Think Fast, Talk Smart: The Podcast

Join Matt Abrahams, lecturer in strategic communication, as he sits down with experts from across campus to discuss public speaking anxiety, speaking off the cuff, nailing a Q&A, and more.

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It’s Not About You: Why Effective Communicators Put Others First
In this episode, Nancy Duarte explains why the audience is the real hero of your presentation.

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Featured Episodes

Season Four

March 21, 2023
Audio
It’s Not About You: Why Effective Communicators Put Others First
In this episode, Nancy Duarte explains why the audience is the real hero of your presentation.
Career & Success
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March 14, 2023
Audio
Fact or Fiction? How to Communicate When We Hold Different Beliefs
In this episode, Seema Yasmin explains what to do when we disagree about our deepest-held beliefs.
Career & Success
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March 08, 2023
Audio
Magic Words: Change What You Say to Inspire and Influence Others
In this episode, Jonah Berger, PhD ’07, shares the secret to persuading others and getting your ideas to catch on.
Marketing
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February 28, 2023
Audio
Equity by Design: How Diversity Ignites Creativity
In this episode, Professor Adina Sterling discusses how we can foster more diversity for healthier social networks and stronger high-performing teams.
Organizational Behavior
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February 15, 2023
Audio
Three Guiding Principles for Successful Communication
In this episode, Matt Abrahams shares top takeaways from 75 episodes and answers listeners’ questions.
Career & Success
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February 08, 2023
Audio
Quick Thinks: AI Has Entered the Chat — a “Conversation” with ChatGPT
In this podcast episode, Matt Abrahams interviews an algorithm.
Innovation
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January 24, 2023
Audio
Change My Mind: Using “Pre-suasion” to Influence Others
In this episode, psychology expert Bob Cialdini reveals the inner workings of social influence and persuasion.
Leadership
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January 12, 2023
Audio
Love & Money: How to Talk About Big Decisions Together
In this podcast episode, Myra Strober and Abby Davisson share a framework to help us communicate professional goals with those we care about most.
Career & Success
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December 06, 2022
Audio
Listen Up: Why It’s Better to Be Interested than Interesting
In this episode, Alison Wood Brooks reveals the secret to having better conversations.
Career & Success
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November 22, 2022
Audio
Quick Thinks: Talk It Out – How to Successfully Negotiate and Resolve Conflict
Professor Michele Gelfand shares communication strategies for getting more of what you want.
Career & Success
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November 08, 2022
Audio
Strategic Success: How to Communicate Your Gameplan
In this episode, Jesper Sørensen explores why organizational strategy can be both top-down and bottom-up.
Leadership
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October 25, 2022
Audio
Keep ’Em Coming: Why Your First Ideas Aren’t Always the Best
In this episode, Jeremy Utley explains why good ideas are often preceded by not-so-good ideas.
Career & Success
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October 11, 2022
Audio
Feeling Nervous? How Anxiety Can Fuel Better Communication
In this episode, lecturer Kelly McGonigal shares how stress and anxiety can be used to enhance our communication.
Career & Success
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September 28, 2022
Audio
Directive Speech vs. Dialogue: Communicating Better as a Leader
In this episode, Dean Jon Levin shares his thoughts on the changing role of communication in business leadership.
Leadership
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September 13, 2022
Audio
What Is Normal? How Culture Affects Communication Styles
In this episode, Michele Gelfand explains why social norms are the glue that keeps cultures together.
Organizational Behavior
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Season Three

August 17, 2022
Audio
Ties That Bind: Why Remote Teams Need the Right Connection
In this episode, Professor Glenn Carroll and his colleague Michael Arena discuss innovation in a hybrid work environment.
Innovation
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July 19, 2022
Audio
The Price of Cheap Talk: What Economics Teaches Us About Communication
In this episode, we explore how economic concepts show up in everyday communication.
Economics
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June 22, 2022
Audio
Courage, Belonging, Ambiguity and Data: How to Design Your Communication for Success
In this episode, we dive into four different themes that will help your message stand out.
Innovation
Think Fast Talk Smart: the Podcast
June 07, 2022
Audio
Communicating Uncertainty: How to Connect With Your Audience, Even When The Answers Aren’t Clear
In this podcast episode, we discuss how being transparent is crucial to earning trust.
Leadership
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May 31, 2022
Audio
From Dreaming to Doing: How We Set and Achieve Goals
In this episode, we look at an essential ingredient of human behavior: motivation.
Career & Success
Think Fast Talk Smart: the Podcast
May 10, 2022
Audio
Forgiveness: How the Right Communication Repairs Relationships
In this podcast episode, we look at the role of forgiveness in healthy communication.
Career & Success
Think Fast Talk Smart: the Podcast
April 28, 2022
Audio
“Are You Listening?” How to Stay Open and Curious to Other People’s Ideas
In this episode, we discuss the importance of really hearing where others are coming from.
Leadership
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April 12, 2022
Audio
Lean Messaging: How Simple Messages Really Stick
In this podcast episode, a veteran marketer and entrepreneur shares his approach to communicating for startup success.
Career & Success
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March 29, 2022
Audio
Ideas & Empathy: How to Design and Communicate with Others in Mind
In this podcast episode, we explore how design and communication both start with the same ingredient: empathy.
Career & Success
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March 14, 2022
Audio
Leadership and Ethics: How to Communicate Your Core Values
On this podcast episode, we discuss the keys to making ethical decisions in your professional and personal life.
Leadership
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March 01, 2022
Audio
Leading From Home: How to Create the Right Environment for Communication
In this podcast episode, we discuss the importance of not just knowing what your audience needs to hear, but how they need to hear it.
Management
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February 17, 2022
Audio
Communicating Our Mistakes: How to Avoid Common Errors and Make Better Decisions
In this podcast episode, we discuss decision-making mistakes, and how to talk about them.
Career & Success
Think Fast Talk Smart: the Podcast
February 04, 2022
Audio
Telling Good Stories: How to Use the Elements of Narrative to Keep Listeners Engaged
In this podcast episode, we discuss how to foster a sense of empathy and connection through storytelling.
Career & Success
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January 19, 2022
Audio
Make Numbers Count: How to Translate Data for Your Audience
In this podcast episode, we discuss the importance of communicating numbers so they pack a punch.
Organizational Behavior
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January 05, 2022
Audio
Speaking Up Without Freaking Out: How to Tackle Communication Anxiety
In this podcast episode, we share the science behind nervousness and offer tips for keeping your cool during various speaking situations.
Career & Success
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December 13, 2021
Audio
How to Use Storytelling to Be a Better Founder
In this bonus episode, we share lessons from the Stanford GSB class “Startup Garage” on hypotheses, narrative, and design thinking.
Entrepreneurship
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December 03, 2021
Audio
Stay Creative: How to Keep Your Ideas Fresh and Practical
In this podcast episode, we share common mistakes that can stifle ideas and why managers should stay involved in the creative process.
Innovation
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November 18, 2021
Audio
Recipes From the “Communication Kitchen:” How to Handle 3 Common Challenges This Holiday Season
In this podcast episode, we share strategies for surviving small talk as well as 10 of our favorite “recipes” from past guests.
Career & Success
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November 11, 2021
Audio
Step Into Power: What Acting Can Teach Us About Power and Responsibility
In this podcast episode, we discuss how lessons from the theater inform leadership styles and power dynamics at work.
Career & Success
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October 28, 2021
Audio
Get Psyched: How Time and Situations Shape Our Communication
In this podcast episode, psychologist Philip Zimbardo talks about “time perspective” and the lessons of the Stanford Prison Experiment.
Career & Success
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October 15, 2021
Audio
Space, Pace, and Grace: How to Handle Challenging Conversations
In this podcast episode, we discuss the power of slowing down during difficult workplace situations.
Management
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October 01, 2021
Audio
Speak Like a Founder: How Successful Entrepreneurs Communicate to Their Teams
In this podcast episode, we discuss how startups can build a product quickly and effectively.
Entrepreneurship
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September 16, 2021
Audio
Mindset Matters: How to Embrace the Benefits of Stress
In this podcast episode, we discuss how you can channel stress to help your performance and relationships.
Leadership
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September 02, 2021
Audio
Brains Love Stories: How Leveraging Neuroscience Can Capture People’s Emotions
In this podcast episode, we learn about ways to tap into our hardwired response to communication.
Leadership
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Season Two

August 19, 2021
Audio
The New Normal: How Hybrid Work Actually Works
In this podcast episode, we discuss the effectiveness of communicating in a hybrid work environment.
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August 05, 2021
Audio
Be Better: How Communication Catalyzes Business Transformation
In this podcast episode, we learn how communication is critical for every function inside of an organization.
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July 15, 2021
Audio
Perfecting Teamwork: Building High-Performing Teams by Encouraging Learning
In this podcast episode, we learn how to break down professional silos and hierarchies in teams.
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June 25, 2021
Audio
Leading from the Hot Seat: How to Communicate under Pressure
In this podcast episode, we discuss how to communicate effectively during a crisis.
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June 03, 2021
Audio
How We Gain — or Give Away — Authority While Speaking
In this podcast episode, we discuss the body language and word choices that can help you “power up” or “power down” your communication.
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May 14, 2021
Audio
Hacking Your Speaking Anxiety: How Lessons from Neuroscience Can Help You Communicate Confidently
In this podcast episode, we discuss actions you can take to reduce speaking anxiety and achieve your communication goals.
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April 23, 2021
Audio
Speech That Empowers: How to Encourage Growth and Resilience in a Younger Audience
In this podcast episode, we discuss best practices when inspiring young people to seize responsibility.
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April 19, 2021
Audio
Quick Thinks: How to Shine Online
We’ve compiled top insights and advice from previous episodes to help you cultivate a compelling professional presence through the screen.
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April 01, 2021
Audio
Dissolve Disagreements: How Communication Impacts Conflict
In this podcast episode, we discuss how forms of “psychological distancing” can be used to build trust and encourage tolerance.
Think Fast Talk Smart: the Podcast
March 12, 2021
Audio
Question Everything: Why Curiosity Is Communication’s Secret Weapon
In this podcast episode, we discuss how asking strong questions helps you build trust and connect with your audience.
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February 18, 2021
Audio
Building Successful Relationships: How to Effectively Communicate in Your Professional and Personal Life
In this podcast episode, we discuss how our behavior impacts our relationships and sharing our feelings can lead to more success as a leader.
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January 28, 2021
Audio
Psychology Trumps Technology: How to Express Yourself and Truly Connect With Others Online
In this podcast episode, we unpack the psychology behind our communication via social media.
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January 11, 2021
Audio
Writing to Win: How to Quickly Capture Readers and Keep Them Engaged
In this episode, we discuss how to write simply, succinctly, and with relevance.
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December 04, 2020
Audio
Quick Thinks: All Effective Communication Must Start With This
Hint: it’s not just about what you want to say.
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November 20, 2020
Audio
Feelings First: How Emotion Shapes Our Communication, Decisions, and Experiences
In this episode, we discuss how recognizing your audience’s emotional needs can help you achieve your communication goals.
November 06, 2020
Audio
Look Within: How to Lead with Self Awareness and Vulnerability
In this podcast episode, we explore how good leaders can self reflect and better communicate to advance social justice.
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October 22, 2020
Audio
Under Pressure: How to Communicate During a Crisis
In this episode, we discuss how leaders can communicate effectively when their organization, brand, or reputation is under attack.
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October 09, 2020
Audio
Words Matter: How to Make Your Communication Inclusive
In this episode, we discuss how subtle word choice can invite inclusion, or can reinforce harmful stereotypes.
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September 25, 2020
Audio
Question Your Questions: How to Spark Creativity in Your Communication
In this episode, we discuss how curiosity and storytelling can lead to more innovative online and in-person communication.
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September 11, 2020
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Showing Your Smile From Behind a Mask: How Culture and Emotion Impact Communication
In this episode, we discuss how cultural values play an important role in how you communicate and how you perceive others’ communication.
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Season One

August 28, 2020
Audio
Managing in the Moment: How to Get Comfortable with Being Uncomfortable
In this episode, we discuss how to embrace failure and incorporate play into work.
Think Fast, Talk Smart: The Podcast
August 14, 2020
Audio
Think Fast: You Asked, We Answered
In this episode, we address audience questions that range from how to handle interrupters to how to craft an authentic, clear email.
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July 31, 2020
Audio
Quick Think: How to Use Body Language When Confronting Objections
In this bonus episode, Stanford GSB lecturers share advice on how to position yourself when met with skepticism from your audience.
Think Fast, Talk Smart is a podcast produced by Stanford Graduate School of Business.
July 17, 2020
Audio
The Art of Negotiation: How to Get More of What You Want
In this podcast episode, we discuss the common mistakes people make during high stakes communication and how to effectively approach these conversations.
Think Fast, Talk Smart is a podcast produced by Stanford Graduate School of Business.
July 06, 2020
Audio
Be Better at Work: How to Communicate Better with Coworkers and Employees
In this podcast episode, two experts discuss where leaders should and shouldn’t focus their attention when it comes to running group communication.
In this podcast episode, two experts discuss where leaders should and shouldn’t focus their attention when it comes to running group communication.
June 22, 2020
Audio
Make ’Em Laugh: How Humor Can Be the Secret Weapon in Your Communication
In this podcast episode, we dissect how to use humor to build bonds in business and in life.
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May 26, 2020
Audio
The Science of Influence: How to Persuade Others and Hold Their Attention
In this podcast episode, we discuss communication techniques that can help open people up to your ideas.
Think Fast, Talk Smart is a podcast that offers best practices and techniques you can use to improve your public, virtual, and high stakes communication.
May 07, 2020
Audio
High-Stakes Communication: How to Manage Anxiety Speaking in Front of Others
In this podcast episode, Matt Abrahams shares research-supported techniques for gaining confidence in high-stakes communication situations.
Think Fast, Talk Smart is a podcast that offers best practices and techniques you can use to improve your public, virtual, and high stakes communication.
April 24, 2020
Audio
Quick Thinks: How Being Present Improves Communication
In this “Quick Thinks” podcast episode, Stanford improv experts share advice on getting out of our heads and into the moment at hand.
Think Fast, Talk Smart is a podcast produced by Stanford GSB. Each episode provides techniques to help you enhance your communication skills.
April 10, 2020
Audio
Don’t Get Lost in Translation: How Non-Native Speakers Can Communicate with Confidence
On this podcast episode, host Matt Abrahams speaks with Kenneth Romeo on specific tactics that non-native English speakers can use to handle in-the-moment challenges.
Think Fast, Talk Smart is a podcast that offers best practices and techniques you can use to improve your public, virtual, and high stakes communication.
April 03, 2020
Audio
Quick Thinks: Tips for Speaking up in Virtual Meetings
In this bonus episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, host Matt Abrahams shares a framework for structuring your comments during a meeting or presentation.
Think Fast, Talk Smart is a podcast produced by Stanford GSB. Each episode provides techniques to help you enhance your communication skills.
March 27, 2020
Audio
Quick Thinks: Communicating and Leading Virtually
In this bonus episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, host Matt Abrahams shares quick tips on communicating via screen.
Think Fast, Talk Smart is a podcast produced by Stanford GSB. Each episode provides techniques to help you enhance your communication skills.
March 12, 2020
Audio
From Monologue to Dialogue: How to Handle a Skeptical Audience
Use these techniques when handling challenges and objections.
Think Fast, Talk Smart is a podcast produced by Stanford Graduate School of Business and hosted by Matt Abrahams.
February 27, 2020
Audio
The Journey to Mastery: How Self Reflection Can Improve Communication
Implement these best practices before and after both high-stakes and everyday communication to improve your effectiveness.
Think Fast, Talk Smart is a podcast produced by Stanford Graduate School of Business and hosted by Matt Abrahams.
January 31, 2020
Audio
Communicating Our Multiple Selves: How to Manage Your Reputation
Learn how to shape the way others see you through your verbal and nonverbal communication in this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart.
Think Fast, Talk Smart is a podcast produced by Stanford Graduate School of Business and hosted by lecturer Matt Abrahams. Each episode provides concrete, easy-to-implement tools and techniques to help you hone and enhance your communication.