Best Think Fast Talk Smart Communication Techniques Podcasts (2025)

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219. Six Motivations, One Workplace: Who Are You at Work? 24:33

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2d ago24:33

24:33

When communicating with their employees, most firms have no idea who they’re talking to. Good communication is about knowing your audience. But if your organization is only focused on knowing your customers, James Root says you're forgetting a whole other cohort: your employees. Root is a senior partner at Bain & Company, Chair of Bain Futures, and…

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218. Teaching Truths & Tactics: Live Lessons From Stanford in Cape Town 34:53

7d ago34:53

34:53

Real connection means understanding your audience, staying true to yourself, and creating space for others. How do you communicate who you are, what you stand for, and leave space for others to do the same? At the Stanford Seed Summit in Cape Town, South Africa, three GSB professors explored why real connection is built through authentic communicat…

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217. Rethinks: How to Build Deep Connections 29:10

9d ago29:10

29:10

How to be a skilled conversationalist in work, love, and life. Whether you’re trying to build a romantic or professional connection, Rachel Greenwald’s advice is exactly the same. “Focus on how you make someone feel more than you focus on the words that you're saying,” she says. As a professional coach, Greenwald helps people develop better communi…

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216. Wired for Words: A Neuroscientist’s Guide to Influence 25:37

16d ago25:37

25:37

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

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215. The New Media Landscape: Trust, Transparency, and Transformation 18:01

21d ago18:01

18:01

For your communication to be credible, you can’t just say it — you have to do it. Want people to believe what you say? According to Richard Edelman, the words you choose only get you halfway there. To build real trust, he says, you have to practice what you preach. “Action builds trust,” says Edelman. “If you don't do something, you can't talk abou…

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214. From Crisis to Clarity: Simplicity, Feedback, and the Art of Being Heard 23:18

23d ago23:18

23:18

How to communicate clearly in any context, from newsrooms to the world stage. All good communication, whether spoken or written, is built on the same foundation. In everything from police reporting for a newspaper to serving as spokesman for the Pope, Greg Burke has found the key: "Keep it as simple as possible." Burke has worked as a journalist fo…

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213. Rethinks: Building Trusting Relationships Through Communication 29:13

1M ago29:13

29:13

How to turn doubt and suspicion into hopefulness and trust. There’s a lot in the world to make us cynical about other people and their motives and intentions. But by “trusting loudly,” Professor Jamil Zaki believes we can renew our faith in one another. Zaki is a professor of psychology at Stanford, director of the Stanford Social Neuroscience lab,…

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212. Break It to Make It: Disrupt Your Way to the Perfect Job Fit 25:34

1M ago25:34

25:34

Career growth starts with stepping outside your comfort zone. Building a successful career isn’t about following a set path—it’s about knowing when to evolve and embracing change. Whitney Johnson believes that success comes from disrupting yourself—challenging routines, stepping into discomfort, and continuously evolving. “People think staying in t…

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211. Small Screens, Strong Signals: Mastering Modern Communication 26:07

1M ago26:07

26:07

In the age of virtual communication, here’s how to ensure your messages convey what you mean. Texts. Emails. Slacks. Zooms. We’re communicating in more ways than ever, but Andrew Brodsky has a word of warning: Your virtual communication might be sending messages you’re not aware of. Brodsky is the author of PING: The Secrets of Successful Virtual C…

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210. First Impression to Lasting Impact: Use Status Strategically 27:54

2M ago27:54

27:54

Career success takes a status boost, not a power grab. How do you chart the career course you’ve always imagined? According to Alison Fragale, it’s about gaining influence through status, power, and ultimately, being “a likeable badass.” As a research psychologist, professor, speaker, and author, Fragale is on a mission to help women take control o…

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209. Find Your Fit, Find Your Focus - Catalyze Your Career 25:29

2M ago25:29

25:29

How to turn curiosity, clarity, and AI into your most powerful job search tools. Job search isn’t just about landing your next role—it’s about understanding who you are and how you want to show up in the world. According to Andrew Seaman, Senior Managing Editor for Jobs and Career Development at LinkedIn, that process begins with curiosity, not cer…

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208. Ambiguity to Action: Tensions and Trade-Offs of Leadership and Communication 25:52

2M ago25:52

25:52

Amidst constant change, clear communication is the key to navigating uncertainty. How do you communicate with others when you’re confused yourself? For Rob Siegel, leadership isn’t about avoiding uncertainty, it’s about embracing the clarity that ambiguity can bring. "What if ambiguity is the new normal?" asks Siegel, a venture investor and lecture…

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207. From Conflict to Connection: Having Crucial Conversations that Count 27:45

2M ago27:45

27:45

How victim, villain, and helpless stories sabotage our most important conversations. The hardest conversations aren’t just about what you say to the other person. According to Joseph Grenny, critical conversations begin with the stories that you tell yourself. As a leading expert on business performance and communication, and a New York Times bests…

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206. Crafting Narratives That Motivate: What’s Your Strategy Story? 25:10

2M ago25:10

25:10

Great strategy starts with a question—and a story worth believing in. A good strategy isn’t just built—it’s told. For Martin Reeves, chairman of the BCG Henderson Institute and author of The Imagination Machine and Like: The Button That Changed the World, strategy and imagination are both deeply communicative processes, rooted in storytelling, curi…

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205. Say What Sucks: Catalyzing Organizational Change with AI 41:27

2M ago41:27

41:27

A live SXSW panel on how employee complaints illuminate the path to organizational innovation. Wrong question: How can AI revolutionize productivity in my organization? Right question: What do my employees hate most about their jobs? For the Portland Trail Blazers, a winning game plan for AI implementation didn’t begin with a tech-first approach — …

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204. Tough Talks: Turn Tension Into Trust 29:45

3M ago29:45

29:45

How to have the conversations that are most difficult — and most important. Before you can have hard conversations with others, you need to have an honest conversation with yourself. That's the counterintuitive advice from Sheila Heen, who says our own internal narratives often derail our attempts at negotiation and conflict resolution. "The first …

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203. No Script, No Problem: Final Secrets to Speaking Under Pressure (Bonus) 16:30

3M ago16:30

16:30

Stay sharp, sound confident, and speak with impact — even when you're put on the spot. Communicating clearly is challenging enough when there’s time to prepare. But in most situations — whether in meetings, casual conversations, or high-stakes moments — we rarely have the luxury of scripting our words. We must think and speak in real time. Spontane…

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202. Own Your Brand: How to Communicate with Presence and Impact 24:21

3M ago24:21

24:21

The power of creating the reputation you want to have. Whether you know it or not, you have a brand. What that brand is, says Lorraine Lee, doesn’t happen by accident. “You can either form and create it, or you can let people define it for you.” A teacher, content creator, speaker, and author of Unforgettable Presence: Get Seen, Gain Influence and …

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201. Ballpark to the Boardroom: How Alex Rodriguez Hits a Communication Home Run 27:49

3M ago27:49

27:49

Alex Rodriguez shares why in sports and business, striking out is just a part of the game. From the baseball field to the boardroom, great communication is critical for success. But as Alex Rodriguez knows, we don’t always hit it out of the park. For this sports superstar turned entrepreneur, striking out is never the end of the story. “I'm fifth a…

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200. Four Keys for Focused Communication: Live Lessons from Our 200 Episodes 44:14

3M ago44:14

44:14

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: conci…

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199. Blunder Pressure: Mastering In-the-Moment Communication (3 of 3) 23:32

3M ago23:32

23:32

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…

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198. Pause and Effect: Mastering In-the-Moment Communication (2 of 3) 25:49

4M ago25:49

25:49

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…

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197. Prep or Perish: Mastering In-the-Moment Communication (1 of 3) 25:59

4M ago25:59

25:59

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…

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196. Ditch the Dictionary: Communicate Confidently Through Connection 23:19

4M ago23:19

23:19

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 Engl…

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195. Q&A on Conflict, Confidence, and Connection: Me2We 2025 Part 2 14:04

4M ago14:04

14:04

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 …

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194. Live Lessons in Levity and Leadership: Me2We 2025 Part 1 33:05

4M ago33:05

33:05

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, …

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193. Conquer Questions: ADDing Value To Your Answers 13:07

4M ago13:07

13:07

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 …

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192. Quick Thinks: How to Supersize Your Stories 11:47

5M ago11:47

11:47

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 p…

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191. Memorable Messages: Choose Words That Capture Attention and Stay Remembered 23:57

5M ago23:57

23:57

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 Stanf…

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190. Motivation Matters: How to Leverage What People Already Want 26:33

5M ago26:33

26:33

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,” s…

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189. Numbers Need Narrative: Use Data to Influence and Inspire 21:56

5M ago21:56

21:56

Why numbers are only as compelling as the narratives we attach to them. Facts and figures can be your friend, but before you load your presentation full of data, Miro Kazakoff has a word of caution: “Data’s objective, but people are not.” You might think that your data speaks for itself, but Kazakoff says numbers need a narrative. A senior lecturer…

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188. Mind Reading 101: To Know What Your Audience Thinks, Just Ask 25:35

5M ago25:35

25:35

How to really know what your audience is thinking. To be a great communicator, you have to get out of your own head. But that’s not all, says Matt Lieberman. According to him, you also have to get into the head of someone else. “Mind-reading is this remarkable ability that humans have,” explains Lieberman, a professor of psychology, director of UCL…

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187. Experimenting, Failing, and Finding Your Job Fit - Catalyze Your Career 22:52

5M ago22:52

22:52

Rethink career success by testing, adapting, and staying open to unexpected opportunities. Career planning isn’t as straightforward as we often assume—but according to Dorie Clark, that’s actually a good thing. Instead of following a rigid path, she believes we should be “treating our careers like a series of experiments”—testing, iterating, and st…

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186. Own Your Impact: How to Communicate Your Personal Power 21:32

6M ago21:32

21:32

Why good communication starts with tapping into your power. Impactful communication isn’t just about the words you use. According to Chris Lipp, it’s about the power you deliver them with. “When we have a belief in ourselves, what we say changes,” says Lipp, a professor at Tulane University’s Freeman School of Business and author of The Science of …

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185. Say Less, Mean More: Craft Compelling Communication 20:52

6M ago20:52

20:52

How to captivate an audience and make your message stick. Pitches and presentations don’t fall flat because speakers aren’t prepared. For Guy Kawasaki, it’s because speakers miss the point. “If all you're trying to do is inform, you're not going to pull it off. You have to entertain your audience.” A renowned author, speaker, and entrepreneur, Kawa…

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184. Fit or Quit? Find the Job That is Right For You—Catalyze Your Career 22:40

6M ago22:40

22:40

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

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183. Rethinks: How Anxiety Can Fuel Better Communication 25:37

6M ago25:37

25:37

Reframe anxiety as a strength and use stress to enhance your communication. Stress, anxiety, nervousness — when these feelings inevitably arise, lecturer Kelly McGonigal says it’s not about making them go away, but using them to your advantage. “What I have come to value about anxiety,” says McGonigal, “is it’s a sign that I care.” As she explains,…

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182. Stop Chasing Time and Start Owning It: Communication, Happiness & Wellbeing 21:47

6M ago21:47

21:47

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

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181. Why Happiness is a Direction, Not a Destination: Communication, Happiness & Wellbeing 24:36

6M ago24:36

24:36

Why connection is the key to a life well lived. The new year gives us an opportunity to reflect on who we are and who we want to be. As we set resolutions and prepare for evolutions, this special four-part series on communication, happiness, and well-being explores practical ways to enhance our lives through better communication, deeper connections…

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180. Unlocking Your Future Self: Communication, Happiness & Wellbeing 22:26

6M ago22:26

22:26

Why creating happiness in the future starts today. The new year gives us an opportunity to reflect on who we are and who we want to be. As we set resolutions and prepare for evolutions, this special four-part series on communication, happiness, and well-being explores practical ways to enhance our lives through better communication, deeper connecti…

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179. Finding Positive in Negative Emotions: Communication, Happiness & Wellbeing 24:24

6M ago24:24

24:24

A double definition of happiness — and how to cultivate both parts. The new year gives us an opportunity to reflect on who we are and who we want to be. As we set resolutions and prepare for evolutions, this special four-part series on communication, happiness, and well-being explores practical ways to enhance our lives through better communication…

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178. Navigating Chaos and Uncertainty: The Power of Transparency and Empathy 21:30

7M ago21:30

21:30

Clear communication during times of uncertainty. Whether leading people through a 15-minute meeting or a years-long pandemic, communication requires compassion. For Dr. Anthony Fauci, that means being clear about who we’re speaking to and concise in what we say. As one of the world's leading experts in infectious diseases and public health, Fauci h…

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177. Don’t Resolve, Evolve: Top 10 Lessons For 2025 22:48

7M ago22:48

22:48

Ten essential communication strategies designed to elevate your skills. 2024 has been an incredible year for learning and growth, and as we head into 2025, there’s no better time to reflect on the skills and strategies that can shape our communication and careers. In this special episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Matt Abrahams takes us through ten…

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176. From Stereotypes to Synergy: Communicating Across Generations 20:57

7M ago20:57

20:57

Age diversity and cross-generational synergy can transform an organization. Most of us know age diversity matters in the workplace. But according to UCLA’s Bob McCann, we're thinking about it all wrong: it's not just about having different generations present — it's about creating meaningful connections between them. As director of UCLA's Leadershi…

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Ask Matt Anything (AMA) 1: Trust, Paraphrasing, and Nonverbal Cues 16:21

7M ago16:21

16:21

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

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175. Mastering Toasts and Tributes: Making Your Words Count 17:13

7M ago17:13

17:13

Crafting impactful toasts for every occasion. "Almost reflexively, most of us focus in the moment on how others are perceiving us, yet these situations aren't about us at all." Matt Abrahams, host of Think Fast, Talk Smart, shares an excerpt from his book, Think Faster, Talk Smarter: How to Speak Successfully When You're Put on the Spot, on the art…

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174. Fix Meetings: Transform Gatherings Into Meaningful Moments 20:38

8M ago20:38

20:38

Turn any meeting or get-together into a chance for deep connection and collaboration. Whether you’re holding a team meeting or hosting a family get-together, the success of any gathering, says Priya Parker, isn’t about the perfect agenda or venue, but about the intentionality behind how you bring people together. “90% of the success of any gatherin…

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173. Rethinks: Surviving the Holidays 14:53

8M ago14:53

14:53

Master holiday conversations. The holiday season is a time of joy, connection, and, occasionally, communication challenges and as we gather with family, friends, and colleagues, effective communication becomes crucial. To help make this time more enjoyable, this special Think Fast Talk Smart “Rethinks” episode revisits favorite “recipes” from past …

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Between the Lines: In Storytelling, Simplify to Amplify - Premium Sampler 19:17

8M ago19:17

19:17

Visit fastersmarter.io/premium to become a Premium subscriber. "Start with the action moment or right before it," advises Hilary Price whose one-panel comic strips offer insights far beyond humor—they’re lessons in concise storytelling that resonate with anyone seeking to communicate effectively. “Simplify and amplify,” Price advises, emphasizing t…

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172. Bring Mindfulness to Your Communication 21:03

8M ago21:03

21:03

Mindfulness can transform your communication and your career. When we react, our instincts and impulses are in the driver’s seat. But when we take the time to reflect, that’s when Marshall Goldsmith says we take back control of how we respond. “Before speaking at work, breathe,” Goldsmith says. “Is my comment going to improve this other human b…