Podcast · Business

Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques

by Matt Abrahams, Think Fast Talk Smart · English · Business

New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 23 min
Latest: 5 Oct 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

5 Oct 2026 · 24 minNew

329. Your Brand is Your Promise: The 4 C’s for Better Communication

“A brand is a promise, and a great brand is a promise well kept.” What does it take to build something people believe in? For Daniel Lubetzky , social entrepreneur and KIND Snacks founder, it starts with curiosity, compassion, creativity, and courage, along with a willingness to listen, learn, and stay true to what you stand for. In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart , Lubetzky joins Matt Abrahams to share lessons from building businesses, brands, and bridges between people. He explains why authenticity matters more than appearing to have all the answers, how great brands keep their…

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Earlier episodes 29 most recent

1 Oct 2026 · 19 min

328. Ask Matt Anything: Don’t Let Your Communication Fizzle at the Finish

“How you end something often can be as important, if not more important, than how you start.” What’s the best way to wrap up a presentation? How do you stop yourself from repeating the same point? And what can you do when strong emotions start taking over? Matt Abrahams tackles these questions and more in this Ask Matt Anything episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart , recorded with members of the Learning Community . He shares why a strong ending deserves as much attention as a strong opening, along with practical advice for holding attention, getting better at small talk, breaking repetitive…
28 Sep 2026 · 26 min

327. The Human Reset: Reclaiming Authenticity in the Age of AI

“Our imperfections reveal that we’re human.” As AI makes it easier to polish our words, how do we prove that our communication is actually our own? For Matt Abrahams, the answer isn’t to avoid AI, but to protect the distinctly human thinking, experiences, and imperfections that build trust. In a special episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart , Lorraine K. Lee takes over the host chair to interview Matt about the updated edition of Think Faster, Talk Smarter . They discuss Matt’s TRUST framework for demonstrating authenticity, the risk of outsourcing empathy to AI, and ways to use AI as a practice…
24 Sep 2026 · 25 min

326. Rethinks: The Secrets to Getting the Information You Need from AI

“Most teams leave the vast majority of their innovation potential on the table.” If you treat artificial intelligence like an oracle, you’ll likely be disappointed. But treat it like a teammate, and Jeremy Utley and Kian Gohar say you may be surprised by how useful a collaborator it can be. Utley, an adjunct professor at the Stanford d.school, and Gohar, a bestselling author and futurist, have studied how teams can use AI to generate more creative ideas and solve problems. Their research shows that tools like ChatGPT can unlock new possibilities, but only when teams know how to work with…
21 Sep 2026 · 20 min

325. Message Market Fit: Turning Great Ideas Into Communication That Lands

“No one cares about us, our company, our products. We have to make them care, and for that, we need the right words.” Great work doesn’t always speak for itself. For communication strategist and author of Message Machine: How Communications Will Make You An Unstoppable Founder , Oliver Aust , getting your ideas noticed requires “message-market fit,” finding the right words and stories to make people understand why what you offer matters. In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart , Aust joins Matt Abrahams to discuss how to craft messages that resonate and stand out. From focusing on outcomes…
17 Sep 2026 · 23 min

324. Rethinks: Defining Where We Want AI To Take Us

“If you're worried that a ChatGPT type tool can replace you, you need to [ask]: Why am I communicating? What am I trying to say? Am I being authentic?” Artificial intelligence can now do a lot of things. But if you’re worried about it taking your place as a communicator, Russ Altman says you need to question why you’re communicating in the first place. A Stanford professor of bioengineering and host of Stanford Engineering’s podcast, The Future of Everything , Altman sees advancing technology not as a threat to human creativity and connection, but as a tool for raising our standards for…
14 Sep 2026 · 25 min

323. Turn Up the Heat: Make Conflict More Constructive

“I’m not saying necessarily fight more, I’m saying fight better.” Conflict doesn’t have to mean avoidance or escalation. Priya Parker , expert facilitator, strategic advisor and author of The Art of Fighting: The Transformative Power of Conflict , argues there’s a third option: “healthy heat,” where disagreement is handled with enough care, curiosity, and even humor to become productive rather than destructive. In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart , Parker joins Matt Abrahams to rethink how we approach disagreement. She explains why practicing low-stakes conflict can prepare us for…
10 Sep 2026 · 21 min

322. Talk Back: Why Arguing With Yourself Can Help You Flourish

“What you think is not gospel.” Can arguing with yourself make you happier? Martin Seligman , positive psychology pioneer and author of Agency: The Psychological History of Human Progress , says our negative thoughts don’t have to dictate how we feel. By recognizing our internal narratives and challenging them with evidence, we can change our outlook and build a greater sense of agency. In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart , Seligman and Matt Abrahams discuss flourishing, optimism, and the power of self-talk. They also examine why celebrating other people’s successes takes more than…
7 Sep 2026 · 20 min

321. The Respect Effect: What Stereotype Threat Teaches Us About Communication

“Everybody you interact with needs that signal of respect.” Feeling seen and respected can shape how we communicate and connect with others. For Stanford social psychologist and author of Churn: The Tension That Divides Us and How to Overcome , Claude Steele , understanding stereotype threat and “churn,” the tension that arises when we worry about being judged based on our identity, can help us build greater trust across differences. In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart , Steele joins Matt Abrahams to discuss how stereotypes influence our interactions and how to reduce their impact.…
3 Sep 2026 · 17 min

320. Quick Thinks: How to Prepare, Stand Out, and Ace Your Interview

“The ability to handle yourself in interviews and other high-pressure situations can make the difference in getting the job and achieving your goals.” A successful interview is more than answering questions well. It’s an opportunity to communicate what sets you apart and demonstrate the value you can bring. Preparation, structure, and storytelling can help you do that with confidence. In this Quick Thinks episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart , Matt Abrahams and communication teacher Laura Joyce Davis share strategies for preparing for job interviews. From identifying what differentiates you to…
31 Aug 2026 · 25 min

319. Open the Portal: The Simple Science Behind Impactful Storytelling

“Causality is this foundation that really allows us to anchor what we’re trying to do when we’re telling stories.” Storytelling doesn’t require a dramatic narrative. For behavioral scientist and former Disney Imagineer Troy Campbell , even everyday information can become a story when we explain the “because” behind it, connecting what happened to why it matters. In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart , Campbell joins Matt Abrahams to unpack the psychology behind storytelling and persuasion. From structuring ideas around goals, insights, and actions to creating “portals” that prepare…
27 Aug 2026 · 14 min

318. Quick Thinks: Network Smarter and Make Better Connections

“We are now competing in conversation with someone’s feed.” Connecting with others requires more than knowing what to say. The signals we send through our body language, the questions we ask, and even where we position ourselves can shape how others experience a conversation. In this Quick Thinks episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart , behavioral researcher and author of Cues and Captivate , Vanessa Van Edwards joins Matt Abrahams to explore the subtle cues that make communication more engaging. She shares strategies for navigating networking events, sparking more meaningful conversations, and…
24 Aug 2026 · 24 min

317. Plot Twist: The Second Story Hiding Inside Every Great Pitch

“We’re all salespeople at the end of the day.” Whether you’re pitching a movie, an idea, or yourself, persuasion is about more than the story you’re telling—it’s also about the story your audience sees for themselves. For Deadpool and Zombieland screenwriter Rhett Reese , that means keeping communication concise, compelling, and centered on what your audience needs. In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart , Reese joins Matt Abrahams to share lessons from screenwriting that apply far beyond Hollywood. From cutting unnecessary words to crafting pitches that make your audience the…
20 Aug 2026 · 21 min

316. The Persuasion Equation: Grab Attention & Make Your Message Meaningful

“The tools of communication have changed, the human brain has not.” 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 story. In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart , Gallo joins Matt Abrahams to explore the timeless principles behind persuasive communication. From crafting attention-grabbing hooks to using…
17 Aug 2026 · 23 min

315. Quietly Powerful: How Introverts Can Communicate With Confidence & Impact

“Over time, what works is truly showing up in a way where you actually care, you're actually trying to give value.” In a culture that rewards boldness and visibility, quieter voices can be easy to overlook. But Susan Cain , a former Wall Street lawyer, negotiation consultant, and bestselling author of Quiet and Bittersweet , argues that introverts bring powerful strengths to communication and leadership, from deep listening to thoughtful reflection. In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart , Cain joins Matt Abrahams to explore how introverts can communicate with confidence without…
13 Aug 2026 · 32 min

314. Rethinks: Turn Tension Into Trust

"The first negotiation is actually a negotiation I have with myself about my own story." 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 , a Harvard Law School lecturer and co-author of Difficult Conversations: How to Discuss What Matters Most , who says our own internal narratives often derail our attempts at negotiation and conflict resolution. In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart , Heen joins Matt Abrahams to explore effective communication in high-stakes situations. From…
10 Aug 2026 · 27 min

313. Hold the Headline: How Curiosity Cuts Through Complexity

"The dumbest thing you can be is a know-it-all." Curiosity isn't about having all the answers—it's about asking better questions. Journalist and podcast host Nayeema Raza believes the strongest communicators balance confidence with openness, using curiosity to better understand people, ideas, and the world around them. In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart , Raza joins Matt Abrahams to explore how to make complex ideas accessible, ask questions that spark meaningful conversations, and communicate with both confidence and humility. From writing punchier questions to embracing uncertainty,…
6 Aug 2026 · 10 min

312. Quick Thinks: Speak with Confidence, Clarity, and Power

"You want to make sure you have the energy at the end of your communication as well as at the beginning." Why do some people command a room without raising their voice? Being heard isn't about speaking louder—it's about using your voice with intention. Breath, posture, and preparation all play a role in helping your message reach the people who need to hear it. In this Quick Thinks episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart , Matt Abrahams shares practical techniques for projecting your voice with confidence, building vocal stamina, and using microphones effectively. From breathing with more control…
3 Aug 2026 · 23 min

311. Don't Lose the Room: How to Make Ideas Stick

"Know your stuff, practice, and then just do it and be there." How do you explain complex ideas without losing your audience? The challenge isn't knowing more—it's helping others understand. For Marketplace host Kai Ryssdal , great communication comes from making difficult topics accessible while holding people's attention. In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart , Ryssdal joins Matt Abrahams to discuss how to simplify complex information without oversimplifying it, conduct interviews that feel like genuine conversations, and communicate with confidence under pressure. From asking better…
30 Jul 2026 · 20 min

310. A Matter of Meaning: What Other People Teach You About Your Communication

"Meaning is about being mindful of the effect you have on other people." What makes a life meaningful? We often think purpose and meaning are the same thing, but according to Stanford professor Brian Lowery , they're fundamentally different. Purpose is what drives us. Meaning comes from the impact we have on others. In this live episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart from Stanford’s LEAD Me2We event, Lowery and Matt Abrahams examine how our relationships shape who we become, why sincerity matters more than authenticity, and how leaders influence others through every interaction. Along the way,…
27 Jul 2026 · 26 min

309. Stretch, Don't Stress: How Great Communication Makes Better Leaders

"When there's a gap between our intention and our impact, we diminish others and our communication." The best leaders don't succeed because they have all the answers—they succeed because they bring out the best thinking in others. Liz Wiseman , executive advisor, CEO of the Wiseman Group, and author of the million-copy bestseller Multipliers: How the Best Leaders Make Everyone Smarter , has spent years studying why some leaders amplify the intelligence around them while others unintentionally hold people back. In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart , Wiseman joins Matt Abrahams to explore…
23 Jul 2026 · 17 min

308. Ask Matt Anything: From Nerves to Know-How in High-Stakes Moments

“Managing emotions—yours and your audience's—is hard enough, but it's even harder when you're under pressure to respond." High-pressure communication doesn't have to derail your message. In this Think Fast, Talk Smart Ask Matt Anything episode, Matt Abrahams answers real-world questions from members of the Think Fast, Talk Smart Learning Community , sharing practical advice for communicating with confidence when the stakes are high. From managing cognitive load and regulating anxiety to leading uncertain conversations and running more engaging meetings, Matt offers actionable strategies for…
20 Jul 2026 · 23 min

307. Accent-uate, Don't Compensate: Why Clarity Matters More Than Perfection

"It's not an accent, it's an identity." The way we speak shapes more than how we're understood—it shapes how we're perceived. Peter Novak believes the goal of communication isn't to eliminate an accent, but to communicate with greater clarity, confidence, and authenticity. As a linguist, communication coach, and expert in accent bias, Novak helps multilingual professionals communicate more effectively while embracing the identity their voice represents. In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart , he joins Matt Abrahams to explore how accent bias influences the workplace, why clarity matters…
16 Jul 2026 · 18 min

306. Trust the Process: How to Design Teams That Actually Work

"The assumption of swift trust is really useful." Teams don't always need years to build trust—they need the right conditions to build it quickly. As a Stanford professor and expert in organizational design, Melissa Valentine studies how communication, team structure, and emerging technologies help people collaborate more effectively. In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart , Valentine joins Matt Abrahams to explore how leaders can foster swift trust, adapt communication as teams move from brainstorming to execution, and use storytelling to drive meaningful change. Together, they share…
13 Jul 2026 · 28 min

305. The Humor Habit: Why Great Communicators Think Like Comedians

"People aren't inside of our heads, so you have to give them that emotional information as well as the factual information." Humor is more than entertainment—it's a powerful way to create connection. As a comedian, writer, and former teacher, Chris Duffy has learned that laughter, curiosity, and emotion can transform even ordinary conversations into memorable experiences. In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart , Duffy joins Matt Abrahams to explore how humor can strengthen communication, build deeper connections, and make ideas more memorable. Together, they discuss how to engage an…
9 Jul 2026 · 23 min

304. Rethinks: Craft Compelling Communication

"If all you're trying to do is inform, you're not going to pull it off. You have to entertain your audience." Great presentations don't just share information—they create connection. As Apple's former Chief Evangelist and Canva's co-founder, Guy Kawasaki has spent decades helping people communicate ideas that inspire action. In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart , Kawasaki joins Matt Abrahams to share practical strategies for crafting compelling presentations, building better slide decks, and using storytelling to keep audiences engaged. From investor pitches to keynote speeches, he…
6 Jul 2026 · 23 min

303. On Point, On Brand: Why Honest Communication Always Lands

"You want to own the message and your narrative." Strong communication is about more than delivering a message—it’s about building trust over time. As Zoom’s Chief Marketing Officer, Kim Storin has helped shape communication at one of the world’s most recognizable brands, balancing empathy, transparency, and consistency in an era of rapid technological change. In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart , Storin joins Matt Abrahams to discuss how leaders can communicate with authenticity, navigate crises with clarity, and build cultures rooted in transparency. They explore the art and science…
2 Jul 2026 · 19 min

302. Master This: How to Learn Like the Experts Do

"If these masters are still continually trying to improve their own craft, I don't have any excuses." The world's best don't reach the top and stop learning—they keep refining their craft. David Rogier , founder and CEO of MasterClass, has spent years sitting across from elite performers, athletes, artists, and entrepreneurs—and he’s discovered that excellence is less about talent than a relentless commitment to growth. In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart , he joins Matt Abrahams to share lessons from building a company around learning, persuasion, and communication. From earning the…
29 Jun 2026 · 25 min

301. Trust at First Sight: Create More Meaningful Connections

“Communication is the number one way to remove friction.” If communication is the key to connection, then removing friction is what makes every interaction work. According to Vanessa Van Edwards , the most effective communicators aren’t just skilled with words—they know how to align their gestures, body language, and presence to make others feel at ease. A behavioral researcher and bestselling author of Captivate and Cues , Van Edwards studies the subtle signals that shape how we are perceived. In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart , she joins Matt Abrahams to explore the hidden factors…
25 Jun 2026 · 31 min

300. Matt’s Answers for Better Speaking and Leadership

Celebrating 300 episodes with listener questions from around the world. In this special 300th episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart , host Matt Abrahams celebrates a major milestone with a live Ask Matt Anything session featuring questions from listeners around the world—and a few from the team behind the show. He introduces a new communication framework, PREP (Point, Reason, Example, Point), before tackling topics ranging from word recall and public speaking nerves to storytelling, AI’s impact on communication, giving difficult feedback, and using gestures more effectively. Along the way, he…

About Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques

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 Monday and Thursday for new episodes. Subscribe now to unlock your potential as a thoughtful, impactful communicator. Learn more and sign up for our Newsletter at fastersmarter.io.

Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques is a English business podcast from Matt Abrahams, Think Fast Talk Smart. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: Matt Abrahams, Think Fast Talk Smart
Language: English
Category: Business
New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 23 min
Latest episode: 5 Oct 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1494989268
Website: fastersmarter.io

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Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques

Latest episode

329. Your Brand is Your Promise: The 4 C’s for Better Communication

Earlier episodes 29 most recent

328. Ask Matt Anything: Don’t Let Your Communication Fizzle at the Finish

327. The Human Reset: Reclaiming Authenticity in the Age of AI

326. Rethinks: The Secrets to Getting the Information You Need from AI

325. Message Market Fit: Turning Great Ideas Into Communication That Lands

324. Rethinks: Defining Where We Want AI To Take Us

323. Turn Up the Heat: Make Conflict More Constructive

322. Talk Back: Why Arguing With Yourself Can Help You Flourish

321. The Respect Effect: What Stereotype Threat Teaches Us About Communication

320. Quick Thinks: How to Prepare, Stand Out, and Ace Your Interview

319. Open the Portal: The Simple Science Behind Impactful Storytelling

318. Quick Thinks: Network Smarter and Make Better Connections

317. Plot Twist: The Second Story Hiding Inside Every Great Pitch

316. The Persuasion Equation: Grab Attention & Make Your Message Meaningful

315. Quietly Powerful: How Introverts Can Communicate With Confidence & Impact

314. Rethinks: Turn Tension Into Trust

313. Hold the Headline: How Curiosity Cuts Through Complexity

312. Quick Thinks: Speak with Confidence, Clarity, and Power

311. Don't Lose the Room: How to Make Ideas Stick

310. A Matter of Meaning: What Other People Teach You About Your Communication

309. Stretch, Don't Stress: How Great Communication Makes Better Leaders

308. Ask Matt Anything: From Nerves to Know-How in High-Stakes Moments

307. Accent-uate, Don't Compensate: Why Clarity Matters More Than Perfection

306. Trust the Process: How to Design Teams That Actually Work

305. The Humor Habit: Why Great Communicators Think Like Comedians

304. Rethinks: Craft Compelling Communication

303. On Point, On Brand: Why Honest Communication Always Lands

302. Master This: How to Learn Like the Experts Do

301. Trust at First Sight: Create More Meaningful Connections

300. Matt’s Answers for Better Speaking and Leadership

About Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques

More English business 6

Take it with you