What makes a story feel like an experience rather than just a sequence of information? Portal storytelling gives audiences an entry point into a new world, helping them become part of the story rather than simply listening to it. Drawing from the work of Disney Imagineering, Troy Campbell shares how…
The importance of "because" in storytelling goes beyond explaining why something happened - it gives your story meaning and helps your audience understand why they should care. In this conversation, Troy Campbell and Matt Abrahams discuss how "because" in storytelling can make a message more compelling, and why understanding the…
The Destiny Narrative is a powerful storytelling framework by Troy Campbell that can turn an ordinary experience into a compelling story with meaning and purpose. In this conversation with Troy on the Think Fast Talk Smart podcast, hosted by Matt Abrahams, the discussion explores how to be a storyteller and…
Ask a story theorist what makes a story, and you will likely hear a single word: Because. In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, host Matt Abrahams speaks with Troy Campbell, chief scientist at the experience-design firm On Your Feet and a former marketing professor at the University of…
Pitch like a pro by focusing on what makes your idea compelling to the person you're pitching it to. Rhett Reese tells us how to pitch well, what makes a good pitch, and how to communicate an idea clearly enough to capture attention and create interest in the executive's mind.…
A feed gives us dopamine: excitement, surprise, a reason to keep going. A slow "how are you?" does not. Vanessa Van Edwards says we should stop opening on autopilot and get right into the good stuff, the way a feed hits you the second you open it. She calls it…
Have a big presentation in a week or two? Matt Abrahams has a tip for you: start reading out loud for 5 to 10 minutes a day. It builds the vocal stamina you need to project with energy from your first word to your last. A simple daily practice that…
Where do you look first when you meet someone? Most people say the eyes or the smile. Body language expert Vanessa Van Edwards says the real answer is the hands, because that is where we read intention. Going back to our caveman biology, an open palm signals one thing to…
People form an opinion of you based on where you stand at a networking event. (And your choices might be sabotaging your own networking efforts!) In this Quick Thinks episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, host Matt Abrahams returns to his conversation with Vanessa Van Edwards, lead investigator at Science…
Comedy writing is about more than simply coming up with jokes. You need to understand timing, characters, context, and what makes an idea genuinely funny. In this clip from the Think Fast Talk Smart podcast hosted by Matt Abrahams, Rhett Reese shares practical comedy writing tips, and some of the…
Conflict resolution is an essential communication skill, whether you're navigating disagreements at work or figuring out how to resolve conflict in relationships. In this episode of the Think Fast Talk Smart podcast, Matt Abrahams and Rhett Reese discuss practical conflict resolution strategies, how to approach disagreements constructively, and what it…
Knowing your audience is one of the most important principles of effective communication because the same message can land very differently depending on who you're speaking to. In this conversation, screenwriter Rhett Reese talks about why it's essential to understand your audience before you communicate, and how tailoring your message…
Every time you pitch something, you are telling two stories at the same time. The guy who wrote Deadpool reveals only ONE story gets noticed... In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, host Matt Abrahams speaks with acclaimed screenwriter and producer Rhett Reese, co-writer of Deadpool, Zombieland, and G.I.…
Introvert vs extrovert isn't always as straightforward as it seems. Many people feel pressure to be outgoing, network constantly, and always be social, leading them to believe they are extroverts when, in reality, they may be introverts who are adapting to external expectations. In this clip, Susan Cain talks about…
You have about three seconds to stop the scroll. In our newest episode, Carmine Gallo breaks down the hook, the single most important tool for capturing attention in the age of social media. From Google's original one-sentence pitch to today's content creators, the lesson holds: get to the point, make…
There is more noise than ever, and the brain filters out almost all of it. So how do you get through? Carmine Gallos says stop adding volume and start strengthening your signal, and the fastest way in is emotion. Joy and fear are the two most powerful drivers, which is…
In a world of endless content and shrinking attention spans, getting your message heard means giving people a reason to care. For Carmine Gallo, a communication coach, author of Viral Voices, and CEO of Gallo Communications, that starts with understanding what captures the brain’s attention: emotion, relevance, and a compelling…
Vulnerable leadership isn't about showing weakness. Vulnerability as a leader can help in building trust through honesty, empathy, and authenticity. This discussion between Matt Abrahams and Susan Cain explores just that. Vulnerability as a leader might strengthen relationships, encourage openness, and create psychologically safe teams.This episode explains how embracing vulnerability…
Quiet leaders often bring strengths that are easy to overlook, such as thoughtful decision-making, deep listening, and calm confidence. In this clip, Susan Cain talks about why introverted leaders can be just as effective as outspoken ones and how quiet leadership creates space for stronger collaboration, trust, and better decisions.…
Overcoming fear of public speaking doesn't mean eliminating nervousness, it just means learning how to communicate effectively despite it. This discussion between Matt Abrahams and Susan Cain dives into practical strategies for overcoming fear, managing public speaking anxiety, and building confidence in front of an audience. Susan talks about how…
Three people tend to dominate 70% of every meeting. Sadly, it's rarely the ones with the best ideas. In this episode of the Think Fast, Talk Smart podcast, host Matt Abrahams sits down with Susan Cain, former Wall Street lawyer, negotiation consultant, and New York Times bestselling author of Quiet:…
Want to walk into your next interview calm, clear, and ready for anything? Join us live on August 19th at 8:00 AM Pacific for Ace Your Interview with host Matt Abrahams, inside the Think Fast, Talk Smart learning community. Sharpen your skills, ask your questions, and get a full month…
Want to lead a better meeting? Start by asking, not telling. Matt Abrahams says the strongest leaders come armed with open questions, not just answers. Before your next meeting, tell people you'd like to hear their input, then ask, listen, and respond. One question he always keeps in his back…
The way you hold the mic tells the audience how nervous you are. Matt Abrahams's fix: hold it lightly instead of clutching, anchor your elbow to your body to keep it steady, and maintain a consistent six inches of distance so your volume stays even. Then let your other hand…