Analogies and Miscommunication
    • (11:45) - Entering a New Role or Culture
    • (14:04) - Immersive Language Learning
    • (17:19) - The Final Three Questions
    • (21:38) - Conclusion

    *****
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    8 April 2025, 1:00 pm
  • 13 minutes 15 seconds
    195. Q&A on Conflict, Confidence, and Connection: Me2We 2025 Part 2

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

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

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    Chapters:

    • (00:00) - Introduction
    • (02:15) - Bridging Political Divides
    • (05:28) - Navigating Confidence and Context
    • (07:33) - Rethinking Leadership and Reputation
    • (12:17) - Conclusion

    *****
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    3 April 2025, 1:00 pm
  • 32 minutes 16 seconds
    194. Live Lessons in Levity and Leadership: Me2We 2025 Part 1

    Effective leadership begins with the way you communicate.

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

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    Chapters:

    • (00:00) - Introduction
    • (03:32) - Managing Reputation and Authentic Communication
    • (05:34) - Leadership Pluralism and Team Culture
    • (07:34) - Discomfort, Growth, and Distraction
    • (11:58) - Guiding Principles and the Serendipity Fund
    • (14:33) - Using AI in Teaching and Research
    • (21:54) - Fixing Hierarchies with CPR
    • (23:49) - Authenticity, Humor Styles, and Human Flourishing
    • (26:38) - Executive Presence and Owning the Room
    • (29:27) - Writing Better Titles and Facilitating Interactions
    • (31:20) - Conclusion

    *****
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    1 April 2025, 1:00 pm
  • 11 minutes 59 seconds
    193. Conquer Questions: ADDing Value To Your Answers

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

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

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

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    Chapters:

    • (00:00) - Introduction
    • (02:02) - The Challenge of Q&A
    • (03:00) - Preparing for Q&A in Advance
    • (03:40) - When to Take Questions
    • (04:29) - How to Ask for Questions Effectively
    • (05:32) - Audience Anxiety in Q&A
    • (06:47) - Managing Questions Efficiently
    • (07:48) - Answering Questions with Confidence
    • (09:01) - The ADD Method for Answering Questions
    • (10:14) - Closing Your Q&A with Impact
    • (11:08) - Conclusion

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    25 March 2025, 1:00 pm
  • 10 minutes 38 seconds
    192. Quick Thinks: How to Supersize Your Stories

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

    Great storytelling isn't just about telling tales—it’s about crafting experiences that captivate, inspire, and drive change. In this special Quick Thinks bonus episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Matt Abrahams welcomes bestselling author Dan Heath for a masterclass on the power of stories.
    Dan breaks down the elements of an impactful story, sharing a case study from his book Reset, outlining how to find compelling stories that connect with audiences, the structure of engaging narratives that keep people hooked, and the power of analogies and unexpected contrasts in storytelling.

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    Chapters:

    • (00:00) - Introduction
    • (02:43) - A Story About Change: The Hospital Case Study
    • (03:51) - Breaking Down the Elements of a Great Story
    • (06:23) - Finding the Right Stories
    • (08:09) - Crafting Stories with Purpose
    • (09:42) - Conclusion

    ********
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    20 March 2025, 1:00 pm
  • 23 minutes 10 seconds
    191. Memorable Messages: Choose Words That Capture Attention and Stay Remembered

    How to craft communication that your audience will remember.


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

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

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

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    Chapters:

    • (00:00) - Introduction
    • (02:05) - The Power of Words in Memory
    • (03:45) - What Makes Words Memorable?
    • (06:04) - Informal and Conversational Language
    • (07:38) - AI & Memory
    • (09:34) - Memorable Slogans
    • (11:26) - Predicting Memorability: Why We Get It Wrong
    • (13:15) - Framing in Communication
    • (15:24) - Creating Meaningful Interactions
    • (17:34) - The Final Three Questions
    • (22:21) - Conclusion

     ********
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    18 March 2025, 1:00 pm
  • 25 minutes 25 seconds
    190. Motivation Matters: How to Leverage What People Already Want

    How to turn latent motivation into fuel for change.


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

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

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

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    Chapters:

    • (00:00) - Introduction
    • (02:12) - The Power of Storytelling
    • (05:22) - Leverage Points for Change
    • (08:45) - Wasted Resources & Motivation
    • (11:58) - Latent Desire in Systems
    • (14:06) - Communicating Progress
    • (17:43) - The Final Three Questions
    • (24:26) - Conclusion

    ********
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    11 March 2025, 1:00 pm
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