Episodes

How to use structure, simplicity, and everyday vocabulary to transmit ideas more effectively.

Why simple communication is the key to moving others to action.

If you’re reading from your notes, you’re going to miss the magic of the moment.

Tips and tools from Matt's new book, Think Faster, Talk Smarter.

In January of 2020 we launched Think Fast Talk Smart with the goal of helping people improve their communication skills. Now, with more than 100 episodes and an engaged audience tuning in from more than 200 countries, we're proud to take you back to the very first episode, where the magic began. As we've discussed multiple times on the show, most professional communication is spontaneous in nature. It’s providing feedback in the moment, answering questions, introducing people. On this inaugur...

The power of being both caring and challenging when giving feedback.

Making our goals more achievable by making reaching them more enjoyable.

Intentional, straightforward messaging helps you connect with others.

The best communicators create a strong presence.

How communication can help us find the connection we crave and need.

It’s time we all zipped it.

Being a better listener has a lot to do with silence, says Collins Dobbs, a lecturer in management at Stanford Graduate School of Business. “A lot of people are uncomfortable with the smallest modicum of silence, but learning often happens when we create distance for useful reflection.” In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Dobbs talks with host Matt Abrahams about the importance of “space, pace, and grace” when you’re receiving others’ feedback and handling the emotions that come out du...

Workplace feedback can be your company’s secret weapon.

Why you can’t have trust and accountability without rules.

How ideas about gender affect our interactions.

Saying no empowers us to live the lives we want.

Breaking new ground, Think Fast, Talk Smart steps into the world of live events, bringing together an eager audience of LEAD students from Stanford University and a top-notch panel of former podcast guests: Jesper B. Sørensen, Sarah Soule, Jonathan Levav,and Szu-chi Huang. Topics include crafting strategy for successful leadership and tips on how to effectively lead a hybrid team. This episode also features an interactive audience segment, where various participants of the Stanford LEAD program...

Deep connection with others starts by connecting more deeply with ourselves.

Why we often over-index on risk.

The meaning we all ascribe to filler words and how to use them in your communication.

Ways to tap into our hardwired response to communication.

How to be a skilled conversationalist in work, love, and life.

Knowing what your audience needs to hear and how they need to hear it.

It’s not about what you know — it’s about how well you can communicate it.