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Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques

Matt Abrahams, Think Fast Talk Smart
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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.

  1. 237. Mistake It Till You Make It: Learn Faster and Fail Smarter

    6 HR AGO

    237. Mistake It Till You Make It: Learn Faster and Fail Smarter

    Why we learn the most when we accept that we might be wrong. Effective communication isn’t about having all the answers. As Astro Teller knows, it’s about finding (and sometimes fumbling) your way through the questions. Teller is a computer scientist, entrepreneur, and inventor who serves as Captain of Moonshots at X, Alphabet's Moonshot Factory. In his work leading teams toward audacious solutions to seemingly unsolvable problems, he embraces what he calls “a learning journey,” where being wrong isn’t the end, but the beginning. “As scary as it is to be wrong,” he says, it’s a necessary part of the discovery process. Whether experimenting in the lab or testing our thoughts and opinions in conversation with others, it’s about having the humility and curiosity to face the limits of our understanding. “When do you learn something? You learn something when you have a model about the world, and then you get some data that tells you you're wrong,” he says. “You learn nothing when you're right.” In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Teller and host Matt Abrahams discuss how embracing uncertainty drives innovation, why leaders should reward learning habits over outcomes, and how we learn the most when we’re not afraid to find that we might be wrong. To listen to the extended Deep Thinks version of this episode, please visit FasterSmarter.io/premium. Episode Reference Links: Astro TellerAstro’s Book: Sacred Cows Ep.70 Ideas Fuel Innovation: Why Your First Ideas Aren’t Always the Best Ep.20 Question Your Questions: How to Spark Creativity in Your 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 (02:18) - Defining a Moonshot (04:21) - Building a Learning Machine (07:00) - Learning vs. Productivity (08:35) - Capturing and Sharing Learning (10:49) - Rewarding Habits, Not Outcomes (13:17) - Moonshot Success Stories (16:16) - The Power of Storytelling in Innovation (17:46) - Launching The Moonshot Podcast (19:37) - The Final Three Questions (25:27) - 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. Support Think Fast Talk Smart by joining TFTS Premium.

    27 min
  2. Deep Thinks 237. Mistake It Till You Make It: Learn Faster and Fail Smarter

    6 HR AGO • SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

    Deep Thinks 237. Mistake It Till You Make It: Learn Faster and Fail Smarter

    Why we learn the most when we accept that we might be wrong. Effective communication isn’t about having all the answers. As Astro Teller ( https://www.fastersmarter.io/guests/astro-teller/ ) knows, it’s about finding (and sometimes fumbling) your way through the questions.Teller is a computer scientist, entrepreneur, and inventor who serves as Captain of Moonshots at X, Alphabet's Moonshot Factory. In his work leading teams toward audacious solutions to seemingly unsolvable problems, he embraces what he calls “a learning journey,” where being wrong isn’t the end, but the beginning. “As scary as it is to be wrong,” he says, it’s a necessary part of the discovery process. Whether experimenting in the lab or testing our thoughts and opinions in conversation with others, it’s about having the humility and curiosity to face the limits of our understanding. “When do you learn something? You learn something when you have a model about the world, and then you get some data that tells you you're wrong,” he says. “You learn nothing when you're right.”In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart ( https://www.fastersmarter.io/ ), Teller and host Matt Abrahams discuss how embracing uncertainty drives innovation, why leaders should reward learning habits over outcomes, and how we learn the most when we’re not afraid to find that we might be wrong. Episode Reference Links: * Astro Teller ( https://www.fastersmarter.io/guests/astro-teller/ ) * Astro’s Book: Sacred Cows ( https://www.fastersmarter.io/sacred-cows ) * Ep.70 Ideas Fuel Innovation: Why Your First Ideas Aren’t Always the Best ( https://www.fastersmarter.io/70-ideas-fuel-innovation-why-your-first-ideas-arent-always-the-best/ ) * Ep.20 Question Your Questions: How to Spark Creativity in Your Communication ( https://www.fastersmarter.io/20-question-your-questions-how-to-spark-creativity-in-your-communication/ ) 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/237-mistake-it-till-you-make-it-learn-faster-and-fail-smarter/ ) * 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:

    35 min
  3. 236. Tech Tools: Zeroing in on Your Email Communication

    5 DAYS AGO

    236. Tech Tools: Zeroing in on Your Email Communication

    Transform how you communicate with tools that make your message stick. Staying on top of communication starts with staying in control of your inbox. That’s why Rahul Vohra, founder and CEO of Superhuman, believes that how we manage email directly shapes how we manage our time, focus, and relationships. For years, Superhuman has helped professionals reach Inbox Zero faster — reducing email overload and reclaiming time for what truly matters. In this episode of the Think Fast, Talk Smart Tech Tools miniseries, host Matt Abrahams talks with Vohra about the philosophy behind Inbox Zero, how better systems lead to clearer communication, and why mindfulness and intentional design can make us more effective communicators.In addition to insight-packed discussions, this miniseries explores innovative tools that enhance the way we communicate and connect. Whether you want to make your presentations more memorable, craft stories that stick, or connect with your audience on a deeper level, these episodes will help you communicate with greater clarity, confidence, and impact. Episode Reference Links: Rahul VohraEp.227 Tech Tools: Move Your Audience By Moving Through Your Presentation Ep.230 Tech Tools: Use Visuals to Your Advantage Ep.233 Tech Tools: Write with Confidence and Impact  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 (01:18) - The Philosophy Behind Inbox Zero (04:19) - The Superhuman Elevator Pitch (05:50) - The Origin of Superhuman (09:14) - Favorite Communicator (10:17) - Communication Hack or Tool (11:59) - 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.Try Prezi today and get 25% off exclusively at prezi.com/thinkfast.

    14 min
  4. 235. Refine, Reframe, Repeat: Make Your Communication a Slam Dunk

    14 OCT

    235. Refine, Reframe, Repeat: Make Your Communication a Slam Dunk

    The road to mastery is paved with small improvements every day. Communicating can feel daunting at times. What does it take to find your voice in the moments that matter most? As Chiney Ogwumike says, “There is freedom on the other side of your fear.” As a professional basketball player, NBA and WNBA analyst for ESPN, and advocate for gender equality in sports, Ogwumike faces many situations where communication is critical. For her, achieving confidence in communication is the same as honing any other skill—embracing failure and refinement through repetition. “The best things in life are things you work out over long periods of time,” she says. “Great people, great communicators, anyone that's working at something, show up each and every day and just chip away, chip away, chip away, until they turn that weakness into a strength.” In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Ogwumike and host Matt Abrahams discuss how practice and preparation can equip us for better communication, transforming fear into confidence, perfectionism into authenticity, and weakness into strength. To listen to the extended Deep Thinks version of this episode, please visit FasterSmarter.io/premium. Episode Reference Links: Chiney OgwumikeEp.166 Why Relying on Talent Alone Will Fail You Ep.153 Listen Up, Leaders: A Record-Setting Coach’s Guide to 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 (02:20) - Communication on the Court (04:02) - Performing Under Pressure (06:11) - Lessons from Great Coaches (08:21) - Embracing Imperfection and Authenticity (11:43) - Strategies for Effective On-Air Communication (16:16) - The Final Three Questions (19:09) - 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. Strawberry.me. Get $50 off coaching today at Strawberry.me/smart

    21 min
  5. Deep Thinks 235. Refine, Reframe, Repeat: Make Your Communication a Slam Dunk

    14 OCT • SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

    Deep Thinks 235. Refine, Reframe, Repeat: Make Your Communication a Slam Dunk

    The road to mastery is paved with small improvements every day. Communicating can feel daunting at times. What does it take to find your voice in the moments that matter most? As Chiney Ogwumike ( https://www.fastersmarter.io/guests/chiney-ogwumike/ ) says, “There is freedom on the other side of your fear.”As a professional basketball player, NBA and WNBA analyst for ESPN, and advocate for gender equality in sports, Ogwumike faces many situations where communication is critical. For her, achieving confidence in communication is the same as honing any other skill—embracing failure and refinement through repetition. “The best things in life are things you work out over long periods of time,” she says. “Great people, great communicators, anyone that's working at something, show up each and every day and just chip away, chip away, chip away, until they turn that weakness into a strength.”In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart ( https://www.fastersmarter.io/ ), Ogwumike and host Matt Abrahams discuss how practice and preparation can equip us for better communication, transforming fear into confidence, perfectionism into authenticity, and weakness into strength. Episode Reference Links: * Chiney Ogwumike ( https://www.fastersmarter.io/guests/chiney-ogwumike/ ) * Ep.166 Why Relying on Talent Alone Will Fail You ( https://www.fastersmarter.io/166-why-relying-on-talent-alone-will-fail-you/ ) * Ep.153 Listen Up, Leaders: A Record-Setting Coach’s Guide to Communication ( https://www.fastersmarter.io/153-listen-up-leaders-a-record-setting-coachs-guide-to-communication/ ) 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/235-refine-reframe-repeat-make-your-communication-a-slam-dunk/ ) * 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:

    28 min
  6. 234. Need to Know: Lead With Transparency, Character, and Silence

    7 OCT

    234. Need to Know: Lead With Transparency, Character, and Silence

    When it comes to leading a team, there’s no such thing as too much information. Good leadership is about good communication. And for General Stanley McChrystal, that means creating a culture of free-flowing information: “The goal is to have everyone know everything all the time,” he says. McChrystal is a retired four-star general, former commander of US and international forces in Afghanistan, and a renowned leadership expert. In his experience building cohesive teams in complex environments, he’s discovered that successful teams are built on a “shared consciousness [where] all have a common contextual understanding of what the situation is.” The key to creating that kind of culture, he says, is radical transparency — from leaders and subordinates alike. Whatever your position, “You are responsible for informing other people of things that they need to know,” he says. In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, McChrystal and host Matt Abrahams discuss how to build shared consciousness within teams, how to communicate across cultural divides, and how to lead with clarity, context, and character. To listen to the extended Deep Thinks version of this episode, please visit FasterSmarter.io/premium. Episode Reference Links: General Stanley McChrystalGeneral McChrystal’s Books: On Character / Team of Teams155. Can We Be Candid? How to Communicate Clearly and Directly161. Do Your Homework: Know What to Say by Knowing Who You’re Talking To   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 (02:25) - Building Shared Consciousness (06:35) - Leading Across Differences (08:15) - Delivering Difficult News (10:40) - Communicating in a Virtual World (16:39) - Character as an Iterative Practice (18:49) - The Final Three Questions (23:41) - 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 Become a Faster Smarter Supporter by joining TFTS Premium.

    25 min
  7. Deep Thinks 234. Need to Know: Lead With Transparency, Character, and Silence

    7 OCT • SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

    Deep Thinks 234. Need to Know: Lead With Transparency, Character, and Silence

    When it comes to leading a team, there’s no such thing as too much information. Good leadership is about good communication. And for General Stanley McChrystal ( https://www.fastersmarter.io/guests/general-stanley-mcch/ ), that means creating a culture of free-flowing information: “The goal is to have everyone know everything all the time,” he says.McChrystal is a retired four-star general, former commander of US and international forces in Afghanistan, and a renowned leadership expert. In his experience building cohesive teams in complex environments, he’s discovered that successful teams are built on a “shared consciousness [where] all have a common contextual understanding of what the situation is.” The key to creating that kind of culture, he says, is radical transparency — from leaders and subordinates alike. Whatever your position, “You are responsible for informing other people of things that they need to know,” he says.In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart ( https://www.fastersmarter.io/ ), McChrystal and host Matt Abrahams discuss how to build shared consciousness within teams, how to communicate across cultural divides, and how to lead with clarity, context, and character. Episode Reference Links: * General Stanley McChrystal ( https://www.fastersmarter.io/guests/general-stanley-mcch/ ) * General McChrystal’s Books: On Character ( https://www.fastersmarter.io/on-character ) / Team of Teams ( https://www.fastersmarter.io/team-of-teams ) * 155. Can We Be Candid? How to Communicate Clearly and Directly ( https://www.fastersmarter.io/155-can-we-be-candid-how-to-communicate-clearly-and-directly/ ) * 161. Do Your Homework: Know What to Say by Knowing Who You’re Talking To ( https://www.fastersmarter.io/161-do-your-homework-know-what-to-say-by-knowing-who-youre-talking-to/ ) 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:

    27 min
  8. 233. Tech Tools: Write with Confidence and Impact

    2 OCT

    233. Tech Tools: Write with Confidence and Impact

    Transform how you communicate with tools that make your message stick. Clarity is the cornerstone of great communication—but turning your thoughts into words isn’t always simple. That’s why Grammarly exists: to help you express yourself with confidence and precision, no matter the context. For over a decade, Grammarly has helped millions of people improve their writing, from everyday emails to high-stakes professional communications. In this episode of the Think Fast, Talk Smart Tech Tools miniseries, host Matt Abrahams talks with Grammarly co-founder Max Lytvyn about the origins of the tool, how AI is shaping the future of writing, and why starting with your goal is the key to effective communication. In addition to insight-packed discussions, this miniseries explores innovative tools that enhance the way we communicate and connect. Whether you want to make your presentations more memorable, craft stories that stick, or connect with your audience on a deeper level, these episodes will help you communicate with greater clarity, confidence, and impact. Episode Reference Links: Max Lytvyn Ep.227 Tech Tools: Move Your Audience By Moving Through Your Presentation Ep.230 Tech Tools: Use Visuals to Your Advantage  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 (01:14) - The Origins of Grammarly (02:50) - Grammarly Elevator Structure (04:54) - Lessons on Improving Writing (07:11) - Favorite Communicator (08:08) - Communication Hack or Tool (11:02) - 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.Try Prezi today and get 25% off exclusively at prezi.com/thinkfast.

    12 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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