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

Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques

Content provided by Think Fast Talk Smart and Matt Abrahams. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Think Fast Talk Smart and Matt Abrahams or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://player.fm/legal.

8M ago 19:17

MP3•Episode home

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 the art of clarity and impact. Every stroke of her pen strips away the unnecessary, letting the essentials shine through.
Creating her daily comic strip, Rhymes with Orange, Price starts with the game of “what if,” merging unexpected ideas to surprise and engage her readers. “You want to start at the action moment—or just before,” she notes, pointing out how the unsaid often speaks louder. Price extends this philosophy beyond cartoons: whether crafting a presentation, a joke, or a story, it’s essential to leave room for the audience to co-create meaning. “Don’t spoon-feed your readers,” she says. “The joy comes from not getting it, then getting it.”
In this bonus episode of Think Fast Talk Smart, Price joins host Matt Abrahams to explore the power of surprise, stakes, and shared experience in storytelling—reminding us that the punchline, whether in humor or communication, is where the magic happens.

Episode Reference Links:

Connect:

Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart Premium
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
(03:08) - What Makes a Good Story?
(04:01) - Crafting a Story
(05:21) - Auditioning the Characters
(08:25) - Stories in Daily Life
(10:13) - Visuals in Storytelling
(12:00) - The Power of a Punchline
(14:07) - Admired Storytellers
(16:04) - Communicating with Titles
(17:36) - Conclusion

********
This episode is sponsored by Grammarly. Let Grammarly take the busywork off your plate so you can focus on high-impact work. Download Grammarly for free today

Become a Faster Smarter Supporter by joining TFTS Premium.

226 episodes

#Careers #Influence #Leadership #Improv #Communication #Public Speaking #MBA #Business #Career Growth #Career Skills #Think Fast Talk Smart #Matt Abrahams #Podcasting Education