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Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques

Matt Abrahams, Think Fast Talk Smart
  • 4.3 (21)
  • CAREERS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

One of the most essential ingredients to success in business and life is effective communication. Join Matt Abrahams, best-selling author and Strategic Communication lecturer at Stanford Graduate School of Business, as he interviews experts to provide actionable insights that help you communicate with clarity, confidence, and impact. From handling impromptu questions to crafting compelling messages, Matt explores practical strategies for real-world communication challenges. Whether you’re navigating a high-stakes presentation, perfecting your email tone, or speaking off the cuff, Think Fast, Talk Smart equips you with the tools, techniques, and best practices to express yourself effectively in any situation. Enhance your communication skills to elevate your career and build stronger professional relationships. Tune in every Tuesday for new episodes. Subscribe now to unlock your potential as a thoughtful, impactful communicator. Learn more and sign up for our eNewsletter at fastersmarter.io.

  1. 254. Start Fresh: How Framing, Timing, and Talk Can Improve Your Finances

    6 HR AGO

    254. Start Fresh: How Framing, Timing, and Talk Can Improve Your Finances

    How to have more open conversations about money. Talking about money is taboo for many people. But according to Wendy De La Rosa, financial well-being only starts when we break the silence around finance. De La Rosa is a professor at the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and a co-founder of the Common Cents Lab, an initiative aiming to increase financial well-being for low- to moderate-income people. For many, she says, shame keeps us silent about money. “Shame is paralyzing, and more than any other negative emotion, [it] leads us to ignore,” she says. But when it comes to financial well-being, ignoring our finances is the last thing we should do. Instead, De La Rosa advocates for open discussion. “Talk about finances,” she says. “How did you ask for a raise? What are you getting paid right now? These are important conversations that help everybody.” In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, De La Rosa and host Matt Abrahams explore how to have more open, productive conversations about finances. Whether you're a manager thinking about employee financial wellness or trying to broach a difficult topic with a partner or friend, De La Rosa offers practical strategies for breaking through the taboo around money. To listen to the extended Deep Thinks version of this episode, please visit FasterSmarter.io/premium. Episode Reference Links: Wendy De La RosaEp.104 How to Change: Building Better Habits and Behaviors (And Getting Out of Your Own Way)Ep.59 From Dreaming to Doing: How We Set and Achieve Goals   Connect: Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart PremiumEmail Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.ioEpisode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTubeMatt Abrahams >>> LinkedInChapters: (00:00) - Introduction (02:12) - The Fresh Start Effect (04:35) - Pay Timing Shapes Behavior (05:51) - Productivity and Financial Stress (08:17) - Framing Financial Choices (10:50) - Understanding Financial Shame (13:20) - Rebuilding Your Financial Environment (14:45) - Giving Financial Advice With Care (17:17) - Normalizing Money Talk (18:21) - The Final Three Question (23:39) - Conclusion ********Thank you to our sponsors.  These partnerships support the ongoing production of the podcast, allowing us to bring it to you at no cost. This episode is brought to you by Babbel. Think Fast Talk Smart listeners can get started on your language learning journey today- visit Babbel.com/Thinkfast and get up to 55% off your Babbel subscription. Join our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be.

    25 min
  2. Deep Thinks 254. Start Fresh: How Framing, Timing, and Talk Can Improve Your Finances

    6 HR AGO • SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

    Deep Thinks 254. Start Fresh: How Framing, Timing, and Talk Can Improve Your Finances

    How to have more open conversations about money. Talking about money is taboo for many people. But according to Wendy De La Rosa ( https://www.fastersmarter.io/guests/wendy-de-la-rosa/ ), financial well-being only starts when we break the silence around finance.De La Rosa is a professor at the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and a co-founder of the Common Cents Lab, an initiative aiming to increase financial well-being for low- to moderate-income people. For many, she says, shame keeps us silent about money. “Shame is paralyzing, and more than any other negative emotion, [it] leads us to ignore,” she says. But when it comes to financial well-being, ignoring our finances is the last thing we should do. Instead, De La Rosa advocates for open discussion. “Talk about finances,” she says. “How did you ask for a raise? What are you getting paid right now? These are important conversations that help everybody.”In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart ( https://www.fastersmarter.io/ ), De La Rosa and host Matt Abrahams explore how to have more open, productive conversations about finances. Whether you're a manager thinking about employee financial wellness or trying to broach a difficult topic with a partner or friend, De La Rosa offers practical strategies for breaking through the taboo around money. Episode Reference Links: * Wendy De La Rosa ( https://www.fastersmarter.io/guests/wendy-de-la-rosa/ ) * Ep.104 How to Change: Building Better Habits and Behaviors (And Getting Out of Your Own Way) ( https://www.fastersmarter.io/104-how-to-change-building-better-habits-and-behaviors-and-getting-out-of-your-own-way/ ) * Ep.59 From Dreaming to Doing: How We Set and Achieve Goals ( https://www.fastersmarter.io/59-from-dreaming-to-doing-how-we-set-and-achieve-goals/ ) Connect: * Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart Premium ( https://www.fastersmarter.io/premium/ ) * Email Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.io * Episode Transcripts >>>Think Fast Talk Smart Website ( https://www.fastersmarter.io/254-start-fresh-how-framing-timing-and-talk-can-improve-your-finances/ ) * Newsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>>FasterSmarter.io ( http://fastersmarter.io/ ) * Think Fast Talk Smart >>>LinkedIn ( https://www.linkedin.com/company/think-fast-talk-smart/ ),Instagram ( https://www.instagram.com/thinkfasttalksmart/ ), YouTube ( https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6caGRBUYZCmgDGM2RK6mxKB9jG_ccmm3 ) * Matt Abrahams >>>LinkedIn ( https://www.linkedin.com/in/maabrahams/ ) Chapters:

    33 min
  3. 253. Top 10: The Best Communication Tips from 2025

    30/12/2025

    253. Top 10: The Best Communication Tips from 2025

    Our 10 favorite communication insights from 2025. The most transformative communication insights are the ones we actually remember to use. That’s why host Matt Abrahams is taking stock of his favorite communication tips from this year, so we can carry them into the next. In this annual Think Fast, Talk Smart tradition, Abrahams shares his top 10 communication insights from guests over the past year, from facilitating connection through Gina Bianchini's "proactive serendipity” to Jenn Wynn’s use of dialogue as a gateway to synergy. Whether you're looking to build trust, boost productivity, or speak more spontaneously, this year’s top 10 insights offer a reminder of all we’ve learned this year — and a roadmap for better communication in the year ahead. Episode Reference Links: Ep.177 Don’t Resolve, Evolve: Top 10 Lessons From 2024Ep.120 A Few of Matt’s Favorite Things: 10 Communication Takeaways from 2023's TFTS Episodes   Connect: Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart PremiumEmail Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.ioEpisode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTubeMatt Abrahams >>> LinkedInChapters: (00:00) - Introduction (01:23) - Facilitation and Productive Serendipity (02:58) - Toxic vs. Healthy Productivity (05:21) - Dialogue as the Path to Synergy (07:53) - How Actions Build Trust (09:19) - Communication as an Unselfish Act (11:14) - Be Present and Prepare to Be Spontaneous (13:19) - Why Memorable Words Matter (15:17) - Persuasion and Identity (17:06) - Finding Meaning Through Purpose (19:01) - Listening to Negative Emotions (21:18) - Conclusion

    23 min
  4. 252. Rethinks: How to Make Complex Ideas Accessible

    25/12/2025

    252. Rethinks: How to Make Complex Ideas Accessible

    Presenting complex information for your audience to understand. As communicators, we often need to take complex information (e.g., financial, technical, or scientific) and make it more understandable for our audience – we’re experts and they likely aren’t. But having so much knowledge on the topics we discuss can often make the job more difficult: we dive in too quickly, forget about our audience's needs, or use jargon that goes over their heads.  In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, strategic communications lecturers Matt Abrahams and Lauren Weinstein explore the “curse of knowledge” and offer specific techniques you can use to be more successful in getting your point across. Episode Reference Links: Lauren WeinsteinEp.3 When Knowing Too Much Can Hurt Your Communication: How to Make Complex Ideas AccessibleEp.49 Make Numbers Count: How to Communicate Data EffectivelyEp.91 Um, Like, So: How Filler Words Can Create More Connected, Effective Communication  Connect: Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart PremiumEmail Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.ioEpisode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTubeMatt Abrahams >>> LinkedInChapters: (00:00) - Introduction (02:35) - Where Complexity Breaks Down (03:48) - Start With the Audience (04:50) - The Power of Analogy (07:51) - The “Chunking” Technique (09:46) - Make Data Relatable (11:56) - The Final Three Question (15:29) - Conclusion ********Thank you to our sponsors.  These partnerships support the ongoing production of the podcast, allowing us to bring it to you at no cost. This episode is brought to you by Babbel. Think Fast Talk Smart listeners can get started on your language learning journey today- visit Babbel.com/Thinkfast and get up to 55% off your Babbel subscription. Join our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be.

    17 min
  5. 251. How to Stop Performing and Start Communicating with Presence

    23/12/2025

    251. How to Stop Performing and Start Communicating with Presence

    Why good communication requires presence, not performance. Effective communication isn't about perfecting your performance. According to Dr. Kate Mason, it's about being powerfully present. Mason is a world champion debater, executive communication coach, and author of the book Powerfully Likeable. In her work coaching senior executives to communicate more effectively, she emphasizes that it’s not about creating a performative persona, it’s about uncovering the authentic communicator you already are. “The coaching is just bringing the real parts of you to the fore,” she says, “uncovering rather than totally building from scratch. A lot of people come to me and say, I need to be more warm or more insert adjective here. And I say, I'm not gonna help you be more warm if that's not what's coming naturally to you. I am gonna help you work out the thing you're already doing, the thing you're already saying, how to make that comfortable for people around you.” In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Mason and host Matt Abrahams discuss strategies for more present communication. From avoiding "imposing syndrome” to reducing “the delta between your real self and that corporate persona,” Mason's insights explore how we can bring more of our true selves to the table. To listen to the extended Deep Thinks version of this episode, please visit FasterSmarter.io/premium. Episode Reference Links: Dr. Kate MasonKate’s Book: Powerfully LikeableEp. 210 First Impression to Lasting Impact: Use Status Strategically  Connect: Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart PremiumEmail Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.ioEpisode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTubeMatt Abrahams >>> LinkedInChapters: (00:00) - Introduction (00:50) - Why Confidence Is the Wrong Goal (02:13) - Bridging Your Real and Work Selves (03:45) - What Is Imposing Syndrome? (05:19) - Catching Yourself Shrinking (07:16) - Rethinking Imposter Syndrome (08:33) - Assertive vs. Agreeable (10:58) - Naming Your Communication Style (13:56) - What You Say vs. How You Show Up (16:01) - Body Language That Signals Openness (17:22) - Executive Messaging Lessons (20:19) - The Final Three Questions (23:52) - Conclusion

    25 min
  6. Deep Thinks 251. How to Stop Performing and Start Communicating with Presence

    23/12/2025 • SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

    Deep Thinks 251. How to Stop Performing and Start Communicating with Presence

    Why good communication requires presence, not performance. Effective communication isn't about perfecting your performance. According to Dr. Kate Mason ( https://www.fastersmarter.io/guests/dr-kate-mason/ ), it's about being powerfully present.Mason is a world champion debater, executive communication coach, and author of the book Powerfully Likable ( https://www.fastersmarter.io/powerfully-likeable ). In her work coaching senior executives to communicate more effectively, she emphasizes that it’s not about creating a performative persona, it’s about uncovering the authentic communicator you already are. “The coaching is just bringing the real parts of you to the fore,” she says, “uncovering rather than totally building from scratch. A lot of people come to me and say, I need to be more warm or more insert adjective here. And I say, I'm not gonna help you be more warm if that's not what's coming naturally to you. I am gonna help you work out the thing you're already doing, the thing you're already saying, how to make that comfortable for people around you.”In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart ( https://www.fastersmarter.io/ ), Mason and host Matt Abrahams discuss strategies for more present communication. From avoiding "imposing syndrome” to reducing “the delta between your real self and that corporate persona,” Mason's insights explore how we can bring more of our true selves to the table. Episode Reference Links: * Dr. Kate Mason ( https://www.fastersmarter.io/guests/dr-kate-mason/ ) * Kate’s Book: Powerfully Likeable ( https://www.fastersmarter.io/powerfully-likeable ) * Ep. 210 First Impression to Lasting Impact: Use Status Strategically ( https://www.fastersmarter.io/210-first-impression-to-lasting-impact-use-status-strategically/ ) Connect: * Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart Premium ( https://www.fastersmarter.io/premium/ ) * Email Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.io * Episode Transcripts >>>Think Fast Talk Smart Website ( https://www.fastersmarter.io/ ) * Newsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>>FasterSmarter.io ( http://fastersmarter.io/ ) * Think Fast Talk Smart >>>LinkedIn ( https://www.linkedin.com/company/think-fast-talk-smart/ ),Instagram ( https://www.instagram.com/thinkfasttalksmart/ ), YouTube ( https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6caGRBUYZCmgDGM2RK6mxKB9jG_ccmm3 ) * Matt Abrahams >>>LinkedIn ( https://www.linkedin.com/in/maabrahams/ ) Chapters:

    30 min
  7. 250. How to Navigate Conflict: Tools For Productive Communication

    16/12/2025

    250. How to Navigate Conflict: Tools For Productive Communication

    Celebrate our 250th episode with expert strategies that make tough conversations easier — and more meaningful. Some of the most meaningful shifts in how we communicate come from the moments that challenge us the most. In this special 250th episode of Think Fast Talk Smart, Matt Abrahams reflects on the insights that have shown him how conflict can become a catalyst for clarity, connection, and even compassion. From Amy Gallo’s reminder that the “right kind of conflict” leads to better outcomes to Jenn Wynn’s framework for calming our nervous system before stepping into a hard conversation and Julia Minson’s HEAR method for signaling genuine curiosity, each tool helps turn tension into understanding for every stage of conflict. And with Joseph Grenny’s guidance on noticing when our motives shift from problem-solving to winning, this episode highlights how self-awareness can reset even the toughest moments. Whether you’re navigating workplace disagreements or everyday friction at home, this milestone episode offers practical ways to make difficult dialogue feel less daunting — and a real opportunity to communicate better. Episode Reference Links: Amy GalloAmy’s Book: Getting Along: How to Work With AnyoneEp.144 Communicating Through Conflict: How to Get Along with AnyoneJenn Wynn  Jenn’s Podcast: The H.I. Note: Healing Inspirations from LifeEp.222 Discussing Through Discomfort: Why the Conversations You Avoid Cost You the MostJulia MinsonEp.136 The Art of Disagreeing Without Conflict: Navigating the NuanceJoseph GrennyJoseph’s Book: Crucial ConversationsEp.207 From Conflict to Connection: Having Crucial Conversations that CountMusic from Blue Dot Sessions: Etude 3 Chessanta Etude 1 Cherub Etude 12 Taminy Ojufemi Cloud Cannon The Caspian Sea  Doghouse An Opus in Ab First Results  Cach PKL Tenaway Connect: Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart PremiumEmail Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.ioEpisode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTubeMatt Abrahams >>> LinkedInTimed Links: (1:45) Getting Along: How to Work With Anyone (18:31) Crucial ConversationsChapters: (00:00) - Introduction (01:35) - Why Conflict Is Necessary (02:34) - Transforming Unproductive Conflict (03:22) - Inner Experience of Difficult Conversations (04:18) - Self-Awareness, Pause, Reframe (06:25) - Four Questions For Understanding (09:44) - Acting Curious vs. Feeling Curious (12:00) - The HEAR Framework (15:09) - Humility & Willingness To Be Wrong (16:40) - Practice & Repetition (18:07) - Acknowledging Motives (19:21) - Two Questions to Reset Motives (21:15) - Bringing the Frameworks Together (22:41) - What Really Matters (24:13) - Conclusion

    25 min
  8. 249. Quick Thinks: Rituals That Make Teamwork Work

    11/12/2025

    249. Quick Thinks: Rituals That Make Teamwork Work

    The right rituals—and the right conversations—can transform how your team collaborates. Strong collaboration starts with thoughtful practices and clear communication. As Molly Sands, Head of the Teamwork Lab at Atlassian, emphasizes, the teams that thrive are the ones that regularly pause to align on what matters and how they’re progressing. “You want to know if you’re making progress,” she notes, “and you want ways to redirect early—before you’re scrambling at the end.” Through her research with teams across Atlassian and around the world, Sands has seen how small, consistent habits—monthly goal reviews, transparent updates, shared spaces for spontaneous interaction—build alignment, psychological safety, and momentum. And in hybrid and distributed environments, she highlights how “bursty” collaboration patterns and intentional meeting design help teams move faster without burning out. In this Quick Thinks episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Sands and host Matt Abrahams break down the rituals that make teamwork work, from OKR check-ins to collaboration hours to the rotating Chief Vibes Officer. No matter where your team sits, Sands shows how intentional communication unlocks connection, speed, and more satisfying ways of working together. Episode Reference Links: Molly SandsEp.241 Team Spirit: How to Make Group Work Work Connect: Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart PremiumEmail Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.ioEpisode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTubeMatt Abrahams >>> LinkedInChapters: (00:00) - Introduction (01:40) - Measuring Collaboration the Right Way (04:32) - Training Leaders & Goal Rituals (06:46) - Creating Space for Spontaneous Work (10:17) - Making In-Person Time Count (10:41) - Three High-Impact Team Gatherings (14:24) - Supporting Diverse Communication Styles (16:32) - Conclusion ********This episode is sponsored by Grammarly. Let Grammarly take the busywork off your plate so you can focus on high-impact work. Download Grammarly for free today Join our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be.

    18 min
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One of the most essential ingredients to success in business and life is effective communication. Join Matt Abrahams, best-selling author and Strategic Communication lecturer at Stanford Graduate School of Business, as he interviews experts to provide actionable insights that help you communicate with clarity, confidence, and impact. From handling impromptu questions to crafting compelling messages, Matt explores practical strategies for real-world communication challenges. Whether you’re navigating a high-stakes presentation, perfecting your email tone, or speaking off the cuff, Think Fast, Talk Smart equips you with the tools, techniques, and best practices to express yourself effectively in any situation. Enhance your communication skills to elevate your career and build stronger professional relationships. Tune in every Tuesday for new episodes. Subscribe now to unlock your potential as a thoughtful, impactful communicator. Learn more and sign up for our eNewsletter at fastersmarter.io.

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