Description
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.
Episodes
- 2025 / 5 / 6201. Ballpark to the Boardroom: How Alex Rodriguez Hits a Communication Home RunAlex 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...
- 2025 / 4 / 29200. Four Keys for Focused Communication: Live Lessons from Our 200 EpisodesThis 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...
- 2025 / 4 / 22199. 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...
- 2025 / 4 / 17198. 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...
- 2025 / 4 / 15197. 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...
- 2025 / 4 / 8196. Ditch the Dictionary: Communicate Confidently Through ConnectionCommunication 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...
- 2025 / 4 / 3195. Q&A on Conflict, Confidence, and Connection: Me2We 2025 Part 2Stanford 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...
- 2025 / 4 / 1194. Live Lessons in Levity and Leadership: Me2We 2025 Part 1Effective 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...
- 2025 / 3 / 25193. Conquer Questions: ADDing Value To Your AnswersTurn Q&A from nerve-wracking to confidence-boosting with strategies for clear, controlled answers.A great presentation doesn’t end with the final slide—it continues through the Q&A, where real engagement...
- 2025 / 3 / 25193. Conquer questions: ADDing Value To Your AnswersTurn Q&A from nerve-wracking to confidence-boosting with strategies for clear, controlled answers.A great presentation doesn’t end with the final slide—it continues through the Q&A, where real engagement...
- 2025 / 3 / 20192. Quick Thinks: How to Supersize Your StoriesHow to craft compelling stories that captivate, inspire, and make an impact.Great storytelling isn't just about telling tales—it’s about crafting experiences that captivate, inspire, and drive change. In this...
- 2025 / 3 / 18191. Memorable Messages: Choose Words That Capture Attention and Stay RememberedHow to craft communication that your audience will remember.Why do some messages stick, while others go in one ear and out the other? When it comes to crafting memorable communication, Ada Aka says not all...
- 2025 / 3 / 11190. Motivation Matters: How to Leverage What People Already WantHow to turn latent motivation into fuel for change.If you want to be a changemaker, you’ll have to convince others to join your cause. But according to Dan Heath, persuading your audience isn’t about creating...
- 2025 / 3 / 4189. Numbers Need Narrative: Use Data to Influence and InspireWhy numbers are only as compelling as the narratives we attach to them.Facts and figures can be your friend, but before you load your presentation full of data, Miro Kazakoff has a word of caution: “Data’s...
- 2025 / 2 / 25188. Mind Reading 101: To Know What Your Audience Thinks, Just AskTo be a great communicator, you have to get out of your own head. But that’s not all, says Matt Lieberman. According to him, you also have to get into the head of someone else.“Mind-reading is this remarkable...
- 2025 / 2 / 20187. Experimenting, Failing, and Finding Your Job Fit - Catalyze Your CareerRethink career success by testing, adapting, and staying open to unexpected opportunities.Career planning isn’t as straightforward as we often assume—but according to Dorie Clark, that’s actually a good...
- 2025 / 2 / 18186. Own Your Impact: How to Communicate Your Personal PowerWhy good communication starts with tapping into your power.Impactful communication isn’t just about the words you use. According to Chris Lipp, it’s about the power you deliver them with.“When we have a...
- 2025 / 2 / 11185. Say Less, Mean More: Craft Compelling CommunicationHow to captivate an audience and make your message stick.Pitches and presentations don’t fall flat because speakers aren’t prepared. For Guy Kawasaki, it’s because speakers miss the point. “If all you're...
- 2025 / 2 / 6184. Fit or Quit? Find the Job That is Right For You—Catalyze Your CareerStay prepared, build your network, and take control of your career.Most of us know that career growth is important—but according to Catherine Fisher, we're thinking about it all wrong. It’s not just about...
- 2025 / 2 / 4183. Rethinks: How Anxiety Can Fuel Better CommunicationReframe anxiety as a strength and use stress to enhance your communication.Stress, anxiety, nervousness — when these feelings inevitably arise, lecturer Kelly McGonigal says it’s not about making them go...
- 2025 / 1 / 30182. Stop Chasing Time and Start Owning It: Communication, Happiness & WellbeingClarify your purpose — and stop wasting time.The new year gives us an opportunity to reflect on who we are and who we want to be. As we set resolutions and prepare for evolutions, this special four-part...
- 2025 / 1 / 28181. Why Happiness is a Direction, Not a Destination: Communication, Happiness & WellbeingWhy connection is the key to a life well lived.The new year gives us an opportunity to reflect on who we are and who we want to be. As we set resolutions and prepare for evolutions, this special four-part...
- 2025 / 1 / 23180. Unlocking Your Future Self: Communication, Happiness & WellbeingWhy creating happiness in the future starts today.The new year gives us an opportunity to reflect on who we are and who we want to be. As we set resolutions and prepare for evolutions, this special four-part...
- 2025 / 1 / 21179. Finding Positive in Negative Emotions: Communication, Happiness & WellbeingA double definition of happiness — and how to cultivate both parts.The new year gives us an opportunity to reflect on who we are and who we want to be. As we set resolutions and prepare for evolutions, this...
- 2025 / 1 / 21179. Communication, Happiness & Wellbeing: Finding Positive in Negative EmotionsA double definition of happiness — and how to cultivate both parts.The new year gives us an opportunity to reflect on who we are and who we want to be. As we set resolutions and prepare for evolutions, this...
- 2025 / 1 / 14178. Navigating Chaos and Uncertainty: The Power of Transparency and EmpathyWhether leading people through a 15-minute meeting or a years-long pandemic, communication requires compassion. For Dr. Anthony Fauci, that means being clear about who we’re speaking to and concise in what we...
- 2025 / 1 / 7177. Don’t Resolve, Evolve: Top 10 Lessons From 2024Ten essential communication strategies designed to elevate your skills.2024 has been an incredible year for learning and growth, and as we head into 2025, there’s no better time to reflect on the skills and...
- 2025 / 1 / 7177. Don’t Resolve, Evolve: Top 10 Lessons For 2025Ten essential communication strategies designed to elevate your skills.2024 has been an incredible year for learning and growth, and as we head into 2025, there’s no better time to reflect on the skills and...
- 2024 / 12 / 31176. From Stereotypes to Synergy: Communicating Across GenerationsAge diversity and cross-generational synergy can transform an organization.Most of us know age diversity matters in the workplace. But according to UCLA’s Bob McCann, we're thinking about it all wrong: it's...
- 2024 / 12 / 26Ask Matt Anything (AMA) 1: Trust, Paraphrasing, and Nonverbal CuesEnjoy this preview of our first Ask Matt Anything (AMA).We are excited to introduce this special edition of Think Fast, Talk Smart, featuring a preview of our first-ever Ask Matt Anything (AMA) episode....
- 2024 / 12 / 24175. Mastering Toasts and Tributes: Making Your Words CountCrafting impactful toasts for every occasion."Almost reflexively, most of us focus in the moment on how others are perceiving us, yet these situations aren't about us at all." Matt Abrahams, host of Think...
- 2024 / 12 / 17174. Fix Meetings: Transform Gatherings Into Meaningful MomentsTurn any meeting or get-together into a chance for deep connection and collaboration.Whether you’re holding a team meeting or hosting a family get-together, the success of any gathering, says Priya Parker,...
- 2024 / 12 / 10173. Rethinks: Surviving the HolidaysMaster holiday conversations.The holiday season is a time of joy, connection, and, occasionally, communication challenges and as we gather with family, friends, and colleagues, effective communication becomes...
- 2024 / 12 / 5Between the Lines: In Storytelling, Simplify to Amplify - Premium SamplerVisit fastersmarter.io/premium to become a Premium subscriber."Start with the action moment or right before it," advises Hilary Price whose one-panel comic strips offer insights far beyond humor—they’re...
- 2024 / 12 / 3172. Bring Mindfulness to Your CommunicationMindfulness can transform your communication and your career.When we react, our instincts and impulses are in the driver’s seat. But when we take the time to reflect, that’s when Marshall Goldsmith says we...
- 2024 / 11 / 28171. Advice from Nontraditional Storytellers Part 2Become a Faster Smarter Supporter by joining TFTS Premium.Make your audience a part of the story.Great storytellers don't just relay information — they create experiences. As magicians, TikTok influencers,...
- 2024 / 11 / 26170. Advice from Nontraditional Storytellers Part 1Become a Faster Smarter Supporter by joining TFTS Premium.Wisdom from the witness stand to the newsstand.The best storytellers might not call themselves storytellers at all. But from litigating in the...
- 2024 / 11 / 19169. Don't Be a ZQ: Make Your Conversations Count​​ What makes a great conversation?“Many of us dread small talk,” says Harvard Business School professor and author Alison Wood Brooks. Yet she believes these everyday exchanges are the gateway to deeper...
- 2024 / 11 / 14Launching: Think Fast Talk Smart PremiumIntroducing our new Premium membership, designed to enhance communication and career skills with expanded content and tools. Enjoy early access to live events, AMAs (Ask Matt Anything), EQuips—Essential Quick...
- 2024 / 11 / 12168. How Story Can Change Everything in Your CareerJoin TFTS Premium - Launching this weekMake your message memorable.“Immediately forgettable” — that’s how Matthew Dicks describes most of the business communication that he encounters. If you want to be...
- 2024 / 11 / 5167. Hollywood Lessons For Successful CommunicationBe the first to hear about TFTS Premium -> Sign up for our emailBeyond the Big Screen.Every business meeting, product launch, or marketing communication has something in common with your favorite movie: they...
- 2024 / 10 / 29166. Why Relying on Talent Alone Will Fail YouWhy practice is the key to success.If there’s anyone who knows about performing under pressure, it’s former NFL quarterback Andrew Luck. Whether playing in front of thousands or presenting to ten, his key to...
- 2024 / 10 / 22165. Building Your Personal Brand Makes a Promise: Are You Keeping It?Create more meaningful communication by defining your audience. Before you even think about communicating a message, defining a brand, or developing a strategy, Seth Godin says you have to ask these...
- 2024 / 10 / 15164. Best of: Using "Pre-suasion" to Influence OthersThe inner workings of social influence and persuasion.Want to change someone’s mind? First, explains Robert Cialdini, you have to change their framing.For Cialdini, the Regent's Professor Emeritus of...
- 2024 / 10 / 15164. Rethink: Using "Pre-suasion" to Influence OthersBecome a Faster Smarter Supporter by joining TFTS Premium.The inner workings of social influence and persuasion.Want to change someone’s mind? First, explains Robert Cialdini, you have to change their...
- 2024 / 10 / 15164. Rethinks: Using "Pre-suasion" to Influence OthersThe inner workings of social influence and persuasion.Want to change someone’s mind? First, explains Robert Cialdini, you have to change their framing.For Cialdini, the Regent's Professor Emeritus of...
- 2024 / 10 / 8163. Is Your Audience Ignoring You? How Authenticity Creates ConnectionHow acceptance and authenticity can transform all of our interactions.What’s the key to experiencing deeper connection in our communication? According to Alan Alda, it starts with acceptance — of others and...
- 2024 / 10 / 1162. Unlock Career Opportunities: How to Make the Right MovesBeing present in the moment and staying open to whatever unfolds.We all want to lead lives and careers full of joy and fulfillment. Maggie Baird certainly has, and the key, she says, is to stay open to new...
- 2024 / 9 / 26Bonus episode: How to Manage Speaking Anxiety the Think Faster, Talk Smarter WayGain control over your speaking and excel in your communication.For the first anniversary of his book Think Faster, Talk Smarter, Matt Abrahams shares strategies from the first chapter, focusing on managing...
- 2024 / 9 / 26Bonus: How to Manage Speaking Anxiety the Think Faster, Talk Smarter WayGain control over your speaking and excel in your communication.For the first anniversary of his book Think Faster, Talk Smarter, Matt Abrahams shares strategies from the first chapter, focusing on managing...