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 challenges.
The official website for Think Fast Talk Smart: The Podcast has moved. Listeners can access additional episode content, transcripts, and a wealth of extra resources at the new website.
Featured Episodes
Season Five
Idea Stories Opensearch
August 27, 2024
Audio
Communicating the Future: Defining Where We Want AI to Take Us
In this episode, Russ Altman shares his optimism about human connection and technological progress.
August 20, 2024
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Creative Communication: How Our Design Choices Illustrate Our Values
In this episode, Scott Doorley explains why design is a conversation about how we want the world to be.
August 13, 2024
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Can We Be Candid? How to Communicate Clearly and Directly
In this episode, Susan Rice touts the necessity of frankness, especially when negotiating.
August 06, 2024
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Directive Speech vs. Dialogue: How Leaders Communicate with Clarity, Balance
In this “best of” podcast episode, Stanford president Jon Levin shares his thoughts on effective communication.
July 30, 2024
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Listen Up, Leaders: A Record-Setting Coach’s Guide to Communication
In this episode, Tara VanDerveer shares her philosophy and strategies around leadership and communication.
July 16, 2024
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Get Hired: How the Right Communication Can Advance Your Career
In this episode, Andrew Seaman shares how to communicate who you are in your resume, on your profile, and in the interview.
July 10, 2024
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Communication Tips from the Classroom and Around the World
In this 150th episode, Matt Abrahams, Shawon Jackson, and podcast listeners discuss their favorite pieces of communication advice.
June 25, 2024
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Conviction and Compassion: How to Have Hard Conversations
In this episode, Irv Grousbeck shares how to navigate hard conversations with conviction and compassion.
May 29, 2024
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Communicating Through Conflict: How to Get Along with Anyone
In this episode, Amy Gallo shares how disagreements, if reframed, can lead to more productive outcomes.
May 21, 2024
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The Art of Saying No: How Closing the Wrong Doors Helps You Open the Right Ones
In this episode, Ilya Strebulaev shares how a venture capitalist’s mindset can help us make better decisions.
May 17, 2024
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Power, Culture, Persuasion, and the Self: Communication Insights from Stanford GSB Faculty
Marketing and organizational behavior professors share how their recent research applies to communication.
May 09, 2024
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An Invitation for Innovation: Why Creativity Is Found, Not Forced
In this podcast episode, Linda Hill shares how innovative teams communicate and collaborate their way to breakthrough.
April 23, 2024
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Lose Yourself: The Secret to Finding Flow and Being Fully Present
In this podcast episode, David Melnikoff shares the secret to getting into the flow.
April 16, 2024
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Speak Your Truth: Why Authenticity Leads to Better Communication
In this episode, Graham Weaver shares why being true to yourself enables you to show up better for others.
April 15, 2024
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Embracing Failure: How to Make Mistakes That Work
In this podcast episode, Amy C. Edmonson outlines how leaders can foster an environment where failure is viewed as a success.
April 09, 2024
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When Words Aren’t Enough: How to Excel at Nonverbal Communication
In this episode, Dana Carney shares the five nonverbal rules of power.
April 02, 2024
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Navigating the Nuance: The Art of Disagreeing Without Conflict
In this episode, Julia Minson shares why curiosity is key to healthy discourse.
March 19, 2024
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How to Chat with Bots: The Secrets to Getting the Information You Need from AI
In this episode, Jeremy Utley and Kian Gohar explain how LLMs can help teams supercharge their problem-solving.
February 28, 2024
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The Function of Friction: How to Use Obstacles to Your Advantage
Professor Hayagreeva “Huggy” Rao explains why resistance isn’t always a bad thing.
February 13, 2024
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Seen & Heard: How to Make Your Audience Feel Understood
In this episode, David Brooks unpacks why listening is deep, creative work.
January 14, 2024
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From Good to Great: What Makes a “Supercommunicator”
In this podcast episode, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Charles Duhigg shares what it means to be a supercommunicator.
December 05, 2023
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Maximizing Your Brand: Communicating Who You Are to Help Get What You Want
In this episode, Dorie Clark shares strategies for building the personal brand you want and need.
November 28, 2023
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Say It, See It: How We Create a Shared Reality Through Communication
In this podcast episode, Shane O’Mara explains how conversations are so much more than just words.
November 21, 2023
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Don’t Sweat The Small Stuff: How to Excel at Small Talk (and Even Enjoy It)
In this podcast episode, Matt Abrahams shares tips on how to master the art of chit-chat.
November 07, 2023
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Communication Means Paying Attention: The Four Pillars of Active Listening
In this podcast episode, Julian Treasure shares how listening is where human understanding begins.
October 31, 2023
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Missing Something? How to Kick FOMO with Conscious Decision-Making
In this episode, Patrick McGinnis explains how to conquer one of our greatest fears: the fear of missing out.
October 10, 2023
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TL;DR: Writing Better to Capture Busy Readers
In this episode, Todd Rogers tells communicators how to get to the point — before their audience checks out.
October 03, 2023
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Simplify! How to Communicate Complex Ideas Simply and Effectively
In this episode, Frances Frei shares why simple communication is the key to moving others to action.
September 26, 2023
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Just Show Up: Bringing the Art of Improv to Your Communication
In this podcast episode, improv experts share how good communication begins with simply taking action.
September 13, 2023
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Best Of: Using Skills From Improv to Master Your In-The-Moment Communication
Matt Abrahams revisits the first-ever episode, featuring Dan Klein and Adam Tobin.
September 05, 2023
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Radical Candor: The Communication Shift That Can Transform Your Career
In this episode, Kim Scott shares the power of being both caring and challenging when giving feedback.
Season Four
Idea Stories Opensearch
August 30, 2023
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How to Change: Building Better Habits and Behaviors (And Getting Out of Your Own Way)
In this podcast episode, Katy Milkman shares how we can make our goals more achievable by making reaching them more enjoyable.
August 22, 2023
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Simple Is a Superpower: How to Communicate Any Idea to Any Audience
In this episode, Carmine Gallo shares how intentional, straightforward messaging helps you connect with others and get things done.
August 15, 2023
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Create a Presence: How to Communicate in a Way Others Can Feel
In this episode, Muriel Wilkins shares how the best communicators create a strong presence.
August 08, 2023
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We Belong Together: How Communication Fuels Connection and Community
In this episode, Geoffrey Cohen shares how communication can help us find the connection we crave and need.
August 01, 2023
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Talk Less, Say More: How to Kick The Habit of Over-talking
In this episode, Dan Lyons says it’s time we all zipped it.
July 18, 2023
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Give It to Me Straight: The Power of Honest, Constructive Feedback
In this episode, David Dodson shares how workplace feedback can be your company’s secret weapon.
July 11, 2023
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No Rules, No Trust: How Accountability Shapes Communication
In this episode, Anat Admati explains why we can’t build trust without a solid foundation of rules.
June 27, 2023
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Rock and Role: How Assigning Gender to Inanimate Objects Influences Us
In this episode, Ashley Martin explains how ideas about gender affect our interactions.
June 20, 2023
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The Power of No: How Boundaries Help Us Live More Empowered Lives
In this episode, Vanessa Patrick shares how saying no empowers us to live the lives we want.
June 07, 2023
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All the Feels: The Personal and Professional Power of Emotional Awareness
In this episode, Celine Teoh shares why deep connection with others starts by connecting more deeply with ourselves.
May 30, 2023
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No Regrets: How to Take Risks in Your Communication, Relationships, and Career
In this podcast episode, Dan Pink shares why we often over-index on risk.
May 23, 2023
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“Um, Like, So”: How Filler Words Can Be Effective in Communication
Valerie Fridland explains the meaning we all ascribe to these words and how to use them more effectively in your communication.
May 09, 2023
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Listen, Listen, Listen: How to Build Deep Connections
Rachel Greenwald shares how to be a skilled conversationalist in work, love, and life.
April 25, 2023
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Know What You’re Saying: How Communicating Tests Our Understanding
In this episode, Gregory LaBlanc says it’s not about what you know — it’s about how well you can communicate it.
April 18, 2023
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Building Habits: The Key to Lasting Behavior Change
In this episode, BJ Fogg reveals the secret to building habits that stick.
April 05, 2023
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Quick Thinks: How Others Define Us
In this bonus episode, Brian Lowery discusses his new book, Selfless: The Social Creation of You.
March 28, 2023
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You Need a Manifesto: How to Communicate Your Convictions
In this episode, the d.school’s Charlotte Burgess-Auburn explains the power of crafting your own personal manifesto.
March 21, 2023
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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.
March 14, 2023
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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.
March 08, 2023
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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.
February 28, 2023
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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.
February 15, 2023
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Three Guiding Principles for Successful Communication
In this episode, Matt Abrahams shares top takeaways from 75 episodes and answers listeners’ questions.
February 08, 2023
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Quick Thinks: AI Has Entered the Chat — a “Conversation” with ChatGPT
In this podcast episode, Matt Abrahams interviews an algorithm.
January 24, 2023
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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.
January 12, 2023
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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.
December 06, 2022
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Listen Up: Why It’s Better to Be Interested than Interesting
In this episode, Alison Wood Brooks reveals the secret to having better conversations.
November 22, 2022
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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.
November 08, 2022
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Strategic Success: How to Communicate Your Gameplan
In this episode, Jesper Sørensen explores why organizational strategy can be both top-down and bottom-up.
October 25, 2022
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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.
October 11, 2022
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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.
September 28, 2022
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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.
September 13, 2022
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What Is Normal? How Culture Affects Communication Styles
In this episode, Michele Gelfand explains why social norms are the glue that keeps cultures together.
Season Three
Idea Stories Opensearch
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.
July 19, 2022
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The Price of Cheap Talk: What Economics Teaches Us About Communication
In this episode, we explore how economic concepts show up in everyday communication.
June 22, 2022
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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.
June 07, 2022
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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.
May 31, 2022
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From Dreaming to Doing: How We Set and Achieve Goals
In this episode, we look at an essential ingredient of human behavior: motivation.
May 10, 2022
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Forgiveness: How the Right Communication Repairs Relationships
In this podcast episode, we look at the role of forgiveness in healthy communication.
April 28, 2022
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“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.
April 12, 2022
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Lean Messaging: How Simple Messages Really Stick
In this podcast episode, a veteran marketer and entrepreneur shares his approach to communicating for startup success.
March 29, 2022
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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.
March 14, 2022
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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.
March 01, 2022
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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.
February 17, 2022
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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.
February 04, 2022
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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.
January 19, 2022
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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.
January 05, 2022
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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.
December 13, 2021
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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.
December 03, 2021
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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.
November 18, 2021
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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.
November 11, 2021
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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.
October 28, 2021
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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.
October 15, 2021
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Space, Pace, and Grace: How to Handle Challenging Conversations
In this podcast episode, we discuss the power of slowing down during difficult workplace situations.
October 01, 2021
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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.
September 16, 2021
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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.
September 02, 2021
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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.
Season Two
Idea Stories Opensearch
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.
August 05, 2021
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Be Better: How Communication Catalyzes Business Transformation
In this podcast episode, we learn how communication is critical for every function inside of an organization.
July 15, 2021
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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.
June 25, 2021
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Leading from the Hot Seat: How to Communicate under Pressure
In this podcast episode, we discuss how to communicate effectively during a crisis.
June 03, 2021
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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.
May 14, 2021
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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.
April 23, 2021
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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.
April 19, 2021
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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.
April 01, 2021
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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.
March 12, 2021
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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.
February 18, 2021
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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.
January 28, 2021
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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.
January 11, 2021
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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.
December 04, 2020
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Quick Thinks: All Effective Communication Must Start With This
Hint: it’s not just about what you want to say.
November 20, 2020
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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
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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.
October 22, 2020
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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.
October 09, 2020
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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.
September 25, 2020
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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.
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.
Season One
Idea Stories Opensearch
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.
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.
July 31, 2020
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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.
July 17, 2020
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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.
July 06, 2020
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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.
June 22, 2020
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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.
May 26, 2020
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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.
May 07, 2020
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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.
April 24, 2020
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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.
April 10, 2020
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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.
April 03, 2020
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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.
March 27, 2020
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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.
March 12, 2020
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From Monologue to Dialogue: How to Handle a Skeptical Audience
Use these techniques when handling challenges and objections.
February 27, 2020
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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.
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.
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.