Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques

Matt Abrahams, Think Fast Talk Smart

One of the most essential ingredients to success in business and life is effective communication.

  • 29 minutes 6 seconds
    204. Tough Talks: Turn Tension Into Trust

    How to have the conversations that are most difficult — and most important.


    Before you can have hard conversations with others, you need to have an honest conversation with yourself. That's the counterintuitive advice from Sheila Heen, who says our own internal narratives often derail our attempts at negotiation and conflict resolution.

    "The first negotiation is actually a negotiation I have with myself about my own story," explains Heen, a Harvard Law School lecturer and co-author of Difficult Conversations: How to Discuss What Matters Most. When entering challenging interactions, she recommends a powerful shift where we consider that our perspective is only one side of the story. "If I can shift my purpose from convincing you of something to just understanding how you see it and why we might see it differently, that actually is more likely to generate a good conversation with less defensiveness for both of us."

    In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Heen joins Matt Abrahams to explore effective communication in high-stakes situations. From giving and receiving feedback with her “ACE” framework (Appreciation, Coaching, and Evaluation) to recognizing the "degrees of difficulty" in disagreements, she offers practical strategies for having productive conversations even when emotions run high.

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    Chapters:

    • (00:00) - Introduction
    • (01:36) - Managing Anxiety in Tough Conversations
    • (04:15) - Why Emotions Matter
    • (07:23) - Shifting the Story We Tell Ourselves
    • (08:41) - Starting with the Real Issue
    • (10:20) - Getting Unstuck in Conflict
    • (13:18) - ACE: The Three Types of Feedback
    • (16:20) - Making Feedback Actionable
    • (18:40) - Finding Common Ground
    • (20:17) - The Final Three Questions
    • (27:32) - Conclusion

       *****
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    20 May 2025, 1:00 pm
  • 16 minutes 19 seconds
    203. No Script, No Problem: Final Secrets to Speaking Under Pressure (Bonus)

    Stay sharp, sound confident, and speak with impact — even when you're put on the spot.


    Communicating clearly is challenging enough when there’s time to prepare. But in most situations — whether in meetings, casual conversations, or high-stakes moments — we rarely have the luxury of scripting our words. We must think and speak in real time.
    Spontaneous communication is a daily challenge, yet few of us receive formal training in how to handle it with poise and confidence. So how can we stay composed and communicate effectively when put on the spot? Drawing on years of experience, our expert coaches — including a sports broadcaster, FBI negotiator, UN interpreter, game show host, NFL referee, and Sotheby’s auctioneer — share their final pieces of advice to help answer that question.
    In this special episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, the Spontaneous Speaking miniseries concludes with powerful tools, frameworks, and tips for staying calm, organizing your thoughts, and speaking with clarity under pressure. Matt Abrahams shares practical strategies and exercises designed to help you build lasting habits and sharpen your impromptu speaking skills.
    Whether you tend to freeze when caught off guard or simply want to express your ideas more effectively on the fly, this final installment will equip you to not only think fast — but speak smart.

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    Chapters:

    • (00:00) - Introduction
    • (01:56) - The Power of Structure
    • (05:48) - Expert Tip: Trust Yourself
    • (06:09) - Expert Tip: Project Confidence & Provide Value
    • (07:48) - Expert Tip: Ask for What You Need & Visualization
    • (10:15) - Expert Tip: Review & Reflect
    • (12:15) - Expert Tip: Use an Encouraging Tone
    • (12:36) - Expert Tip: Turn Observation into Storytelling
    • (14:29) - Conclusion

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    15 May 2025, 1:00 pm
  • 23 minutes 50 seconds
    202. Own Your Brand: How to Communicate with Presence and Impact

    The power of creating the reputation you want to have.


    Whether you know it or not, you have a brand. What that brand is, says Lorraine Lee, doesn’t happen by accident. “You can either form and create it, or you can let people define it for you.”

    A teacher, content creator, speaker, and author of Unforgettable Presence: Get Seen, Gain Influence and Catapult Your Career, Lee helps people improve their communication presence and define their personal and professional brands. “Your brand is essentially your reputation,” she says. And while she acknowledges that “it can feel intimidating” to actively steer how we’re perceived, her EPIC framework helps navigate this challenge by examining our Experiences, Personality, Identity, and Community.

    In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Lee and host Matt Abrahams explore strategies for showing up memorably in both virtual and in-person settings. From crafting "unique and powerful introductions" to honing your online presence, Lee’s practical advice shows how to communicate your brand in today's digital workplace.

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    Chapters:

    • (00:00) - Introduction
    • (01:53) - Tips for Virtual Presence
    • (03:51) - Public Speaking Insights
    • (06:36) - The Importance of Mentors & Sponsors
    • (07:51) - Personal Branding on Social Media
    • (10:26) - EPIC Career Brand Framework
    • (12:51) - Unique & Powerful Introductions
    • (15:06) - Conversational Threading
    • (16:15) - Avoiding Resting Business Face
    • (18:07) - The Final Three Question
    • (22:08) - Conclusion

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    13 May 2025, 1:00 pm
  • 27 minutes 11 seconds
    201. Ballpark to the Boardroom: How Alex Rodriguez Hits a Communication Home Run

    Alex Rodriguez shares why in sports and business, striking out is just a part of the game.


    From the baseball field to the boardroom, great communication is critical for success. But as Alex Rodriguez knows, we don’t always hit it out of the park. For this sports superstar turned entrepreneur, striking out is never the end of the story.

    “I'm fifth all-time in the history of strikeouts,” says Rodriguez. “That means there's only four people in the history of mankind that have failed more than me.” For the 14-time Major League Baseball All-Star and World Series champion, failures aren’t endings, but opportunities to learn and grow. "The key is how you get back up with the same energy and enthusiasm," explains Rodriguez, who is now chairman and CEO of A-Rod Corp, leading a team of experts in building high-growth businesses.

    In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, co-hosted by Matt Abrahams and Stanford GSB colleague Jeffrey Pfeffer, Rodriguez shares lessons on resilience, authenticity, and effective communication. From maintaining a "slow heartbeat" in high-pressure moments to his approach of "intentional listening," he offers insights on leadership, giving feedback, and viewing communication as "an unselfish act." Whether you're stepping up to the plate or stepping up to present, these strategies can help you turn strikeouts into home runs.

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    Chapters:

    • (00:00) - Introduction
    • (02:50) - Teaching at Stanford: Strategic Pivoting
    • (04:25) - Preparing for Life After Baseball
    • (06:48) - Performing Under Pressure
    • (08:13) - Finding Balance Post-Pandemic
    • (09:11) - Building a Media Presence
    • (11:02) - Creating Great Teams
    • (12:12) - The Role of Ego and Intentional Listening
    • (14:23) - Giving and Receiving Feedback
    • (17:03) - Setbacks, Resilience, and Redemption
    • (20:06) - Developing Authenticity
    • (21:36) - The Final Three Questions
    • (25:28) - Conclusion

       *****
    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.

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    6 May 2025, 1:00 pm
  • 43 minutes 55 seconds
    200. Four Keys for Focused Communication: Live Lessons from Our 200 Episodes

    This live Q&A with host Matt Abrahams celebrates 200 episodes of Think Fast, Talk Smart.


    In an age of endless content and information, how do we ensure our communication cuts through the noise? Across 200 episodes of Think Fast, Talk Smart, host Matt Abrahams has discovered four essential ingredients that help messages rise above the chatter: concision, relevance, accessibility, and precision.

    “Attention is our most precious commodity in the world today, and we need to make sure that we engage our audience so we get their attention,” says Abrahams in this special 200th episode. How do we capture and keep that attention? As he’s explored with guests throughout the show, effective and engaging communication — from all kinds of people and in all kinds of places — is concise, relevant, accessible, and precise.

    In this special 200th episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, host Matt Abrahams shares insights gleaned from hundreds of conversations with communication experts, followed by a live Q&A with listeners from around the world. From crafting compelling elevator pitches to managing speaking anxiety, this celebration episode offers practical advice for focused communication that is sure to be the focus of your audience’s attention.

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    Chapters:

    • (00:00) - Introduction
    • (04:30) - Concision in Effective Messaging
    • (07:42) - Make Your Message Relevant
    • (13:34) - Ensuring Accessibility
    • (17:46) - The Importance of Precision
    • (24:35) - Craft an Impactful Elevator Pitch
    • (28:23) - Build a Stronger Vocabulary
    • (30:19) - Communicating Numbers and Data
    • (32:48) - Responding When Caught Off Guard
    • (34:47) - Confidence for Speaking and Presenting
    • (37:45) - Steering Conversations Back on Track
    • (40:18) - Dream Podcast Guest
    • (41:19) - What’s Coming Next
    • (42:59) - Conclusion

      *****
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    29 April 2025, 1:00 pm
  • 22 minutes 42 seconds
    199. Blunder Pressure: Mastering In-the-Moment Communication (3 of 3)

    This three-part miniseries is all about keeping your cool when speaking on the spot.

    Communicating effectively can be challenging enough, even with plenty of time to prepare what we want to say. But for most of our communication, there’s no time to plan, practice, or perfect — we have to respond in the moment.

    Spontaneous communication is a part of our everyday lives, but few of us have been trained to handle these impromptu situations with confidence. What does it take to flow, not freeze, when put on the spot? This special three-part series turns to experts for guidance, from a sports commentator, FBI hostage negotiator, and UN translator to a game show host, NFL referee and Sotheby’s auctioneer.

    Part 1: Preparation and Mindset

    Discover how to prepare for the unpredictable, manage anxiety, and find the right headspace for success.

    Part 2: Mastering the Moment

    Learn to stay present, read the room, and use techniques like mirroring and pacing to connect with your audience.

    Part 3: When Things Go Wrong

    Find out how to recover from inevitable mishaps and keep moving forward with confidence, turning mistakes into gold.

    In addition to insight-packed discussions, this Think Fast, Talk Smart miniseries offers practical exercises and homework assignments to help you implement what you've learned. Whether you draw blanks when put on the spot or simply want to articulate your thoughts more clearly in the moment, these episodes will transform how you think — and speak — on your feet.

    Episode Reference Links:


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    Chapters:

    • (00:00) - Introduction
    • (02:19) - Focus on What’s Next, Not What Went Wrong
    • (03:49) - Failure with Confidence
    • (05:54) - Flexibility Over a Fixed Plan
    • (07:37) - Staying Cool in Public Slip-Ups
    • (09:45) - Using Laughter to Reset
    • (12:14) - Gracefully Correcting Yourself
    • (13:51) - Staying Calm Under Pressure
    • (18:49) - Listener Exercises on Reflecting to Improve
    • (21:05) - Conclusion

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    22 April 2025, 1:00 pm
  • 24 minutes 59 seconds
    198. Pause and Effect: Mastering In-the-Moment Communication (2 of 3)

    This three-part miniseries is all about keeping your cool when speaking on the spot.

    Communicating effectively can be challenging enough, even with plenty of time to prepare what we want to say. But for most of our communication, there’s no time to plan, practice, or perfect — we have to respond in the moment.

    Spontaneous communication is a part of our everyday lives, but few of us have been trained to handle these impromptu situations with confidence. What does it take to flow, not freeze, when put on the spot? This special three-part series turns to experts for guidance, from a sports commentator, FBI hostage negotiator, and UN translator to a game show host, NFL referee and Sotheby’s auctioneer.

    Part 1: Preparation and Mindset

    Discover how to prepare for the unpredictable, manage anxiety, and find the right headspace for success.

    Part 2: Mastering the Moment

    Learn to stay present, read the room, and use techniques like mirroring and pacing to connect with your audience.

    Part 3: When Things Go Wrong

    Find out how to recover from inevitable mishaps and keep moving forward with confidence, turning mistakes into gold.

    In addition to insight-packed discussions, this Think Fast, Talk Smart miniseries offers practical exercises and homework assignments to help you implement what you've learned. Whether you draw blanks when put on the spot or simply want to articulate your thoughts more clearly in the moment, these episodes will transform how you think — and speak — on your feet.

    Episode Reference Links:


    Connect:


    Chapters:

    • (00:00) - Introduction
    • (02:02) - Letting Go of the Script
    • (04:47) - Visual Listening
    • (06:06) - Nonverbal Communication
    • (08:55) - Tools of Connection
    • (12:16) - Pacing for Pressure
    • (13:16) - The Power of Pausing
    • (15:50) - How to Make a Great Introduction
    • (17:40) - Being Gracious in Conversation
    • (20:04) - Listener Exercises on Active Listening
    • (22:58) - Conclusion

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    17 April 2025, 1:00 pm
  • 25 minutes 9 seconds
    197. Prep or Perish: Mastering In-the-Moment Communication (1 of 3)

    This three-part miniseries is all about keeping your cool when speaking on the spot.

    Communicating effectively can be challenging enough, even with plenty of time to prepare what we want to say. But for most of our communication, there’s no time to plan, practice, or perfect — we have to respond in the moment.

    Spontaneous communication is a part of our everyday lives, but few of us have been trained to handle these impromptu situations with confidence. What does it take to flow, not freeze, when put on the spot? This special three-part series turns to experts for guidance, from a sports commentator, FBI hostage negotiator, and UN translator to a game show host, NFL referee and Sotheby’s auctioneer.

    Part 1: Preparation and Mindset

    Discover how to prepare for the unpredictable, manage anxiety, and find the right headspace for success.

    Part 2: Mastering the Moment

    Learn to stay present, read the room, and use techniques like mirroring and pacing to connect with your audience.

    Part 3: When Things Go Wrong

    Find out how to recover from inevitable mishaps and keep moving forward with confidence, turning mistakes into gold.

    In addition to insight-packed discussions, this Think Fast, Talk Smart miniseries offers practical exercises and homework assignments to help you implement what you've learned. Whether you draw blanks when put on the spot or simply want to articulate your thoughts more clearly in the moment, these episodes will transform how you think — and speak — on your feet.

    Episode Reference Links:

    Connect:


    Chapters:

    • (00:00) - Introduction
    • (03:22) - Pressure and Preparation
    • (05:13) - Cognitive Load and Focus
    • (07:57) - Speaking with Clarity
    • (09:35) - Building Instinct Through Practice
    • (11:39) - Overthinking vs. Acting Fast
    • (13:19) - Staying Present Under Pressure
    • (13:59) - Make It About the Audience
    • (15:00) - Handling Public Scrutiny
    • (17:04) - Physical Rituals to Manage Nerves
    • (18:37) - Grounding Techniques Before Speaking
    • (21:11) - Listener Exercises for Better Speaking
    • (24:28) - Conclusion

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    15 April 2025, 1:00 pm
  • 22 minutes 28 seconds
    196. Ditch the Dictionary: Communicate Confidently Through Connection

    Communication isn’t about perfect word choice, it’s about connecting with others.

    For native speakers and language learners alike, communicating comes with all kinds of challenges. But no matter how much we stumble over our words, Lindsay McMahon says communication isn’t about perfection — it’s about connection.

    The CEO and founder of All Ears English and host of the All Ears English podcast, McMahon is on a mission to help non-native English speakers around the world hone their ability to communicate and connect. Whether you’re forming your first sentences in a new language or giving a presentation in the language you’ve spoken your whole life, “It's about human connection,” she says. “What really matters is are we connecting to our audience… the human being[s] in front of us?”

    In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, McMahon joins host Matt Abrahams to explore strategies for improving our communication — not by finding the right words, but by finding the right mindset. From active listening and cultural awareness to quieting nerves and building confidence, McMahon's practical approaches help communicators connect more authentically in any language or context.

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    Chapters:

    • (00:00) - Introduction
    • (01:23) - Common Challenges for English Learners
    • (02:20) - Overcoming the Confidence Catch-22
    • (04:11) - Communication Lessons from CEOs
    • (04:59) - The Art of Listening
    • (06:46) - Idioms and Hidden Meanings
    • (08:04) - Context Shapes Communication
    • (09:51) - Cultural Analogies and Miscommunication
    • (10:57) - Entering a New Role or Culture
    • (13:16) - Immersive Language Learning
    • (16:31) - The Final Three Questions
    • (20:50) - Conclusion

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    8 April 2025, 1:00 pm
  • 13 minutes 14 seconds
    195. Q&A on Conflict, Confidence, and Connection: Me2We 2025 Part 2

    Stanford experts answer live questions on leadership, authenticity, and communication.

    What happens when four top Stanford thinkers take live questions from a room full of leaders? In Part 2 of this special Think Fast, Talk Smart series from the Stanford LEAD Me2We Conference, Matt Abrahams and his panel of expert GSB faculty—Allison Kluger, Naomi Bagdonas, Christian Wheeler, and Nir Halevy—answer questions from a live audience. They cover real-world challenges around leadership, authenticity, psychological safety, and managing your reputation in complex environments. With honest reflections and actionable advice, their answers offer a candid look at what it takes to lead with intention while staying true to yourself.

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    Chapters:

    • (00:00) - Introduction
    • (01:27) - Bridging Political Divides
    • (04:40) - Navigating Confidence and Context
    • (06:45) - Rethinking Leadership and Reputation
    • (11:29) - Conclusion

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    3 April 2025, 1:00 pm
  • 32 minutes 15 seconds
    194. Live Lessons in Levity and Leadership: Me2We 2025 Part 1

    Effective leadership begins with the way you communicate.

    Leading with impact isn’t about speaking louder—it’s about communicating in ways that resonate with what people already value. In Part 1 of this special two-part series from the Stanford LEAD Me2We Conference, Matt Abrahams brings together four expert GSB faculty—Allison Kluger, Nir Halevy, Christian Wheeler, and Naomi Bagdonas—to explore how to lead and communicate with intention. They share how authenticity builds trust, why discomfort is essential for growth, how to design space for serendipity, and the role AI can play in expanding—not replacing—human potential. From managing reputation to staying present in high-pressure moments, this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart offers insights to help leaders connect more effectively, show up with purpose, and inspire meaningful action.

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    Chapters:

    • (00:00) - Introduction
    • (02:44) - Managing Reputation and Authentic Communication
    • (04:46) - Leadership Pluralism and Team Culture
    • (06:46) - Discomfort, Growth, and Distraction
    • (11:10) - Guiding Principles and the Serendipity Fund
    • (13:45) - Using AI in Teaching and Research
    • (21:06) - Fixing Hierarchies with CPR
    • (23:01) - Authenticity, Humor Styles, and Human Flourishing
    • (25:50) - Executive Presence and Owning the Room
    • (28:39) - Writing Better Titles and Facilitating Interactions
    • (30:32) - Conclusion

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    1 April 2025, 1:00 pm
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