Episodes

Feb. 10, 2022

51. We Asked, You Answered: Celebrating our 50th Episode with your Anxiety Management Plans

Techniques for managing nervousness before and during your communication.
Guest: Jenny Luna
Feb. 2, 2022

50. Telling Good Stories: How to Use the Elements of Narrative to Keep Listeners Engaged

Foster a sense of empathy and connection through storytelling.
Guest: Paula Moya
Jan. 18, 2022

49. Make Numbers Count: How to Communicate Data Effectively

The importance of “translating” numbers when sharing information.
Guest: Chip Heath
Dec. 14, 2021

47. Quick Thinks: How to Use Storytelling to Be a Better Founder

Lessons from the Stanford GSB class “Startup Garage.”
Nov. 11, 2021

44. Act Like a Leader: How Lessons From The Theater Can Help You Step into Power

"Leadership is a role that you play, like a part you play in other people’s lives. And [your] expression of that role is your responsibility as a leader,” says Stanford GSB lecturer Melissa Jones Briggs. Jones Briggs’ work combines techniques from the theater with social science research to teach lessons about power and communication. In this conversation with host Matt Abrahams, she discusses how acting in a leadership position requires staying present and also knowing when to step back. “Powe...
Oct. 15, 2021

42. Space, Pace, and Grace: How to Handle Challenging Conversations

The power of slowing down during difficult workplace situations.
Guest: Collins Dobbs
Sept. 30, 2021

41. Speak like a Founder: How Successful Entrepreneurs Communicate to Their Teams

Tactics that startups use to build a product quickly and effectively.
Sept. 16, 2021

40. Mindset Matters: How to Embrace the Benefits of Stress

“Stress is natural, stress is inevitable when you're living a life that's connected with things you care about. And learning how to embrace it, learning how to work with it is really what helps us thrive and grow and perform at our highest level, according to psychologist and associate professor at Stanford, Alia Crum. In this episode, Crum talks with host and lecturer Matt Abrahams about her research and findings as principal investigator of the Stanford Mind and Body Lab where she is focusi...
Guest: Alia Crum
Aug. 19, 2021

38. The New Normal: How Hybrid Work Actually Works

The effect of technology on teams, teamwork, and innovation.
Guest: Pamela Hinds
Aug. 5, 2021

37. Be Better: How Communication Catalyzes Business Transformation

The role of communication in helping businesses to adapt and transform.
Guest: Robert Siegel
July 15, 2021

36. Perfecting Teamwork: Building High-Performing Teams By Encouraging Learning

Break down professional silos and hierarchies in teams.
Guest: Sara Singer
June 3, 2021

34. How We Gain — Or Give Away — Authority While Speaking

The body language and word choices that can help you “power up” or “power down” in your communication.
May 13, 2021

33. Hacking your Speaking Anxiety: How Lessons from Neuroscience Can Help You Communicate Confidently.

Actions you can take to reduce speaking anxiety and achieve your communication goals.
April 22, 2021

32. Speech That Empowers: How to Encourage Growth and Resilience in a Younger Audience

Best practices when inspiring young people to seize responsibility.
March 31, 2021

30. Dissolve Disagreements: How Communication Impacts Conflict

How forms of “psychological distancing” can be used to build trust and encourage tolerance.
Guest: Nir Halevy
March 11, 2021

29. Question Everything: Why Curiosity Is Communication’s Secret Weapon

How asking strong questions helps you build trust and connect with your audience.